What are myths and how are our lives governed by them? What role do they play in shaping our deepest convictions and steering our behavior, not only as individuals, but also as groups? This presentation discusses the roles that myths play in our lives and measures them against important truths of God's Word. It then moves on to a discussion of conspiracy theories and why we find ourselves increasingly drawn to them in today's polarized society.

Chandra Mallampalli is the Fletcher Jones Foundation Chair of the Social Sciences and Professor of History at Westmont College. He is the author of four books and many articles on the history of South Asia and the global Church.

Randall VanderMey is a Professor of English at Westmont College. He graduated from Calvin College, earned a master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Iowa Writers Workshop, and completed a doctorate at the University of Iowa. He has studied film, Christian clichés, chaos theory, contemporary poetry, and visionary literature and now focuses on writing poetry.

This Encounter will take place under the tent on Feb. 28th. It will also be recorded and shared online.