Item Aud. 122 - Dr. Robert K. Burkinshaw (Assistant Professor of History, TWU) / Dr. Guy S. Saffold (TWU Administrator) - April 5

Audio 15a consists of the following recording:
Title: Dr. Bob Burkinshaw - "Influence of Christian Values - Past"
Dr. Burkinshaw examines the influence of Christian values. He begins by examining the relationship between values and vision. He argues that effective leaders must have a picture of the values they wish to achieve in addition to their goals. He argues that leaders and followers are linked together by values, and analyses transactional and transformational leadership styles. He illustrates this with a story about an airline strike. Next, Dr. Burkinshaw focuses on values in a pluralistic society and the theme of consensus and conflict in values. The final value theme explored by Burkinshaw is that of biblical and Christian values in relationship to leadership. Dr. Burkinshaw explores the integration of values in the workplace, and the importance of ensuring that one's goals, actions and interactions are consistent with biblical principles and values. Dr. Burkinshaw then responds to questions from the audience.
Audio 15b consists of the following recording:
Title: Dr. Guy Saffold - "Values as the Basis for Leadership"
Dr. Saffold begins by discussing an article about protestors and religious freedom in which Pro-Life protestors are compared to the Ayatollah. He argues that one reason for this comparison is that many people involved in the media are not religious and don’t understand religious conviction and that society has a skewed vision of history in which the negative influences of religion are discussed while the positive impacts are ignored. It is the second point which is the primary focus of this lecture. He illustrates this point using many examples from textbooks where the impact of a large number of Christians in a positive way - such as within the anti-slavery movement - is overlooked, in favour of an emphasis on the negative influences exerted by a few, such as the Klu Klux Klan. He also discusses the impact of Christian values in various Canadian contexts such as the CCF and in Quebec society. Dr. Saffold explores the concept of Freedom of Religion in Canada and the public education system. He also discusses Social Gospel along with the development of social workers and the Woman’s Suffrage Movement. He argues that religious values do not lead to religious tyranny; instead they can promote positive change. Then, Dr. Saffold answers a variety of questions from the audience, including one on Native peoples. Finally, he concludes with a brief discussion about the wimpishness of Christians in Nazi Germany and the struggle modern values face with an evolving secular morality.
Notes provided by BF, student assistant, 2010/2011
[Guy Saffold was the Vice President for University Advancement]