ethics news & views: Religion and globalization series resumes

January 28, 2004

Religion and globalization series resumes

The Center for Ethics' lecture series on religion, ethics and globalization continues into the spring semester. Fall lectures are available for viewing on the Center's website. All lectures are free and open to the public. No RSVPs are necessary.

“Vague and Potent Forces: Religion, Race and the Burden of Globalization”

Most discussions of globalization devote inadequate attention to the ways in which this complex process interacts with race and religion. Yet, many in the developing world regard globalization as hegemonic and destructive of local culture, faith, and dignity. Fortunately, religions offer the will to resist domination and the possibility for negotiating globalization within just bounds. This lecture will examine some of the historical and contemporary dimensions of this fascinating interplay of issues.

Robert Franklin is the Presidential Distinguished Professor of Social Ethics in the Candler School of Theology. 7:30pm, February 24 in the Winship Ballroom, Dobbs University Center.

"Shaping a Global Ethic: The Role of Islam and the Muslim Community"

Given the accelerated drive towards globalization, a Global Ethic–a set of core spiritual and moral values which the human family can identify with–has become imperative. Such a shared ethic will be the foundation for sustaining just institutions and equitable relationships in the global arena. All our belief systems have something to contribute.

As a religion with a strong universal dimension expressed in its recognition of the oneness of the human family and in its acknowledgement of the dignity of all human beings, regardless of their religious and cultural affiliation, Islam will also be able to help shape this Global Ethic.

However, a segment of the Muslim community will have to jettison its exclusive, sectarian outlook. Strengthening both the principle and practice of universal justice and compassion within the Muslim community and indeed among all people is one of the great challenges of the twenty-first century.

Chandra Muzaffar is President of the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) in Malaysia. 7:30pm, March 2 in the third floor of Cox Hall.

"Religion, Globalization, and the Struggle for Freedom "

Why do many religious groups oppose globalization – and should they? Can religious organizations contribute to globalization and even take advantage of it? What kind of religious engagement in globalization is most likely to make a difference? Will globalization marginalize religion in world society? This lecture challenges conventional jeremiads about globalization by arguing that the experience of some globalizing religions and the thrust of the movement for religious freedom contain potentially inspiring answers to these questions.

Frank Lechner is Associate Professor of Sociology at Emory College. 7:30pm, April 5, Harland Cinema, Dobbs University Center.

"Broad in the Concrete: The Global Appeal of Womanist Theology"

Womanist theology has attracted the interest of a wide range of women. Cross-racial and cross-cultural experiences accent connections, even as differences create challenges. What accounts for the connections, which extend far beyond the Black women’s community in the United States of America? What are implications of the challenges?

Jacquelyn Grant is the Calloway Professor of Systematic Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Seminary in Atlanta. 7:30pm, April 13, Winship Ballroom, Dobbs University Center.

[ Posted by Chance Hunter at January 28, 2004 03:27 PM |