On Faith at Harvard, Sept. 23

UPDATED TEXT BELOW. (View the full poster.)

We hear all the time about religious conflict running rampant, religious fundamentalists vs. hard line secularists, and other faith-based violence.

Meanwhile, we celebrate touchdowns and home runs, sweet sixteens, and partisan political victories.

But how often do we take the time to celebrate religious diversity? When do we celebrate the hope that comes from peaceful, open-minded exchange between people of different faiths and backgrounds?

Don't miss Harvard's first ever "Celebration of Diversity and Hope," in the big tent outside the Science Center on Tues. Sept. 23, sponsored by the 36 Harvard Chaplains representing over 20 different world religious traditions from the "Abrahamic" faiths to non-Western traditions to atheism and Humanism.

6:35-7:00PM: Fast-breaking prayers (Iftaar) with the Harvard Islamic Society (In observance of Ramadan)

7:00-8:30PM: Interfaith music, delicious desserts, opportunities to engage others of different beliefs. Keynote Speaker: renowned Washington Post journalist Sally Quinn on her life-long exploration of religion and religious skepticism.

Also, at 2:45PM at Harvard Hillel: Interested in exploring positive, inclusive solutions to the "clash of civilizations?"

Interested in researching religious diversity from a political, educational, legal, theological, sociological, or scientific point of view?

The Harvard Pluralism Project is a one of a kind resource for learning about how the US has become the world's most religiously diverse nation.

Come see an introduction to the Pluralism Project with special guests best-selling author Jon Meacham, editor in chief of Newsweek magazine, and renowned journalist Sally Quinn, as part of the Harvard Chaplains daylong celebration "On Faith at Harvard," Tues Sept. 23.

For more information see the attached poster or visit http://chaplains.harvard.edu!

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THE QUESTION: What role should religion play in life at Harvard, and in higher education generally?

On Faith, with bestselling author and Newsweek Editor in Chief Jon Meacham and noted Washington Post journalist Sally Quinn, is known as the broadest, deepest and most interesting religion discussion on the web. The website– newsweek.washingtonpost.com– is an ongoing panel featuring a tremendous range of the world’s leading thinkers on religion, spirituality, and secularism.

On Sept. 23, Join Meacham; Quinn; Harvard Humanist Chaplain Greg Epstein along with many other Harvard Chaplains; and a diverse group of Harvard faculty and student speakers for a day-long exploration of the role of religion at Harvard, and in higher education in general, asking questions such as:

How do we experience the university as a place where we can grow both as human beings and as people of faith? Is faith limited to traditional religious systems? How can we deepen and nurture our own roots in classical faith traditions and yet open our minds and hearts to others? Whether we define ourselves as religious, spiritual, agnostic, or atheist, how do we engage seriously with the discourse of faith that informs global culture and politics?

The day’s schedule:

12:30-2:30: PERSONAL QUESTS FOR PURPOSE (SPECIAL LUNCH)
Spiritual Biographies of students, moderated by Jon Meacham and Sally Quinn.

*Beren Hall, Harvard Hillel (by invitation only)

2:45-4:15 ENGAGING RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCE: The HARVARD PLURALISM PROJECT

*Smith Hall at Harvard Hillel

5:30-6:30 ON FAITH DIALOGUES AT DINNER
(Harvard College Freshmen Only)

Small group, intimate conversations: Are there universal truths? If so, what are they? What does it mean to be good– with or without a God? Discuss these and other “questions of ultimate meaning with a philosophically and theologically diverse group of Harvard Chaplains and facilitators.

*Annenberg Dining Hall

7:00-8:30 ON FAITH CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY AND HOPE
(Arrive at 6:35 to participate in/observe the Ramadan/Iftaar Fast Breaking prayers) With Keynote speaker renowned journalist Sally Quinn on her lifelong exploration of religion and religious skepticism. Also feat. interfaith music, delicious desserts, continued discussion and opportunities to engage others of different beliefs.

*Tent outside Science Center