Religious diversity is at the heart of ethical debates surrounding democratic culture, peace, and civil society. We live in a world in which religious pluralism is deeply contested. The escalation of violence against religious minorities threatens to undermine core democratic values of tolerance, respect for difference, and interfaith dialogue. This interdisciplinary symposium will engage the intersection of religious diversity and democracy from historical, legal, ethical, and peace-building perspectives.
All events will take place in the UVU Classroom Building, Room 511
For more information, contact Brian Birch at brian.birch@uvu.edu.
Thursday, March 29th
"Religious Toleration & Diversity: Framing a History"
10:00 - 11:15 a.m.
Evan Haefeli, Associate Professor of History, Texas A&M University
"Joseph Smith's Religious Liberty, and Ours"
11:30 - 12:45 p.m.
Benjamin Park, Assistant Professor of History, Sam Houston State University
2:30 - 3:45 p.m.
Carol Gould, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Hunter College & Graduate Center
Director, Center for Global Ethics & Politics, City University of New York
Panel Discussion
4:30 - 5:15 p.m.
Friday, March 30th
"American Civil Religion and Structural Violence"
10:00 - 10:50 a.m.
Richard Rubenstein, Professor of Conflict Resolution and Public Affairs, George Mason University
11:00 - 11:50 a.m.
Spencer W. McBride, Historian, Joseph Smith Papers Project
"Religion with Walls: Persecution Narratives as a Challenge to Pluralism"
12:00 - 12:50 p.m.
Julie Ingersoll, Professor of Religious Studies, University of North Florida
Brownbag Panel Discussion
1:00 - 1:50 p.m.
Student Workshop
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
