[Hum_Calendar_Events] "A Dialogue Concerning the Nature of Good and Evil According toAbrahamic Tradition" Dec. 3, 2007, at 5:00 in Haines Hall, room 118

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UCLA Interdisciplinary Department for the Study of Religion,

The Bolle Club and

The Academy for Judaic, Christian, and Islamic Studies

Present

 

"A Dialogue Concerning the Nature of Good and Evil According to
Abrahamic Tradition"

    Reverend Dr. George Grose, president of the Academy and a Harvard
University Divinity School Merrill Fellow, will lead the evening's
discussion on December 3, 2007, at 5:00 in Haines Hall, room 118. In
addition, Rabbi Elliott Dorf, the Academy's Vice President, rector and
distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the American University of
Judaism will join the panel, with Imam Jihad Turk, Spiritual Director of
the Southern California Islamic Center, who is formally trained in both
the Sunni and Shi'i schools of Islamic tradition. The first hour of the
program, each speaker will have a turn to discuss the nature of good and
evil as it pertains to Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. The second hour
will give students and audience members the opportunity to ask
questions. 
The discussion is a model of the positive relationships that can exist
between religions traditionally in tension with one another; guests will
increase their knowledge and understanding of the complex dynamic of
interrelation that is as relevant as it is misunderstood.  The aim of
this uniquely beneficial event is to stimulate conversation and ideas
for a more peaceful future.  
    Understanding the extant connections between Judaism, Christianity
and Islam is increasingly important with the localization of our global
community. Awareness of the continuity between these faiths is urgent.
Many people do not realize that each tradition's similarities are
tantamount to the distinct phenomena that define them.  This is because
the differences that set each apart from the other often overshadow the
confluent ideological streams that comprise ethical monotheism. 
    Points of contention related to practice and ideology give rise to
less than desirable characteristics such as tendencies toward prejudice
and territorial behavior.  This phenomenon may not be new, nor is its
prevalence in the 21st century surprising; yet, it is still alarming
that so much unfounded hatred and fear is supported by claims justified
based on religious authority. Even more disturbing is the impact of this
trend on the UCLA campus. An occasional disparaging remark or whispers
between students in close proximity to adherents of another faith are
the result of missing or erroneous information. This fact makes academic
exposure to these faiths extremely pertinent to our understanding of
today's social environment.  
    The concrete reasons beneath these issues are the focus of much
discussion and unfortunately, little consequence or change. However, a
viable solution to this problem will develop out of critical analysis
and evaluation of personal beliefs. By comparing the knowledge gained in
this process with the facts, personal responsibility is a natural
consequence. Contemporary myths, conflict and marginalization of
cultures based on superficial "evidence" and generalization dissipate
when evidence fosters intelligent re-evaluation effectively stimulating
the respect necessary to dispel judgmental presumptions. 

-- 
Jonathan Oskins
http://ucla.facebook.com/profile.php?id=587235612 

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