Lecture Series
Contemporary Political Islam, Fall 2009
In order to accurately gauge the future of political Islam, it is necessary to understand the trajectory of its development. In fall 2009, RPGP programming focuses on contemporary political Islam; from passive revolution in Turkey, to the aftermath of the Iranian election, to Islamism in Pakistan, RPGP hopes this lecture series will shed light on contemporary Islam and its politics, divergences and adherents.
Religion in American Politics, Fall 2008
Religion's role in the American public square has been shaped and shifted by a myriad of actors. Some scholars argue that a complete separation of church and state was never intended; some call for greater religious engagement in the political process; and some cite Jefferson's "wall of separation" as evidence of a clearly defined line between the secular and the sacred.
In RPGP's fall 2008 lecture series, "Religion in America," speakers addressed different aspects of religious involvement, including political engagement, theological challenges, confrontations with secularism, community development, and past, current and future trends in the American religious experience.
The series included a conference on "The Politics of Faith" preceding the elections on Friday, October 24th. For more information, contact Jessica Owen, RPGP's Events Coordinator.
Religion and Nationalism, Spring 2008
In spring 2008, RPGP's programmatic theme was "Religion and Nationalism." Speakers in this series examined and differentiated the role of theology as well as political and socio-economic factors in accounting for the role of religion in contemporary conflicts.
Scholars explored contemporary religious/political movements, the role of textuality and religious law, how transnational forces have effected ideologies, and the possibilities of building bridges within and between faith communities.
Featured speakers included:
Jason Wittenberg, UC Berkeley: "Two Cheers for Hierarchy: Resistance to Authoritarian Rule in Hungary and Beyond" (01.30.08) More details
Mark Juergensmeyer, UC Santa Barbara: "Global Rebellion: Religious Challenges to the Secular State" (02.07.08) More details
Xavier Bougarel, CNRS: "The Place of Balkan Muslims in the Shaping of European Islam" (02.26.08) More details
Jean Lauer, University of Texas at Austin: "Crises of Faith, Crises of Nationalism" (03.20.08) More details
Revital Amiran-Sappir, UC Berkeley: "Spiritualizing the Secular: The Origins of the Jewish National Movement" (04.15.08) More details
Timothy Samuel Shah, Council on Foreign Relations: "Secular and Religious Nationalism in South Asia" (04.16.08) More details
Daniel Philpott, Notre Dame: "Trials, Truth and Amnesties" (05.06.08) More details
