Spring 2017 | Upcoming Events

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at Virginia Wesleyan College at 757.455.3129 or csrf@vwc.edu.

Talking about Abortion and Faith: Anti-Abortion Reasoning and Effective Communication
MEDIATING RELIGIOUS CONFLICT
Thursday, March 2 l 7-8:15 p.m.
Blocker Hall Auditorium

How to begin to have constructive dialogue or conversation about an issue as contentious as abortion? Jacqueline Hawkins, Director of Minority Outreach at the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, discusses the reasoning behind the anti-abortion stance and how - in her work - she seeks to communicate facts and issues from a philosophical and scientific standpoint. She highlights communication techniques that her organization has found effective both in heated, hostile environments as well as in more familiar situations with family and friends.
The Challenges of Religious Freedom around the Globe: 2017
JUSTINE L. NUSBAUM LECTURE
Monday, March 13 l 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Boyd Dining Center
 
David N. Saperstein, the Immediate Past United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom , will speak on the work to promote religious freedom around the world and to fight persecution, discrimination, and genocide by groups like ISIS. During the Obama administration, he was a principal advisor to the president and secretary of state and served as the United States chief diplomat on issues of religious freedom worldwide. Saperstein is a rabbi and attorney. For several decades prior to his service at the U.S. State Department, he headed the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and taught seminars on Jewish law and church-state law at Georgetown University Law Center.
The Justine L. Nusbaum Endowed Lectureship was established by Robert "Bob" C. Nusbaum and his brother V.H. Nusbaum in honor of their mother, who was well-known for her life-long volunteer service and dedication to humanitarian causes. In spring 2016, Bob Nusbaum was named the Founding Fellow of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom.
Life Matters: Dr. Kathy Stolley
Thursday, March 16 l 12-12:50 p.m.
 
Boyd Dining Center, Shafer Room 

These deeply personal reflections by members of the Wesleyan community on their emotional, intellectual, and spiritual experiences are meaningful opportunities for understanding and connection. They also offer space for each of us to take a moment to think about what has shaped us and given our own life meaning. Dr. Kathy Stolley is a Professor of Sociology. Sponsored in partnership with the Chaplain's Office and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL).
The Challenges of Mediating and Discussing LGBTQ+ Experiences in the Church
MEDIATING RELIGIOUS CONFLICT
Thursday, March 16 l 7-8:15 p.m.
Blocker Hall Auditorium
 
The risk of misunderstanding frequently prevents individuals from participating in important conversations - particularly with those with whom they disagree - on topics of sexual identity and LGBTQ+ experiences. This discussion with Dr. Mark A. Yarhouse, Rosemarie S. Hughes Endowed Chair and Professor of Psychology at Regent University, will focus on how to engage and interact around LGBTQ+ experiences in the church and broader culture today.
The Messiah Will Come Again: Black Elk and the Life of an American Visionary

Thursday, March 30 l 11 a.m.-Noon    
     
Clarke Hall, The Lighthouse Commons
 
 
Coastal Virginia's own Joe Jackson discusses his new book, Black Elk: The Life of an American Visionary (2016). Black Elk, the Native American holy man who inspired millions around the world, had a dramatic life that converged with some of the most momentous events in the history of the American West. Jackson's talk will focus on Black Elk's changing religious identity as a healer and holy man, motivated by a powerful prophetic vision that he struggled to understand. J oe Jackson is the Mina Hohenberg Darden Endowed Professor of Creative Writing in the M.F.A. creative writing program at Old Dominion University. Support provided by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery at VWC.
     
Race: Why Won't It Go Away?

Thursday, April 6 l 11 a.m.-Noon    
     
Clarke Hall, The Lighthouse Commons
 
 
Dr. Ted Vial , Professor of Theology and Modern Western Religious Thought at Iliff School of Theology, authored the recent monograph, Modern Religion, Modern Race (2016). In his talk, "Race: Why Won't It Go Away?" Vial explores why, even though biologists tell us that race does not exist, we don't seem to be able to escape thinking in racial terms. Looking at the assumptions we have used to make sense of the world since the early 1800's, Vial shows that thinking racially is not a departure from modernity's highest ideals, but part of the foundation of modernity itself. Support provided by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery at VWC.
Hard Things to Discuss: Jews, Christians, and Dialogue that Matters Today

MEDIATING RELIGIOUS CONFLICT
Thursday, April 6 l 7-8:15 p.m.
Blocker Hall Auditorium
 
Dr. Michael Panitz and Dr. Craig Wansink will lead participants through case studies that highlight ways in which well-intentioned people of different faiths may miscommunicate or speak past each other. One case study will focus on the challenges of religion in the public square (e.g. eruvs, and religious rules in public swimming pools). Other case studies will focus on Christians' appropriation of Jewish scripture and the challenges in discussing issues related to the Israel/Palestine conflict. Dr. Panitz serves as rabbi at Temple Israel in Norfolk and is an adjunct associate professor of religion at Virginia Wesleyan. Dr. Wansink directs the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom and is an ordained Presbyterian minister.
Center for the Study of Religious Freedom
 
Dr. Craig Wansink, Professor of Religious Studies and the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom

Kelly Jackson, Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom

Dr.  Eric Mazur, Gloria and David Furman Professor of Judaic Studies and Center for the Study of Religious Freedom Fellow for Religion, Law, and Politics

757.455.3129 | csrf@vwc.edu | www.vwc.edu/csrf