It’s one of the subjects you aren’t supposed to talk about with new friends and even family members.
Yet, religion is the subject of the next installment of the Diversity Lectures and Cultural Arts Series on Monday, Oct. 22 at 11:30 a.m. in the Durham Research Center Auditorium. (Lunch will be provided for the first 50 in attendance.)
UNL professor to lead the discussion
Simon Wood, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said understandings of belief and practice are often influenced by the dominant religion of the environment where a person grows up.
“In Western culture, the dominant religion is Christianity, which has a strong focus on belief. Other religions, such as Judaism and Islam, are more focused on practice,” he said. “And Asian religions bring their own distinctive perspective to issues of belief and practice.”
Good to discuss similarities and difference
Learning about the similarities and differences of major world religions can enhance the medical campus experience, said Linda Cunningham, diversity specialist in UNMC Human Resources.
“The healthy discussion — and even debate — about controversial topics strengthens our ability to understand each other and provide a welcoming environment which is respectful of the religious beliefs and practices of employees, students and visitors,” she said.
Major religions the focus
This seminar will focus on the major world religions, including:
- Christianity;
- Judaism;
- Islam;
- Hinduism; and
- Buddhism.
It will discuss some of the ways in which these religions are similar and different. It also will address some common misperceptions.