Purdue University North Central, in partnership with the Valparaiso International Center (VIC), will present "Building Bridges, 2012: Light and Shadow in the Interfaith Ideal" on April 14 and15, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Purdue North Central - Porter County Undergraduate Building, 600 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso.
Visit PNC on Facebook
Visit the PNC Website
1401 S US 421
Westville, IN 46391
Phone: 219-785-5200
This event will include presentations by students and faculty members from Purdue North Central, Valparaiso University, area clergy and community members. There will also be two structured discussions and a few films. Onsite pre-registration, coffee and warm-up will start at 8:30 a.m. each day. Online pre-registration can be completed at http://www.valpovic.org/buildingbridges2012.
On April 14, presentations will center on the positive, illumining aspects of Christianity, the Native American religions, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Topics include the nature of the Trinity, the lives of Thomas Merton and St. Francis of Assisi, the history of the African American Church and the cross-cultural aspects of the modern church. Topics also include the Native American worldview, a brief overview of Islam, Judaism, the Hindu Upanishads, the ideas and ideals of Swami Vivekananda, and the significance of holy men and women in the context of Buddhism.
One panel will serve as a service learning project with PNC students Jon Moulesong, Nathanael J. Pilla, Vonda L. F. Rager, Adrian M. Rose, and Kyle C. Otte presenting papers on theological themes and scriptures from eastern religions. Pilla will do a second presentation on Thomas Merton. PNC faculty members Jane Brooks, Beth Rudnick, E. Anne Christo-Baker, James Hysell, Kenneth Kincaid and Deepa Majumdar, will also do presentations. Laura Weaver, PNC Service Learning coordinator will lead a reflective discussion on the intersection of faith and service.
On April 15, there will be presentations on the problem of religion and violence with respect to the major religions of the world. Topics include religion and gender, the problem of holy wars, gendered violence as a tool of genocide in the Bosnian War, an examination of the Christian crusades, religion and violence in Latin America, violence in the name of God from the Islamic perspective and religion and violence in the Western tradition. Two films will be shown: "Waging Peace" and "Of Gods and Men." Visit www.valpovic.org/buildingbridges2012 for the program and list of abstracts.
This event is free and open to the public. This program is underwritten by the Chancellor's Diversity Fund. It is part of the PNC Diversity Makes a Difference Initiative. A free lunch and beverages will be provided on both days. Online pre-registration is strongly advised.
Further information may be obtained by contacting Dr. Deepa Majumdar, PNC associate professor of Philosophy at (219) 785-5693 or by emailing dmajumda@pnc.edu.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Majumdar.