Reclaiming Respectful Religious Identity
By Dr. Chris Seiple on 25 October 2010
On Tuesday, 5 October, Dr. Chris Seiple contributed to a panel entitled, "Islam and America: The Challenge of Expanding the Judeo-Christian Paradigm" at the second program in the Columbus School of Law National Press Club Series. Dr. Seiple joined three experts to answer the question, "Will Islam ever be accorded a full seat at the nation's social-cultural-religious table?" Alongside Dr. Seiple was Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, chair of Islamic Studies, American University in Washington D.C. and contributing editor to IGE's Review of Faith and International Affairs; Rabbi Jack Bemporad, an internationally recognized theologian and interfaith advocate who currently serves as professor of interreligious studies at the Vatican's Angelicum University in Rome; and, Hannah Rosenthal, the Obama Administration's head of the Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism.
Dr. Seiple's presentation addressed the need to know your faith at its deepest and richest best, and enough about your neighbor's faith in order to respect it. In his closing remarks, Dr. Seiple noted the role of America as the home of principled pluralism. He urged Abrahamic Americans to leave space for each other at the discussion table, respecting and engaging each other's faith as Americans.
To watch the full 1.5 hour panel, click here. Dr. Seiple's presentation begins at the 19 minute mark.
Last updated 02 November 2010