November 14 — the Problem of Religious Illiteracy in America
“Can citizens understand the war in Iraq without knowing something about Islam? Can they truly engage in thoughtful debate about gay marriage or stem cell research without knowing something about the Bible?” The United States is one of the most religious places on earth, but it’s also a nation that knows little about religion. Stephen Prothero, author of the bestseller Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know — And Doesn’t, pinpoints religious illiteracy as one of our most pressing civic problems. Only through understanding the complexity of the world’s religions, including the diversity within Christianity, can we as a nation imaginatively explore solutions and develop a greater understanding to pressing national and global concerns. If Americans come to appreciate religion better, Prothero argues, they will be able to better evaluate the words and actions of those who claim moral authority.
When: Friday, november 14, 7:00 PM
Where: basile theater, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W Ohio St Indianapolis, IN 46202
Cost: $25/$20 IHS Members/$15 Students. To register (required) or for more information call 232-1882.Co-sponsor: Indiana Historical Society
Stephen Prothero chairs the religion department at Boston University. He holds a Ph.D.from Harvard University in the Study of Religion. His newest book is Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know … and Doesn’t, which won a 2007 Quill book award. Another book, American Jesus: How the Son of God became a National Icon, was named one of the top religion books for 2003 by Publishers Weekly.
