The 2 p.m. Interfaith Lecture Series is designed to present issues that impact the lived experience of everyday life from theological, ethical, moral, humanitarian, philosophical and religious perspectives, and the Department of Religion thus continues its longstanding tradition that the lecture platform be interfaith both in focus and in selection of speakers.

In addition to the Institution’s commitment to Chautauqua’s signature Abrahamic Program focusing on the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions, voices from the other great world’s religions are also invited to expand the reach. While proudly honoring its Christian roots, Chautauqua offers to the world a much needed example of what it means to live with and to respond to contemporary religious pluralism, and through its programs the Department of Religion demonstrates accordingly the perspective that inclusivity is always the mark of faithful religious life and teaching.

2012 Interfaith Lecture Themes

Updated Dec 1, 2011

Week One — June 24–30

Re-Claiming the Bible in a Non-Religious World

A character in Porgy and Bess sang of the Bible: “It ain’t necessarily so.” The various parts of the scriptures were all written between roughly 1000 BCE and 135 CE, and the pages reflect the limits of knowledge and the cultural biases of its authors. Under the guidance of Bishop John Shelby Spong we will enter the ancient text and watch a newly defined God emerge out of the early tribal mentality, breaking through in the new revelation in Jesus that opened human life to a new consciousness, new dimensions.

Week Two — July 1–7

What’s at Stake for the Common Good?

An election year provides a compelling opportunity for assessing issues that govern the contexts and the quality of life for citizens both for now and for the generations to come – a time for discerning what is most important for the common good of all. In this week we will hear from multiple voices committed to raising awareness of current needs and hope-filled possibilities for shaping the future.

Week Three — July 8–14

Krista Tippett and Friends Who Inspire, Commit, Act

Each day during this week Krista Tippett, a host of American Public Media, will conduct interviews for her nationally syndicated radio program “On Being,” a program designed to “draw out the intellectual and spiritual content of religion.” The five distinguished friends with whom Krista will converse are exemplars of those who “inspire, commit, and act” in ways that are making a difference in the human experience.

Week Four — July 15–21

Water: Life Source / Life Force

Water changes everything. It is the most subtle yet most powerful force on our planet. It is a symbol of birth, renewal, life energy. It is the perfect medicine, and we cannot live for long without it. This week we will explore the power of water with reverence and awe from the perspectives of five of the world’s great religions – and also speak to our responsibilities to protect it for all the world’s peoples.

Week Five — July 22–28

The People of Pakistan

Much of what most people know of Pakistan they have learned from the news: history and events, with perhaps some insights into the culture. We more effectively come to know a country, however, through the stories of its people. What better way to know Pakistan than through voices representing multiple generations and experiences, and both religious and secular points of view?

Week Six — July 29–Aug. 4

The Life of Faith and the Digital Age

Is technology really good for our souls? In an era of overwhelming abundance of facts, data, and digitally-produced illusions, wherein lies truth? Can faith be enhanced in the digital age?

Week Seven — Aug. 5–11

Creating Cultures of Honor and Integrity

In a can-do culture of high expectation and expediency the lines between what is cheating and what is not cheating can become blurred. Are there universal standards that enable individuals, groups of people, and larger societies to function in mutually life-sustaining ways? What standards might be called helpfully human, and how can they be lifted up once again in our time to encourage the creation of cultures of honor and integrity? What roles might religions play in this creation?

Week Eight — Aug. 12–18

Radicalism: Burden or Blessing?

“Radicalism” invokes both positive and negative responses. Religious perspectives have often been considered radical. The Interfaith Lecture Series this week seeks to examine both the positives and negatives of radical thinking – historically and currently – to discern when it produces burden – and when blessing

Week Nine — Aug. 19–25

The Ethics of Presidential Power

It is without question that the president of the United States has enormous power. This week will explore the exercise and ethics of Presidential power both at home and abroad. From the Civil War, through WWII and the Manhattan Project, Vietnam and Civil Rights, and the Nixon presidency, distinguished speakers will stimulate thought, discussion, and likely controversy around the ethics of presidential power as it has shaped the last 150 years.