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Improving religious literacy in the professions to help them serve a diverse public
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The Center on Religion & the Professions works to improve the religious literacy of professionals, to help them serve a diverse public.


We help professionals better understand religion in the lives of those they serve by:

•   Supporting ground-breaking research on how religion impacts people and encouraging its use by the appropriate professionals;
•   Creating resources and training to improve the religious literacies among professionals;
•   Developing and testing curriculum in religion for all disciplines;
•   Presenting public forums and other activities to increase the visibility of religion in the public sphere.


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Religion's impact on professionals


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Read the latest surveys and polls related to religion, beliefs, trends and current events here.



2008 events

Lecture: William E. Connolly, professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University, covers philosophy, religion, political theory and media culture.
October 9-11, 2008
University of Missouri-Columbia

Workshop: “2008 MizzouDiversity Summit,” hosted by Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative and Office of the Deputy Chancellor. Student, faculty and staff diversity summit discusses issues such as religion, intellectual diversity and racial and ethnic discrimination.
May 4-5, 2008
University of Missouri-Columbia
To register

Workshop: “How Can Your Faith Community Help Young People Cope When Bad Things Happen to Good Kids?” presented by licensed professional counselor Eve Dyson, helps leaders in faith community prepare youth to cope with stressful situations. Open to all faiths.
May 3, 2008
Forest Park, Visitors’ Center
St. Louis, Mo.
See flier

Lecture: Scott Cairns, poet, professor of English and director of the MU Center for Literary Arts, addresses a gathering of the Christian Scholars Forum, an association of MU faculty and staff. CSF events for April-May explore a theme of religion and the arts.
May 2, 2008 – noon
136 Mumford Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia

Film: “The Great Warming,” part of “Religion & Politics” film series sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions
April 30, 2008 - 7 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Gannett Hall-Room 87
University of Missouri-Columbia
Free

Lecture: “Causality and Randomness: Buddhism, Quantum Mechanics, and Medical  Implications,” by Vic Mansfield, professor emeritus of physics at Colgate University. The author of “Tibetan Buddhism and Modern Physics: Toward a Union of Love and Knowledge,” Mansfield will present the Tibetan Buddhist view of causality, contrast it with quantum indeterminacy and explore medical implications of the conflict. Part of MU Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds. Co-sponsored by the Department of Psychiatry, Department of Health Psychology and Center on Religion & the Professions.
April 30, 2008 – 4 p.m.
Acuff Auditorium, School of Medicine (MA217)
University of Missouri-Columbia
See flier

Lecture:Synchronicity and Soul-Making: Some Spiritual Connections,” by Vic Mansfield, professor emeritus of physics at Colgate University and author of “Synchronicity, Science, and Soul Making.” Through first-person accounts, lecture and discussion, Mansfield will explain synchronicity and its connection to the spiritual. The talk is preceded by a presentation by Dr. Bernard Beitman, professor in the MU Department of Psychiatry, on the results and implications of his department’s Weird Coincidence Survey. People who report these experiences tend to be more spiritual in orientation. Beitman will share several stories of weird coincidences, or “synchrons,” and discuss the problem of interpreting them. Co-sponsored by the Department of Psychiatry, Department of Health Psychology and Center on Religion & the Professions.
April 29, 2008 – 7 p.m.
Acuff Auditorium, School of Medicine (MA217)
University of Missouri-Columbia
See flier

Retreat: “Cultivating Equanimity in Times of Trouble and in Times of Grace,” a nonresidential weekend retreat with Gina Sharpe, co-founder of the New York Insight Meditation Center. Sharpe has studied and practiced with teachers in the Zen, Tibetan and Theravada schools of Buddhism for more than 30 years.
April 26, 2008 – 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
April 27, 2008 – 9 a.m.-noon
Black Culture Center, University of Missouri

Lecture: “Music and Healing,” by Dr. Samuel Wong, MD, ophthalmic surgeon and guest conductor of the New York Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic and Japan Philharmonic. Examines how music can be used to promote patient health. Wong has found that harnessing the power of music can help rehabilitate stroke victims, evoke memories from patients and alleviate pain. Sponsored by the Carlos Perez-Mesa, MD, Lectureship in Medical Humanities, Center for Health Ethics and School of Medicine at MU.
April 24, 2008 – 7 p.m.
Reynolds Alumni Center
UPDATE: See more about the event

Lecture: “The Quran Interpreted: Historical and Theological Perspectives,” by Dr. Muneer Fareed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America. Fareed is a former associate professor of Islamic Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit. Mich. He is co-founder of The American Learning Institute for Muslims and senior advisor to the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. Sponsored by the Muslim Students Organization and MU Organization Resource Group.
April 24, 2008 – 7-8 p.m.
Hulston Hall, Room 7
University of Missouri-Columbia
See flier

Lecture: “Spirituality: Seeking Meaning in Patient Centered Care,” by Nora Frohberg, MD, Nancy Halstenson, PhD, assistant professors of psychiatry, MU Department of Psychiatry. Part of Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds.
April 23, 2008 – 4-5 p.m.
Acuff Auditorium, School of Medicine (MA217)
University of Missouri-Columbia

Lecture: “Conversations on Learning, Teaching, & More … Positions on Stem Cell Research: How People Decide,” Dr. Shari Freyermuth, teaching assistant professor of biochemistry at MU, and Dr. Marcelle Siegel, assistant professor of science education (recipients of LTC Interdisciplinary Mini-Grant) share their preliminary findings on how undergraduate students draw from many sources (such as media, science, religion, culture) to form their opinions on stem-cell research.
April 22, 2008 – 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
107 Townsend Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia

Lecture and brownbag: “Covering God from Both Sides of the Fence,” by Dan Lehmann, editor of The Lutheran. Lehman, a ‘73 Missouri School of Journalism graduate, talks about switching careers from “religion” to “religious” journalism and living to talk about it. Lehman was public information officer for the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois; a religion writer for the Chicago Sun-Times; a federal court reporter; and a night city editor. He now edits the official magazine of the 5 million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the largest Lutheran organization in the U.S. Sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions and the Missouri School of Journalism.
April 21, 2008 – noon-1 p.m.
Tucker Forum, Gannett Hall-Room 85
Missouri School of Journalism
See flier

Awareness activities: Islam Awareness Week at MU sponsored by the Muslim Students Organization. Food, Q&As, lectures and entertainment.
April 21-25, 2008
University of Missouri-Columbia
See full list of activities and dates
UPDATE: See more about the event

Open House: Islamic Center of Central Missouri Open House event, tour the mosque and learn about Islam. For more information, see www.theiccm.org.
April 20, 2008 - 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
201 S. 5th S., (5th and Locust streets)
Columbia
See flier

Lecture: Former military journalist Marshall Thompson speaks on “A Soldier’s Peace.” A Mormon and reporter for the Standard Examiner in Ogden, Utah, Thompson was a military journalist for the U.S. Army from 2005-2006 covering the war in Iraq. He also served in the same capacity in Kosovo, Macedonia and South Korea and has worked for newspapers in the U.S. and Israel. Thompson walked 500 miles to protest the U.S. war with Iraq. He is the subject of a documentary, “A Soldier’s Peace,” which will be shown during the presentation. Thompson and his wife, Kristen Thompson, will both speak. Co-sponsored by the MU Peace Studies Program and the Center on Religion & the Professions.
April 19, 2008 – 7-10 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Gannett Hall-Room 87
University of Missouri-Columbia
See flier

Film and panel: “Apocalypto,” a film directed by Mel Gibson set in the ancient Mayan civilization, ties in with the “Before Columbus” exhibition at the Museum of Art and Archaeology. Panelists discuss the complexity of interpreting meanings of pre-Columbian artifacts in a post-Columbian setting, and offer perspectives on the controversial film from religious, historical, archaeological and mythic backgrounds.
April 17, 2008 – 7 p.m.
Museum of Art and Archaeology, Pickard Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia
UPDATE: See more about the event

Ceremony: “Virginia Tech Vigil: A Call to Peace,” features “Christians coming together to remember the pain, and pray for peace,” vigil for the victims and family members of those who died in the campus attack. Hosted by Wesley, CCH and CSA.
April 16, 2008 – 6:30 p.m.
South Quad (in case of rain, Tate Hall)
University of Missouri-Columbia
See flier
UPDATE: See more about the event

Film: “The War Within,” part of “Religion & Politics” film series sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions
April 16, 2008 - 7 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Gannett Hall-Room 87
University of Missouri-Columbia
Free

Lecture: Robert Wuthnow, chair of the Department of Sociology at Princeton University, speaks on "The Global Reach of American Christianity."
April 14, 2008 - 6:30 p.m.
Stotler Lounge, Memorial Union
University of Missouri-Columbia
UPDATE: See more about the event

Panel and performances: “Sacred Expressions: Journeys in Faith & Art,” features musicians, poets, dancers and other artists sharing how spiritual journeys inspire and give meaning to their art. Local artists and scholars explore religion, the arts and community through performances and discussions, in an evening of creative expression. Sponsored by The Cherry Street Artisan and the Center on Religion & the Professions. Free.
April 12, 2008
Panel 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Reception 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Performances: 7:30-11 p.m.
Cherry Street Artisan
111 9th St., Columbia, Mo.
See flier
UPDATE: See photos from the event

Workshop: “How Can Your Faith Community Help Young People Cope When Bad Things Happen to Good Kids?” presented by licensed professional counselor Eve Dyson, helps leaders in faith community prepare youth to cope with stressful situations. Open to all faiths.
April 12, 2008
Drury University, Reed Auditorium
Springfield, Mo.
See flier

Lecture: Fatemeh Keshavarz, chair of the Department of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures at Washington University in St. Louis, speaks on "Banishing the Ghosts of Iran: What Do People Read in the Islamic Republic?,” based on her 2007 book, “Jasmine and Stars: Reading More than Lolita in Tehran.” Books for sale. Sponsored by the Center for Arts and Humanities, Center on Religion & the Professions and other campus organizations.
April 10, 2008 – 7 p.m.
Memorial Union, Joplin Boone Room
She will also make two other appearances:
April 10, 2008 - noon, brownbag lunch at the Department of Rural Sociology on "Women and Islam”
Book signing: April 11, 2008 - 9 a.m., University Bookstore
See flier
UPDATE: See more about the event

Workshop: “How Can Your Faith Community Help Young People Cope When Bad Things Happen to Good Kids?” presented by licensed professional counselor Eve Dyson, helps leaders in faith community prepare youth to cope with stressful situations. Open to all faiths.
March 29, 2008
Daniel Boone Regional Library
Columbia, Mo.
See flier

Colloquium: “Global Issues Colloquium – Rethinking Religious Violence: A New Theory for an Old Problem,” by Hector Avalos, professor of Religious Studies at Iowa State University. Avalos outlines a new theory for the role of religion in violence, focusing on the idea that most violence results from attempts to maintain or acquire resources deemed to be scarce. He illustrates with examples in the Abrahamic religions from ancient to modern times.
March 27, 2008 – 7 p.m.
Truman State University, Magruder Hall-Room 2001, Kirksville

Conference: "Stop Traffic Now: 2008 Anti-Human Trafficking Conference"
March 21-22, 2008
University of Missouri-Columbia

Lecture: "Muslims, Politics & The 2008 Elections," by Dr. Parvez Ahmed, chairman of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Sponsored by the Muslim Students Organization and the Islamic Center of Central Missouri.
March 20, 2008 - 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tate Hall, Room 22
University of Missouri-Columbia
See flier
UPDATE: See more about the event

Exhibit: Herzl Exhibit, based on the life of Zionist Theodore Herzl, on display. The traveling exhibit celebrates Herzl’s vision of a Jewish state on the 100th anniversary of his passing. It was produced by the Department for Zionist Activities.
March 19, 2008 – 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Memorial Union
University of Missouri-Columbia

Film: “Romero,” part of “Religion & Politics” film series sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions
March 19, 2008 - 7 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Gannett Hall-Room 87
University of Missouri-Columbia
Free

Lecture: Former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee speaks on “Ethics Surrounding the Future of Medical and Health Care.” Huckabee has been a leader in government, ordained Southern Baptist minister and author of several books. Part of the Schiffman Lecture on Ethics in Society series. Free and open to the public.
March 13, 2008 – 7:30 p.m.
Launer Auditorium
Columbia College
See flier

Meet and Greet: Rebecca Phillips, vice president of Social Networking at Beliefnet.com, the award-winning spirituality web site talks about the social networking department and community web site at Beliefnet, the largest single religious and spirituality web site. Free informal breakfast.
March 12, 2008 - 8:30-10:30 a.m.
103 Stotler Lounge, Memorial Union
UPDATE: See more about the event (ReligiousLife@MU blog)

Presentation: Coincidence Survey results, based on winter 2007 survey featuring 700 MU respondents about “weird coincidences.” Findings show that the more spiritual people are, the more such coincidences they experience. These and other results will be presented.
March 12, 2008 – 4 p.m.
Acuff Auditorium
University of Missouri-Columbia

Symposium: CDIG Symposium on Social Networking brings together experts on issues dealing with the Internet, social networking and virtual worlds. Panelists include Rebecca Phillips, vice president of social networking at Beliefnet, a spirituality web site. Presented by the MU Center for the Digital Globe and the Center on Religion & the Professions.
March 12, 2008 – 1-3 p.m.
Memorial Union-Wrench Auditorium
University of Missouri-Columbia
See flier
UPDATE: See more about the event (Columbia Missourian)

Program: SARGAM Classical Dance & Music Program, presented by the Cultural Association of India, which is celebrating its 51st year at MU. Free.
March 9, 2008 – 7 p.m.
Whitmore Recital Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia

Public forum: “Sex and Religion: Who decides what is taught in public schools?,” part of the MU College of Education’s “Education Week ‘08” activities. Public forum discusses how decisions are made within the state concerning school curriculum, specifically the role of religion and sex education in today’s classrooms. Sponsored by the College of Education and education student honor societies Pi Lambda Theta and Kappa Delta Pi.
March 8, 2008 – 10 a.m.-noon
Conservation Auditorium
University of Missouri-Columbia
UPDATE: See more about the event (Columbia Missourian)

Lecture: “Religion and Health Care Rehabilitation,” by Dr. Brick Johnstone, MU professor of Health Psychology and head of the Center on Religion & the Professions’ spirituality and health research team, on recent research in the role of religious belief and practice in rehabilitation from injuries and illness. Sponsored by the MU Christian Scholars Forum.
March 7, 2008 – noon-1 p.m.
Memorial Union-Room S304
University of Missouri-Columbia

Discussion: “Microaggression: Feeding an atmosphere of prejudice,” a You InMizzou meeting to discuss “microaggressions” on and around campus based on race, ethnicity, religion and other factors, and how to eliminate them. Free refreshments. For information, call 882-6282.
March 7, 2008 – 7 p.m.
Memorial Union, S304
University of Missouri-Columbia

Lecture: Michael Lindsay speaks on “Faith in the Halls of Power.” Lindsay is a sociologist at Rice University and author of Faith in the Halls of Power: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite.
Sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions.
March 6, 2008 – 7 p.m.
Cornell Hall, Room 115
University of Missouri-Columbia
See flier
UPDATE: See more about the event (ReligiousLife@MU blog)

 Film: “Earth,” part of “Religion & Politics” film series sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions
March 5, 2008 - 7 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Gannett Hall-Room 87
University of Missouri-Columbia
Free

Lecture: Norman Finkelstein, former assistant professor of political theory at DePaul University in Chicago, speaks on “A Farewell to Israel.” Finkelstein, who is Jewish, supports the Palestinian cause. Amid criticism from attorney and commentator Alan Dershowitz, a supporter of Israel, Finkelstein was denied tenure at DePaul in 2007. He sued and received a settlement. Finkelstein is the author of five books. Champagne/cider toast follows lecture. Sponsored by the MU Peace Studies Program.
March 3, 2008 – 7 p.m.
Old Alumni Center, 1105 Carrie Francke Drive
Columbia
UPDATE: See more about the event (The Missourian)

 Film: “Shake the Devil Off,” part of annual True/False Film Festival, co-sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions [True/False Film Festival]
• Feb. 28, 2008 – 6 p.m.
    Windsor Auditorium, Stephens College
• Feb. 29, 2008 – 7:30 p.m.
    Forrest Theater, Tiger Hotel
• March 1, 2008 – 12:30 p.m. (Free tickets available to March 1 show)
    Windsor Auditorium, Stephens College
UPDATE: See more about the event

Lecture: Robert Woodbury, sociology professor at the University of Texas-Austin, speaks on “The Shadow of Empire: Colonial Policy, Christian Missions and Democracy in Post- Colonial Societes.” Sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Graduate Students and Christian Scholars Forum.
Feb. 28, 2008 – 1:30-3 p.m.
217 Mumford Hall

Film: “No More Tears Sister,” part of “Religion & Politics” film series sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions
Feb. 27, 2008 - 7 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Gannett Hall-Room 87
University of Missouri-Columbia
Free

Forum: Why religious worldviews should not be excluded from public life,” an audio Mars Hill interview with Brendan Sweetman, professor of philosophy at Rockhurst University. Sponsored by the MU Christian Scholars Forum.
Feb. 22, 2008 – noon-1p.m.
Memorial Union-Room S304
University of Missouri-Columbia

Film: “Amazing Grace,” part of “Religion & Politics” film series sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions
Feb. 13, 2008 - 7 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Gannett Hall-Room 87
University of Missouri-Columbia
Free

Event rescheduled to April. Check back for new date:
Forum: Research Forum
showcases MU faculty and graduate students' scholarly research that blends religion with their disciplines, focusing on religion and politics.
Feb. 8, 2008 – noon
Tucker Forum, Gannett Hall-Room 85
University of Missouri-Columbia

Lecture: Michael Dyson, author, scholar, cultural critic, professor of theology, English and African-American Studies at Georgetown University, gives keynote address for MU Black History Month, “What Students Can Do to Make Campus Better for All People & Get Out and Vote.” Followed by Q&A and book signing
Feb. 7, 2008 – 7 p.m.
Jesse Auditorium
University of Missouri-Columbia
UPDATE: See more about the event (The Missourian)

Lectures: Paul Barrett, special senior writer at the Wall Street Journal, former editor at BusinessWeek and author of "American Islam: The Struggle for the Soul of a Religion," gives two lectures, sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions.
"Dispassionate Journalism: Fairness, Objectivity, and Covering Controversial Topics in an Age of Media Hype" based on his Muslims book and his book "The Good Black: A True Story of Race in America."
Feb. 4, 2008 - noon
Tucker Forum, Gannett Hall-Room 85
"American Muslims and U.S. Politics During Troubled Times," about American Muslims as profiled in his book, and trends in American politics about Muslims and reflecting Muslim voters.
Feb. 4, 2008 - 7 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Gannett Hall-Room 87

Lecture: "Is Religion still Good News?," a lecture by Cardinal John Foley, former president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications at the Vatican, on how media coverage affects religion.
Feb. 1, 2008 - 7 p.m.
St. Thomas More Newman Center
702 Maryland Avenue
Columbia, Mo.
UPDATE: See more about the event (Missourian)

Event canceled
Check back for new date
Lecture: Faith-Based Conflict Resolution: An Introduction and Comparative Study:
David D. Schlachter, vice president of Conciliation and Church Support for Peacemaker Ministries, discusses a biblically based model of dispute resolution.

Film: “With God On Our Side.” part of “Religion & Politics” film series sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions
Jan. 30, 2008 - 7 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Gannett Hall-Room 87
University of Missouri-Columbia
Free

Film: “My Mother India,” part of “Religion & Politics” film series sponsored by the Center on Religion & the Professions
Jan. 23, 2008 – 7 p.m.
Fisher Auditorium, Gannett Hall-Room 87
University of Missouri-Columbia
Free

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