Commonwealth Speakers:Religion and Philosophy
Pope John Paul II was one of the most famous religious figures of the past century.
The Face of Contemporary Roman Catholicism
The death of Pope John Paul II in 2005 drew into relief many of the issues facing Roman Catholicism today. From the declining number of priests to the changing demographics of parishes throughout Pennsylvania and the nation to its relationship with other faiths, Edward Miller will explain the challenges facing the Roman Catholic faith in the 21st Century. Requirements: TV/VCR and LCD projector.
Edward J. Miller, Ph.D., Professor of Religion, Gwynedd Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley
Religion in America: Dead or Alive?
Accompanied by a visual presentation, John Piper looks at the changes in American religious life in the past fifty years, as it has evolved from relatively few large religious institutions and denominations into a colorful array of new religious groups. While institutional forms of religion sometimes appear to be struggling, faith and spirituality seem to be on the rise, and perhaps more vibrant than at any other time in American history. Screen, overhead projector, and LCD projector preferred.
John F. Piper, Jr., Ph.D., Dean of the College and Professor of History, Lycoming College, Williamsport
Black Knights and Dead Parrots: The Philosophy of Monty Python
As undergraduates at Cambridge and Oxford in the 1960s, the future members of the seminal British comedy troupe Monty Python studied ideas which formed the basis of modern philosophical thinking. Not surprisingly, the philosophy they learned crept into their funniest sketches. Gary Hardcastle uses video clips of several of Monty Python's best-known skits to illustrate and explain what philosophers do, why they do it, and why what they do is actually important. A rare opportunity to learn philosophy while giggling! Requirements: TV and VCR.
Gary L. Hardcastle, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg
What Makes a Person Happy? An Ancient Account
For the most part, we think of the modern world as remarkably different from the ancient world. Yet perhaps the most ancient question, and one that still governs so many of our actions today, is what makes us happy and why? Aristotle's answer, exploring material wealth, family and friends, and the exercise of individual abilities and talents, addresses how we weigh these different aspects of our lives and how they affect our decisions. Aristotle's account shows us that fundamental human interests may not have changed so much and that some values speak to us across the crevasse of culture and millennia. Overhead projector and screen preferred.
Helen Lang, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy, Villanova University, Villanova
The Virtue of Interrupted Lives
At some point, the life plans of nearly everyone are interrupted by design, choice or events that are beyond one's control, such as taking time to raise children, a layoff or a prison term. Hemchand Gossai will discuss historical figures who have faced such challenges, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Elie Wiesel, Vaclav Havel, Socrates, Nelson Mandela and others, and participants will examine life interruptions and how to move forward following radical changes. Requirements: Podium.
Hemchand Gossai, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Religion, Muhlenberg College, Allentown
The Philosophy and Practice of Taoism and Buddhism - in Action!
David Clippinger will present an overview and encourage a discussion of Taoist and Buddhist philosophy and practice. Then, along with Clippinger, the audience will learn to put those principles into action through the soft exercises known as Tai Chi - an ancient Chinese form of exercise that blends physical movement with deep meditative breathing. He will trace certain Tai Chi exercises to Buddhist and Taoist monasteries in mainland China in this fun, hands-on introduction to Eastern religion and philosophy.
David Clippinger, Ph.D., Visiting Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Religious Fundamentalism in Contemporary America
John Piper examines the three faces of 20th Century religious fundamentalism in America: theological, institutional, and political. The first is fairly standard: an abiding faith in the god one worships. The second is growing increasingly complex, with the vast number of new churches that are reluctant to affiliate with or refer to themselves as denominations. The third is highly contentious, as politicians and some religious leaders more than ever before attempt to integrate religious and political life at both the local and national level. Screen, overhead projector, and LCD projector preferred.
John F. Piper, Jr., Ph.D., Dean of the College and Professor of History, Lycoming College, Williamsport