Podcast appearances and mentions of diana eck

Philip Nikolayev, a Russian historian, poet, and marketer went directly into grad school in the history department at Harvard, where he received a master's degree. However, his field of medieval Russian history collapsed during his PhD due to funding dwindling after the fall of the USSR in 1992.  From Russian History to Search Engine Marketing Philip was interested in studying Russian history from a Western analytical perspective. He quit his graduate program at Harvard when he realized his studies in Russian history didn't translate into paying work. A polymath with a child on the way, Philip secured a position as a software engineer, but when the dot.com bubble burst, he decided to continue his studies with a PhD in textual scholarship. Intellectually, Philip's career has been far-flung, with no jobs in his field and a need for financial stability, he worked as VP of Marketing for a high-tech company and later started a small business in marketing, seeking clients based on breakthroughs in science and technology. He seeks clients whose technology he can study and translate into the market language. Working as a Translator and Writing Poetry Philip's core interests include poetry and had a love for poetry from a young age. Philip has always been bilingual and although he grew up in the U.S.S.R, he spoke English from a young age. Philip went to Harvard at the age of 24 as a transfer student and became deeply immersed in English. He started working as an interpreter and translator when he was 18 in Moscow, switching languages in terms of writing poetry. His first American poet friend, Ben Naser, encouraged him to continue doing it. He has since published several books of poetry in English and volumes of translation. Philip speaks ten languages, and has translated a lot of Ukrainian poetry, resulting from the war Russia is unjustly waging in Ukraine. A Ukrainian issue of a well-known American Poetry Magazine called the Cafe Review has just come out, co-edited by Philip and Anna Halberstadt as guest editors.  The Romanticisation of Russian History Philip talks about his role as a translator and his work as an interpreter for writers and poets during Perestroika. The conversation turns to Philip's work as a poet and learning languages, including Romanian and why he loves the musicality of language. He also talks about studying Russian history from a western perspective, which he believes is more accurate than the Romantic tradition. Russian history is often written with a patriotic bias, which combines with the idea that nations are ancient and have traditions. This romanticism often leads to the idea that all people of a country form a single nation with one ideology and similar ideals and values. Napoleon exploited this idea to persuade Frenchmen to join the first mass levy army and give their lives for France. Philip also discusses the concept of nationhood in Russia, which he believes is a new idea. The word "Russia" was coined under Peter the Great in the early 18th century, and it is a Latinized form of the name Rus, which shows a Western influence. This was the name of the first dynasty that came to rule the space that eventually became Russia and Ukraine. The Formal Anarchy of Poetry The conversation turns to his network of poets, writers, translators, and editors. He mentions that poetry functions as an institution and network, with numerous poets and institutions like poetry festivals and magazines. Poets often seek out other poets and have poet friends to discuss poetry. Philip mentions his favorite poets including his wife, Katya Kapovich. Philip explains that Russia shaped his poetry towards a mix of traditional forms. He believes that poetry exists in a state of formal anarchy, where a text needs to be self-justifying to merit the reader's attention. His style has evolved, incorporating formal traditional verse, experimental and obscure avant-garde verse, and standard lyric free verse. Philip's themes include personal experience, philosophical distillation, and situational poetry. He believes that poetry allows us to express our humanity and resist becoming robots or AI. He admires the way photography has liberated art by allowing painters to paint their mental lives, and poetry can do the same. However, he also acknowledges that AI has its limitations and questions the future of the arts, particularly in the context of AI. Philip shares a poem from his collection, Letters from Oldenderry, titled "Eagles."  From a Background in Mathematics to a Future in Marketing Philip's interest in mathematics began in the Soviet Union, where strong math schools were present. He was a mathematical prodigy but was too infected with poetry literature to pursue it back then He later became interested in analytical philosophy at Harvard, taking basic math courses like set theory and Introduction to topology. He later took CS 50 and CS 51 in computer science courses. Philip's transition from a PhD in textual studies to running a marketing firm was unexpected, as he had assumed he would become a professor. However, during the 2008-2009 crisis, there were no jobs in the humanities, and he had to find a source of income. He found work at a high-tech company, smtp.com, which is still there today. Reaching Beyond the Daily Grind Philip talks about his degree of freedom as a poet and his outside interests. He explains that not being an academic allows him to think about what matters to him and process it intuitively without being obligated to external criterion or peer review. He also mentions his interest in quantum computing, which he began studying from the business side. He works as a director of business development for Aspen quantum consulting, which does technical due diligence for quantum computing and quantum technology companies. Influential Harvard Courses and Professors Philip mentions Michael Witzel, who was his Sanskrit teacher, Diana Eck, who was his Hindu studies professor, Ed Keenan, and James Hankins, who taught him Western civilization. These professors have been supportive and encouraging of his interest in these subjects and helped him develop his understanding of various topics and perspectives. He still lives within a two-mile radius of Harvard Square, making it easy to access his work and stay connected to his passions. Timestamps:  05:11: Transition to Marketing and Poetry  08:46: Role of Poetry and Language Learning 18:58: Influence of Western Perspective on Russian History  23:33: Network of Poets and Writers  33:15: Challenges and Opportunities in Academia and Marketing  39:09: Return to Mathematics and Quantum Computing  40:59: Influential Professors and Courses at Harvard  Links Company: searchbenefit.com  Book: Letters from Aldenderry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolayev/   Featured Non-profit: The featured non-profit of this episode is Women's Money Matters recommended by Lauren Messmore who reports:   “Hi, I'm Lauren Messmore, class of 1992. The featured nonprofit of this episode is Women's Money Matters. I'm privileged to have served as a volunteer coach empowering low income women to improve their financial health and create a more secure future for themselves and their loved ones. You can learn more on women's money matters.org and now here is Will Bachman with this week's episode.” To learn more about their work visit: https://women'smoneymatters.org.

Show Notes: Chris Cowell, a computer science major, shares an anecdote about his college experience. He mentioned that the computer science major concentration at Harvard was different from today, and how he worked with paper and pencil more than computers. Chris talks about the multiple paths taken in life after graduating from Harvard, including working for a public service program called Vista, which was started during the Vietnam War as a way for conscientious objectors to provide service to the country. Chris was assigned to an adult literacy group in Lansing, Michigan, where he was in charge of matching tutors and literacy tutors with students who needed to learn how to read. This experience was unpleasant and lonely, but it was also a good antidote to the occasional preciousness of Harvard. Through this experience, he was able to understand the struggles of a large portion of the population, including students who struggled with brain problems, mental health issues, and other struggles. This experience helped him understand that life doesn't come easy for many people. Chris shares a few anecdotes from his time in the program, including how the term dyslexia is used, how his experience taught him that there are many reasons an adult may have difficulty learning how to read, and how he would match teachers to students. Pursuing a Philosophy Degree and Moving into Consulting Chris initially had a side interest in philosophy and decided to pursue a philosophy degree. He took two years at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, taking more undergraduate philosophy classes and decided to pursue a PhD in philosophy. He went on to Berkeley for grad school and spent six years there, but felt like he was barely hanging on and didn't have much to contribute. He finished the program in 2001 but decided he wouldn't pursue a career in the academic field and decided to go back into computer science. Chris was recruited by Anderson Consulting, a company that had just spun off from Arthur Andersen, which had been involved in the Enron scandal. Chris' experience with Anderson Consulting was not what he expected. He was assigned to an eight-year in-town project in Sacramento, which was a contract with the government of California to set up a child welfare website, which was unfortunate because, although he had learned theory of computer science, he didn't have the practical coding skills  to complete the project. He was given the opportunity to learn programming but later transitioned to Accenture and moved into their research and development lab in Palo Alto during the height of the innovation era in the San Francisco Bay area.  Starting a Technical Training Company Chris moved to Portland, where he worked for Oracle as a computer programmer. He worked for different companies in the Portland area, specializing in testing programs that test other programs. However, he realized that he had only been promoted once over the course of his 20-year career. This realization led him to change their focus from tech to doing technical training. Chris started a one-person technical training company, teaching people how to use software. He sold classes and in-person training to local companies and had fun building the curriculum. He also enjoyed public speaking. However, the COVID pandemic hit, but he had no marketing savvy and his company was failing.  After a few years, he got a job with a real software company, teaching people how to use their software. He recently shifted to another company, and their career now focuses on technical training, building materials, and giving presentations on software usage. Influential Harvard Courses and Professors Chris remembers a few courses from college, but he found the core science courses the most interesting. David Lazarus' Space, Time and Motion, the Recent History of Iran course, and Diana Eck's Comparative Religion course. He loved the music appreciation course taught by Louise vos Gershon, who was described as the only faculty member at Harvard without a PhD. The skills learned in music appreciation have been useful in his singing and guitar playing ever since. Chris also values learning basic music theory, which is essential for musicians who want to understand how music theory works. He also joined the Harvard Speech in Parliament and Debate society where he may have debated Ted Cruz.  Timestamps: 03:23 Adult Literacy group in Lansing, Michigan 08:51 How to pick the right student 11:19 How Chris decided to pursue a Phd 15:25 How Chris started his career in tech 22:39 On starting his own technical training company 25:41 Courses and professors that have stayed with him CONTACT:  Facebook: Cowell-shah Email. Chris@post.harvard.edu  

Like many people of her generation, Janet was raised with little religious instruction, due to her parents' desire to be American. After some exploration into other faiths, she decided in her 20s to learn about the Judaism of her roots. It has been a long journey. She considers herself a JewBu – incorporating elements of both Judaism and Buddhism, generally the ritual and holidays of the former and philosophy of the latter, along with some meditation practice when faced with a challenging situation. Besides her personal journey, Janet spent years developing and leading programs and dialogues bridging religious and other differences. Youth LEAD and the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom are two she speaks of. Highlights:·       The three Cs of dialogue: Curiosity, Courage, and Compassion.·       Even after years of training and experience, we make mistakes and react instinctively.·       Speaking with people who are different is challenging. Using a structure all agree to is critical. ·       Dialogue is the foundation, letting us see each other's humanity, but action is then necessary to improve the world.  ·       Jewish values of tikkun olam, repairing the world, and tzedakah, charity, inform her social justice work.References:Prof. Diana Eck, Harvard University, Pluralism Project – https://pluralism.orgEboo Patel, Interfaith America – https://www.interfaithamerica.org/people/eboo-patel/Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom – https://sosspeace.orgRoots – https://www.friendsofroots.netCombatants for Peace – https://cfpeace.orgSocial Media links for Méli:Talking with God Project –  https://www.talkingwithgodproject.orgLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271Follow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. Comments?  Want a transcript?  Email  Méli -         info@talkingwithgodproject.orgThe Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project. For information on talks, blog posts and more, go to – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Diana Eck, a professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies at Harvard University, leads The Pluralism Project, a research center that explores and interprets the religious dimensions of immigration; the growth of Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, and Zoroastrian communities in the United States; and the issues of religious pluralism and American civil society. Nearly 25 years after Eboo cold-called her to discuss his idea for a new interfaith organization, they reflect on their shared commitment to pluralism.Guest Bio: Diana L. Eck is a scholar of religious studies who is a Professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies at Harvard University, a former faculty dean of Lowell House, and the Director of The Pluralism Project at Harvard. Eck received the National Humanities Award from President Clinton and the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1998, the Montana Governor's Humanities Award in 2003, and the Melcher Lifetime Achievement Award from the Unitarian Universalist Association in 2003. From 2005–06 she served as president of the American Academy of Religion.Visit Interfaith America to learn more about the organization and our podcast. Apply for a $250 grant to host a podcast listening party or win a $25 gift card for sharing your feedback. Learn more. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with new episodes, interfaith stories, and our programs.

In this episode Diana, Josh and I discuss their new Nevada-based company, Nexus Environmental Consultants.  You can find out more about their offerings at https://nexus-env.com/

So you think the Camino is crowded? You should check out pilgrimage in India. It holds the record for the largest single-day attendance at a pilgrimage event--an estimated 50 million people at the Kumbh Mela in 2019. This episode explores pilgrimage in India through a closer examination of two sacred cities: Banaras and Pandharpur. Dr. Diana Eck, author of Banaras: City of Light and India: A Sacred Geography, shares insights on the former, while Deepak Phadnis, author of Pandharpur Wari: A Walking Pilgrimage to Pandharpur, describes his walk to the latter. This introduction to Indian pilgrimage also offers a useful lens through which to look back upon the Camino and see some fascinating points of comparison.

The project of pluralism promises inclusiveness, tolerance, and peace, but it rarely satisfies. At a Veritas Forum from Harvard, Diana Eck (Harvard) and Vinoth Ramachandra (IFES) discuss the nature of pluralism and the challenges that keep us from genuine dialogue. How can we maintain our deepest core beliefs while also engaging with the beliefs of others? • Please like, share, subscribe to, and review this podcast. Thank you.

Missy Jenkins Smith, author and school shooting survivor. Tim Hauck from the Peregrine Fund on saving California Condors. Diana Eck, Founder of the Pluralism Project on engaging between religions. John Rosenberg from BYU moving the remains of Francisco Franco. Paul Adams, Photography professor from BYU on vanishing voices. Rachel Wadham, BYU librarian, matching students to instruction and reading.

Devaki Jain is an Indian economist and writer, whose long and distinguished career has been dedicated to the economic empowerment of women. Here, introduced by Harvard Professors Tarun Khanna and Diana Eck, Devaki Jain delivers the 2018/19 Mahindra Lecture, an annual event in honor of the late Harish C. Mahindra, a distinguished alumnus of Harvard College and a visionary leader of business and industry in India.

Jeff, Allen, Casey and Raj embark on a heart and head heavy journey towards pluralism as guided by Diana Eck’s markers of pluralism: "First, pluralism is not diversity alone, but the energetic engagement with diversity. Diversity can and has meant the creation of religious ghettoes with little traffic between or among them. Today, religious diversity is a given, but pluralism is not a given; it is an achievement. Mere diversity without real encounter and relationship will yield increasing tensions in our societies. Second, pluralism is not just tolerance, but the active seeking of understanding across lines of difference.Tolerance is a necessary public virtue, but it does not require Christians and Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and ardent secularists to know anything about one another. Tolerance is too thin a foundation for a world of religious difference and proximity. It does nothing to remove our ignorance of one another, and leaves in place the stereotypes, the half-truths, the fears that underlie old patterns of division and violence. In the world in which we live today, our ignorance of one another will be increasingly costly. Third, pluralism is not relativism, but the encounter of commitments. The new paradigm of pluralism does not require us to leave our identities and our commitments behind, for pluralism is the encounter of commitments. It means holding our deepest differences, even our religious differences, not in isolation, but in relationship to one another. Fourth, pluralism is based on dialogue. The language of pluralism is that of dialogue and encounter, give and take, criticism and self-criticism. Dialogue means both speaking and listening, and that process reveals both common understandings and real differences. Dialogue does not mean everyone at the “table” will agree with one another. Pluralism involves the commitment to being at the table — with one’s commitments." —Diana L. Eck, 2006, http://pluralism.org/ The co hosts discuss past teachings on the “evils of pluralism,” acknowledge the difficulties of being in relationship with people who are different,  reveal past hurts and present fears around being in relationship across boundaries, and express hope for a more pluralistic world. Conversation on Pluralism (00:47) Appledash Segment (56:24) RELEVANT LINKS  From Our Conversation on Pluralism Diana L. Eck (Harvard Scholar) Pluralism Relativism Hobbits The Evolution of Satan – Details in the Devil – 086 (Irenicast Episode) Dante’s Inferno PURE: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free by Linda Kay Klein (Book – Amazon Affiliate Link) Queer as Folk (Television Series) The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures by Anne Fadiman (Book – Amazon Affiliate Link) Our Religions: The Seven World Religions Introduced by Preeminent Scholars from Each Tradition by Arvind Sharma (Book – Amazon Affiliate Link) From Our Segment Appledash (This segment is also on episodes #024 & #081) Mogwai Gremlins (1984 Film) Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018 Film) YOUR SUPPORT Thank you for listening to Irenicast.  If you appreciate the show please consider sharing your appreciation by rating, reviewing and/or subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or whatever platform you’re listening on. You can also help support the show financially by going to irenicast.com/amazon to do your Amazon shopping.  This will cost you nothing, but Amazon will give a portion of the proceeds to the show.   IRENCAST HOSTS Jeff Manildi | producer & co-host | jeff@irenicast.com Jeff is co-founder of Irenicast and loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc. Follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on facebook, instagram & twitter.  You can also listen to Jeff’s other podcast Divine Cinema.   Rev. Allen Marshall O’Brien | co-host | allen@irenicast.com Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California, resident chaplain at an area hospital, and co-founder of Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology and writes for multiple platforms. You can follow Allen (@RevAllenOB) on Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads.  Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen’s brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.   Rev. Bonnie Rambob | co-host | bonnie@irenicast.com Bonnie is the co-pastor at Parkside Community Church. Bonnie has also served the Congregational Church of San Mateo as Transitional Minister for Intergenerational Education.  As a graduate of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, she offers expertise in multi-faith leadership, the spirituality of children, process theology and church organizational structure.  Drawing from her fundamentalist Christian background, she co-leads several outreach ministries to those spiritual travelers who are migrating out of fundamentalist Christianity.   Rev. Raj Rambob | co-host | raj@irenicast.com Rajeev Rambob (Raj) is spouse, of 26 years, to Bonnie Rambob. Both Bonnie and Raj are ordained ministers in the United Church of Christ. They have two adult children who are intelligent, creative, hilarious and kind. Raj has been a K-12 educator and principal.  Raj transitioned from K-12 leadership to executive leadership in the nonprofit sector. Raj's non-profit experience is largely in homelessness. Currently Raj is Executive Director of Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA). ATCAA is a multi-service, anti-poverty, agency that serves two counties.  Raj loves thoughtful and irreverent conversation over food and drink with family and trusted friends. You can follow Raj on Facebook and at www.christianprocess.blogspot.com   Pastor Casey Tinnin | co-host | casey@irenicast.com Casey is the pastor of Loomis Basin Congregational Church in Loomis California.  He is one of the co-creators of Intersections which is a support group that meets once a month to deconstruct their evangelical past. Casey also created a non-religious LGBT teen group, The Landing Spot, that meets once a month. When Casey isn’t preaching, protesting, or providing pastoral care he enjoys spending his time reading comic books, talking about theology, politics and sex, baking, cooking, kayaking and spending time with his partner Jose of six years and walking their dog Kole. You can follow Casey on Twitter and Facebook, or you can check out his blog The Queerly Faithful Pastor or Gutter Theology ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION Join our progressive Christian conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links: Read Us on our blog Irenicon Email Us at podcast@irenicast.com Follow Us on Twitter and Google+ Like Us on Facebook Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Google Play, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Spreaker and SoundCloud Speak to Us on our Feedback Page and the Post Evangelical Facebook Group See Us on Instagram Support Us on Amazon Love Us? CREDITS Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin. This post may contain affiliate links.  An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Panel 3 of the Thinking Islam Within Religious Studies: Methods, Histories and Futures conference Panelists include Diana Eck, Ali Asani, and Roy Mottahedeh. Learn more about Harvard Divinity School and its mission to illuminate, engage, and serve at http://hds.harvard.edu/.

The first in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded Monday 27 April 2009 at the University of Edinburgh. In 1893, the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago convened under the banner of universalism. How do pluralism and globalism today stand in contrast to the spirit of universalism, and signal a new reality? While the phenomenon of globalization clearly relates to economics and politics, to environmental and security concerns, how has it altered our religious consciousness, our religious life? What ethical questions are at the forefront of globalization? How have immigrants created new kinds of diasporas? How has the Internet destabilized borders of all kinds, including religious and national borders? Listen to podcast

The second in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded 28 April 2009 at The University of Edinburgh. Multireligious societies have long been a historical reality in some parts of the world. Today, however, there are many recently-multireligious societies, especially in the west, where people of different faiths live in close proximity and struggle with religious difference as citizens of a common society. What are the challenges to the common "we" in the context of religious difference? What does religious pluralism mean for nations with large majorities and insecure minorities? What do "nations" mean in a world in which the movement of people and ideas is constant, with migrations that are not one-way, but back-and-forth, as people participate in the life and aspirations of more than one society? Listen to podcast

The third in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded on 30 April 2009 at The University of Edinburgh. Cities are the focal point of religious pluralism, for in cities the cultures and traditions of the world are concentrated. They are, as Lewis Mumford put it, "energy converted into culture." The term "cosmopolis" has long signaled the world-city, and indeed some of the great cities of the world have had a cosmopolitan texture for many centuries. Today, however, the number of new cosmopolitan cities has grown exponentially. While London, New York, and Mumbai may still be the great examples of world-cities, Leeds, Detroit, Boston, and Toronto also concentrate the energies of complex cultures. Even smaller cities, like Fremont, California, have significant Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist populations. What critical challenges have cities faced as they become more religiously and culturally diverse? How have these challenges been faced, negotiated? What new forms of city life are emerging? What new forms of religious life, including rapidly growing interfaith initiatives, are emerging in the urban environment? Listen to podcast

The fourth in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded 4 May 2009 at The University of Edinburgh. Religious diversity poses questions that are not only global, national, and civic, but also theological. In 1910, the World Conference on Mission convened in Edinburgh and addressed the world's religions from the standpoint of Christian missions. Today, as people encounter neighbors of other faiths, face to face, and as communications enable people of every faith to know those of other faiths, what new theological questions do we and others pose about our own faith? How is the "truth" of each tradition challenged in the face of other faiths and truth claims? Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are increasingly referred to as the "Abrahamic" faiths, indicating a common prophetic ancestor in the figure of Abraham. Abrahamic dialogue is on the rise. What assessment do we have of these dialogues? Listen to podcast

The fifth in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded 5 May 2009 at The University of Edinburgh. Looking more broadly, the religious traditions of the Indic world have distinctive views on religions, on the diversity of religions and the engagements we would call pluralism. Buddhist, Jain, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities have lived in complex relationship with one another, with distinctiveness as well as common discourse. Discussions of pluralism and its relation to secularism are lively in these traditions today. How do some of today's thinkers and spiritual leaders articulate the dilemmas of religious "truth" and the religious other? How do they relate their Asian traditions to the globalization of religion? Listen to podcast

The final in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded 7 May 2009 at The University of Edinburgh. Religious pluralism is not only a fact of global and local encounter of religious communities, but it is increasingly part of the lives of people in many parts of the world who identify with more than one religious tradition. The phenomenon of multiple religious belonging is part of families in which parents affiliate with different religious communities; it is part of the inner landscape of students and seekers who find significant meaning and direction for their own lives not only in their tradition of birth, but in other traditions and spiritualities. How is this fluid border-crossing transforming the "religions," so often thought of as separate? Listen to podcast

The project of pluralism promises inclusiveness, tolerance, and peace, but it rarely satisfies. At a Veritas Forum from Harvard, Diana Eck (Harvard) and Vinoth Ramachandra (IFES) discuss the nature of pluralism and the challenges that keep us from genuine dialogue. How can we maintain our deepest core beliefs while also engaging with the beliefs of others?

This month on Impolite Conversation, we talk with Leah Rediger-Schulte, Doane's new Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, about why religious literacy is important for ourselves, our schools, and our society. And in One Last Thing, Leah studies a nontraditional sacred text, Dan reads about the comic book purges of the 1950s, and Tim goes to see a romantic comedy that's about more than just romance and comedy. Some of the things we talked about this month: Stephen Prothero's book Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know--And Doesn't was the inspiration for this episode. Prothero's quiz is in the back of the book, or you can find it online here. Dan mentioned Diana Eck's book Encountering God. Leah mentioned From Bubble to Bridge, by Marion Larson and Sarah Shady. Watch the social capital video produced by the Interfaith Youth Core. Or go to their website for lots of other resources. In One Last Thing, Leah talked about Vanessa Zoltan's podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. Dan's OLT was on The Ten-Cent Plague, by David Hajdu. Finally, Tim's OLT was about The Big Sick. 0:00-1:34 Opening 1:34-36:48 Rediger-Schulte interview 36:53-38:41 Rediger-Schulte OLT 38:42-43:36 Clanton OLT 43:37-47:59 Hill OLT 48:00-49:50 Closing 42-54-50:01 Outtakes

Apologetics 2: What Is Truth? In order to establish any of the claims of Christianity, we must first make a case for truth itself. How can you hope to provide reasons for God’s existence or Christ’s resurrection if the person your talking to claims, “That’s just your truth, and I’m glad it works for you, Read more about Podcast 51: Pluralism, Post-Modernism, Relativism, and Truth (Apologetics 2)[…]

Apologetics 2: What Is Truth? In order to establish any of the claims of Christianity, we must first make a case for truth itself. How can you hope to provide reasons for God’s existence or Christ’s resurrection if the person your talking to claims, “That’s just your truth, and I’m glad it works for you, Read more about Podcast 51: Pluralism, Post-Modernism, Relativism, and Truth (Apologetics 2)[…]

Scholar and filmmaker Ziba Mir-Hosseini, a specialist in Islamic law, gender and development and Professorial Research Associate at the Centre for Middle Eastern and Islamic Law, University of London, is the recipient of the 2015 Martin E. Marty Award for the Public Understanding of Religion. At the Marty Forum, Professor Mir-Hosseini will be interviewed by Diana L. Eck, Harvard University. The Marty Award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the public understanding of religion. Michael Kessler (Georgetown University) and Ayesha S. Chaudhry (University of British Columbia), Presiding

On this week's episode of Multifaithful, we are joined by Professor Diana Eck from Harvard University and founder of the Pluralism Project at Harvard which documents multifaith and interfaith cooperation across the country. We discuss the history and future of multifaith work as well as her own interests as a Christian women in Hinduism and different religious and spiritual identities.

November 23, 2013 Baltimore, Maryland Panelists: Diana L. Eck, Harvard University Charles A. Kimball, University of Oklahoma John L. Esposito, Georgetown University (Presiding) (Audio File: 56 minutes)

The Global Issues Panel brought notable alumnae together to discuss contemporary global issues such as poverty, health, economics, the environment, education, war, and human rights. Presented during All Reunion Weekend 2012 on the Smith campus, the panel was moderated by Smith College President Carol T. Christ and included Nan Darling Borton '62 (international disaster response expert); Diana Eck '67 (professor of comparative religion and Indian studies, Harvard Divinity School); Marilyn Clark '72 (European health affairs expert); Jacquelyn Ottman '77 (green marketing consultant); and Sarah Franklin '82 (professor of social studies of biomedicine and associate director of the BIOS Centre, London School of Economics).

The final in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded 7 May 2009 at The University of Edinburgh.Religious pluralism is not only a fact of global and local encounter of religious communities, but it is increasingly part of the lives of people in many parts of the world who identify with more than one religious tradition. The phenomenon of multiple religious belonging is part of families in which parents affiliate with different religious communities; it is part of the inner landscape of students and seekers who find significant meaning and direction for their own lives not only in their tradition of birth, but in other traditions and spiritualities. How is this fluid border-crossing transforming the "religions," so often thought of as separate? Listen to podcast

The fifth in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded 5 May 2009 at The University of Edinburgh.Looking more broadly, the religious traditions of the Indic world have distinctive views on religions, on the diversity of religions and the engagements we would call pluralism. Buddhist, Jain, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities have lived in complex relationship with one another, with distinctiveness as well as common discourse. Discussions of pluralism and its relation to secularism are lively in these traditions today. How do some of today's thinkers and spiritual leaders articulate the dilemmas of religious "truth" and the religious other? How do they relate their Asian traditions to the globalization of religion? Listen to podcast

The fourth in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded 4 May 2009 at The University of Edinburgh.Religious diversity poses questions that are not only global, national, and civic, but also theological. In 1910, the World Conference on Mission convened in Edinburgh and addressed the world's religions from the standpoint of Christian missions.Today, as people encounter neighbors of other faiths, face to face, and as communications enable people of every faith to know those of other faiths, what new theological questions do we and others pose about our own faith? How is the "truth" of each tradition challenged in the face of other faiths and truth claims? Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are increasingly referred to as the "Abrahamic" faiths, indicating a common prophetic ancestor in the figure of Abraham. Abrahamic dialogue is on the rise. What assessment do we have of these dialogues? Listen to podcast

The third in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded on 30 April 2009 at The University of Edinburgh.Cities are the focal point of religious pluralism, for in cities the cultures and traditions of the world are concentrated. They are, as Lewis Mumford put it, "energy converted into culture."The term "cosmopolis" has long signaled the world-city, and indeed some of the great cities of the world have had a cosmopolitan texture for many centuries. Today, however, the number of new cosmopolitan cities has grown exponentially. While London, New York, and Mumbai may still be the great examples of world-cities, Leeds, Detroit, Boston, and Toronto also concentrate the energies of complex cultures. Even smaller cities, like Fremont, California, have significant Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist populations. What critical challenges have cities faced as they become more religiously and culturally diverse? How have these challenges been faced, negotiated? What new forms of city life are emerging? What new forms of religious life, including rapidly growing interfaith initiatives, are emerging in the urban environment?Listen to podcast

The second in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded 28 April 2009 at The University of Edinburgh.Multireligious societies have long been a historical reality in some parts of the world. Today, however, there are many recently-multireligious societies, especially in the west, where people of different faiths live in close proximity and struggle with religious difference as citizens of a common society. What are the challenges to the common "we" in the context of religious difference? What does religious pluralism mean for nations with large majorities and insecure minorities? What do "nations" mean in a world in which the movement of people and ideas is constant, with migrations that are not one-way, but back-and-forth, as people participate in the life and aspirations of more than one society?Listen to podcast

The first in a series of Gifford Lectures by Prof Diana Eck. Recorded Monday 27 April 2009 at the University of Edinburgh.In 1893, the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago convened under the banner of universalism. How do pluralism and globalism today stand in contrast to the spirit of universalism, and signal a new reality? While the phenomenon of globalization clearly relates to economics and politics, to environmental and security concerns, how has it altered our religious consciousness, our religious life? What ethical questions are at the forefront of globalization? How have immigrants created new kinds of diasporas? How has the Internet destabilized borders of all kinds, including religious and national borders? Listen to podcast

The sixth in a series of Gifford Lectures by Professor Diana Eck. Religious pluralism is not only a fact of global and local encounter of religious communities, but it is increasingly part of the lives of people in many parts of the world who identify with more than one religious tradition. The phenomenon of multiple religious belonging is part of families in which parents affiliate with different religious communities; it is part of the inner landscape of students and seekers who find significant meaning and direction for their own lives not only in their tradition of birth, but in other traditions and spiritualities. Recorded on 7 May 2009 at St Cecilia's Hall.

The fifth in a series of Gifford Lectures by Professor Diana Eck. Looking more broadly, the religious traditions of the Indic world have distinctive views on religions, on the diversity of religions and the engagements we would call pluralism. Buddhist, Jain, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities have lived in complex relationship with one another, with distinctiveness as well as common discourse. Discussions of pluralism and its relation to secularism are lively in these traditions today. Recorded on 5 May 2009 at St Cecilia's Hall.

The fourth in a series of Gifford Lectures by Professor Diana Eck. Religious diversity poses questions that are not only global, national, and civic, but also theological. In 1910, the World Conference on Mission convened in Edinburgh and addressed the world's religions from the standpoint of Christian missions. Today, as people encounter neighbours of other faiths, face to face, and as communications enable people of every faith to know those of other faiths, what new theological questions do we and others pose about our own faith? Recorded on 4 May 2009 at St Cecilia's Hall.

The third in a series of Gifford Lectures by Professor Diana Eck. Cities are the focal point of religious pluralism, for in cities the cultures and traditions of the world are concentrated. They are, as Lewis Mumford put it, ""energy converted into culture."" The term ""cosmopolis"" has long signaled the world-city, and indeed some of the great cities of the world have had a cosmopolitan texture for many centuries. Today, however, the number of new cosmopolitan cities has grown exponentially. While London, New York, and Mumbai may still be the great examples of world-cities, Leeds, Detroit, Boston, and Toronto also concentrate the energies of complex cultures. Even smaller cities, like Fremont, California, have significant Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist populations. Recorded on 30 April 2009 at St Cecilia's Hall.

The second in a series of Gifford Lectures by Professor Diana Eck. Multireligious societies have long been a historical reality in some parts of the world. Today, however, there are many recently-multireligious societies, especially in the west, where people of different faiths live in close proximity and struggle with religious difference as citizens of a common society. Recorded on 28 April 2009 at St Cecilia's Hall.

The first in a series of Gifford Lectures by Professor Diana Eck. In 1893, the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago convened under the banner of universalism. How do pluralism and globalism today stand in contrast to the spirit of universalism, and signal a new reality? While the phenomenon of globalization clearly relates to economics and politics, to environmental and security concerns, how has it altered our religious consciousness, our religious life? Recorded on 27 April 2009 at St Cecilia's Hall.

Diana Eck, Harvard University professor of comparative religions and Indian studies and director of the Pluralist Project, describes the Art Institute's role as the site for the 1893 gathering called the Parliament of Religions. This podcast is brought to you by the Ancient Art Podcast. Explore more at ancientartpodcast.org.

Professor Eck is interviewed by Professor Wade Clark Roof, Director of the Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion and Public Life at UC Santa Barbara. Their conversation centers on the growing diversity of religious thought in America and the impact that this is having on American culture and society. Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 9411]

Professor Eck is interviewed by Professor Wade Clark Roof, Director of the Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion and Public Life at UC Santa Barbara. Their conversation centers on the growing diversity of religious thought in America and the impact that this is having on American culture and society. Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 9411]

Professor Eck is interviewed by Professor Wade Clark Roof, Director of the Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion and Public Life at UC Santa Barbara. Their conversation centers on the growing diversity of religious thought in America and the impact that this is having on American culture and society. Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 9411]

Professor Eck is interviewed by Professor Wade Clark Roof, Director of the Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion and Public Life at UC Santa Barbara. Their conversation centers on the growing diversity of religious thought in America and the impact that this is having on American culture and society. Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 9411]

Author and Harvard professor Diana Eck documents the growing presence of Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and other religious communities in the United States and offers insight into how people of all faiths should celebrate this rich diversity in this event sponsored by the Helen Edison Lecture Series and the San Diego Public Library. Series: "Helen Edison Lecture Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 9339]

Author and Harvard professor Diana Eck documents the growing presence of Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and other religious communities in the United States and offers insight into how people of all faiths should celebrate this rich diversity in this event sponsored by the Helen Edison Lecture Series and the San Diego Public Library. Series: "Helen Edison Lecture Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 9339]

Author and Harvard professor Diana Eck documents the growing presence of Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and other religious communities in the United States and offers insight into how people of all faiths should celebrate this rich diversity in this event sponsored by the Helen Edison Lecture Series and the San Diego Public Library. Series: "Helen Edison Lecture Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 9339]