National Speakers To Present On The Abrahamic Faiths

Lycoming College has scheduled a stellar lineup of national experts to present on the Abrahamic Faiths as part of the College’s Fall Symposium in September and October. Notable scholars such as Deborah Horan of the Chicago Tribune; Dr. F.E. Peters of New York University; and authors Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner of the popular book The Faith Club, will deliver thought-provoking public presentations.

“The Symposium will highlight the commonalities, as well as the differences, between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,” said Dr. Cullen Chandler, Assistant Professor of History. “The events will emphasize current and recent events worldwide, local conditions, and personal stories, as well as remarks from traditional academic experts.

“As an educator, I hope students will understand some things about each of these religions that they did not understand before,” continued Chandler. “Students will be able to use this opportunity to learn about how these three religions developed over long spans of time and yet share the same traditional roots.”

The following events are free and open to the public:

Interfaith Panel, Monday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m., Barclay Lecture Hall (Heim G-11)

The Interfaith Panel will include members of the Williamsport Interfaith Council: Marvin Hurwitz, former President of Temple Beth HaShalom; Mrs. Zooka Rajjoub, member of the Williamsport Islamic Community; and Rev. Ken Weiss, Pastor of First Church of Christ Disciples. The public is invited to participate.

Ms. Deborah Horan, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m., Barclay Lecture Hall (Heim G-11)

Ms. Horan is currently a journalist with the Chicago Tribune. She has covered the Middle East for several newspapers and magazines. She will present her public lecture titled “Jerusalem: City of Faith, City of Conflict.” She has lived in the Middle East region from time-to-time to report on events from an eyewitness perspective. Most recently, Ms. Horan has been to Baghdad twice since the start of the current war in Iraq. Her visit to Lycoming Sept. 17-21 is part of the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellows program, of which Lycoming College is proud to be among a select number of participating colleges in the nation.

The Faith Club, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., Clarke Chapel

The Faith Club is made up of three women from New York—Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner—who grew up in their own religious traditions, but came together to build bridges between them. They have written the best-selling book titled The Faith Club, and have made appearances on the Today Show and National Public Radio to share their stories. A book signing will follow the presentation. Visit www.thefaithclub.com for more information.  

Dr. F.E. Peters, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m., Barclay Lecture Hall (Heim G-11)

Dr. F.E. Peters is a professor of history and religion at New York University and the author of the books The Children of Abraham and The Monotheists. He will present his public lecture titled “Tolerance and Monotheism: An Unhappy History.” An international expert, Dr. Peters has researched the religious history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. A book signing will follow the presentation.

Students are invited to view the book display on the Abrahamic Faiths at Snowden Library. For additional information on the Fall Symposium, visit www.lycoming.edu/symposium, or contact Dr. Cullen Chandler at 570.321.4173, or Dr. Robin Knauth at 570.321.4298.

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