Realistic Hope: American Democracy and the 2024 Election

A Danforth Dialogues event with John Dickerson, Jamelle Bouie, Adam Kinzinger, Joy Harjo, and Valeria Luiselli

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Teaching Jewish Philosophy and Politics in the Aftermath of October 7 and the Campus Protests

A public conversation with Shira Billet (Jewish Theological Seminary)

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The Palestine Taboo: Race, Islamophobia, and Free Speech

Public lecture by Professor Sahar Aziz (Rutgers University)

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What Religion Offers Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities of Christianity and Islam in Contemporary America

An interfaith conversation with Shadi Hamid and Matthew Kaemingk on American democracy today.

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Playing Sacred: The Camp Aesthetics of Feminist and Queer Art

Final event in our series “Reverent Irreverence: Parody, Religion, and Contemporary Politics.”

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Learning to Disagree Book Event

Panel discussion on faculty member John Inazu’s new book

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Capitalist Humanitarianism: A Dialogue on Labor, Loss, and Religion

A book talk and discussion with Lucia Hulsether

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Religion and Politics after January 6

Co-sponsored event with the Department of English

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Pranksters, Standups, and Fitness Gurus: New Perspectives on Parody

Third event in our series “Reverent Irreverence: Parody, Religion, and Contemporary Politics.”

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Earthalujah! Reverend Billy and The Church of Stop Shopping: A Conversation with William Talen and Savitri D

Second event in our series “Reverent Irreverence: Parody, Religion, and Contemporary Politics.”

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The Women’s Chapel

Art exhibit and panel discussion

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Dodging the Sisters: Why Queer Nuns Keep Going Viral

First of four events in our lecture series “Reverent Irreverence:  Parody, Religion, and Contemporary Politics”

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Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America with Heather Cox Richardson

Professor of history and Letters from an American author/podcaster Richardson discusses her new book.

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Morgenthau by Andrew Meier: A St. Louis Jewish Book Festival event

The author talks about his new book portraying four generations of the Morgenthau family, a dynasty of power brokers and public officials.

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The Pope at War: The Secret History of Pius XII, Mussolini, and Hitler

Public lecture by David I. Kertzer

Sponsored with the Michael and Barbara Newmark Institute for Human Relations at the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis, St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, St. Louis Jewish Book Festival, the Office of Peace & Justice of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, St. Louis County Library, and St. Louis University Division of Mission and Identity.

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The Objects that Remain: Criminal Evidence, Holocaust Artifacts, and Work of Doing Justice

Public lecture by Laura Levitt sponsored with the Department of Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies (JIMES)

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In Conversation with Michelle Alexander

Prof. Fannie Bialek discusses the state of legal and social movements against mass incarceration with the best-selling author, legal scholar, and social justice activist.

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Why Institutions Matter: Religious Perspectives on Building and Sustaining Institutions in a Fractured Society

Panel discussion with scholars and public thinkers on institutions and religious pluralism.

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University Libraries: Faculty Book Talk by Tazeen Ali

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The Assault on Truth – and What to Do About It

A conversation with Cherie Harder, Jonathan Rauch, and Peter Wehner

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Squirrel Hill: The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting and the Soul of a Neighborhood

A public lecture by Mark Oppenheimer

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An Island Retreat: Sin, Secrecy, and the Offshoring of Sexually Abusive Priests

A public lecture by Kevin Lewis O’Neill

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Conspiracy! Evangelicals, Fear, and Nationalism in the 21st Century

A public lecture by Anthea Butler

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Arts & Sciences Major-Minor Welcome Session: Religion and Politics

Join Center faculty and staff to learn more about the minor and connect with the Center!

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“My Fugitive” Event & Discussion

30th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival

Special event (in-person) with documentarian and local media host

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Voices of the Future Deliberative Polling Event

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Arts & Sciences Major/Minor Fair

Learn about Religion & Politics and/or Religious Studies at WashU.

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Fear of the Muslim Planet: Global Islamophobia in the New World Order

A public lecture by Arsalan Iftikhar

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Religion and Politics Minors Welcome Lunch

Casual gathering for undergraduate minors with faculty and the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

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Texas and the Future of Abortion Law and Reproductive Justice

Rebecca Wanzo moderates a panel discussion with WashU faculty Susan Appleton, Marie Griffith, and Zakiya Luna.

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Congregations Building Bridges: Renewing Civic Engagement as Our Common Purpose

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Reckoning with History: Pope Pius XII and the Holocaust

A discussion with Prof. David Kertzer and Fr. John Pawlikowski

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Reading Muslims through the Culture Wars

A public lecture by Zareena Grewal

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Interpersonal Relations Across Political Divides: People of Faith Building Bridges from Polarization to Reconciliation

John C. Danforth and Matt Malone in Discussion

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Post-Election Deliberative Dialogue

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Religion and Politics Minor Information Session

Arts & Sciences Major/Minor Fair

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Why People of Faith Should Care about Immigration

Immigration & the 2020 Election

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Not Just the Wall: Barriers Faced by Migrant Communities

Immigration & the 2020 Election

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Designer Babies and Choosing Disabilities: Ethical Considerations of Deliberately Creating a Disabled Child by IVF

Boniuk-Tanzman Memorial Lecture on Jewish Medical Ethics

Dr. Daniel Eisenberg considers the traditional Jewish approach to the use of new reproductive technologies.

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Realist Ecstasy and The Disappearing Christ

Lindsay Reckson and Philip Maciak discuss their new books.

Prof. Rebecca Wanzo has a public conversation with scholars Reckson and Maciak.

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Liberty of Conscience as a Tool of Empire: England and Its Restoration Colonies, 1660-1689

A public lecture by Professor Daniel Richter, University of Pennsylvania.

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The Religion Clauses

Law Symposium

Interdisciplinary conference to explore current and future trends in the First Amendment’s free exercise and establishment clauses.

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The Judge Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Film screening and panel discussion with the filmmaker and scholars.

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The Color of Compromise

Public lecture by Jemar Tisby

Tisby talks about his book The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism and the steps believers must take to forge a future of equity and justice.

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When Islam Is Not a Religion: Inside America’s Fight for Religious Freedom

Leture by religious liberty lawyer Asma Uddin on her recent book.

Lecture by Asma Uddin followed by a panel discussion with Washington University scholars.

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James Baldwin and the Moral Crisis of American Democracy

A public lecture by Eddie Glaude Jr.

Professor Glaude examines Baldwin’s insistence that America’s race problem is a result of moral choices.

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Arts & Sciences Major-Minor Fair

Students can find out more about the minor in religion and politics.

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Overcoming Political Tribalism and Recovering Our American Democracy

A public conversation between Amy Chua and John Danforth

Danforth talks with Chua about her book Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations.

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Beyond Sides – Towards Reconciliation: Israeli and Palestinian Women in the West Bank

A presentation by photojournalist Saskia Keeley.

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First Year Students’ Fall Orientation: Academic Open House

Academic Open House

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Liberal Arts Education: What’s the Point? Robert George and Cornel West in Conversation

Professors George and West discuss the value of an education grounded in academic freedom that aims for greater connection across differences.

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Global Perspectives on Child Well-Being

Luncheon panel discussion with researchers and practitioners focused on children’s health.

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Identifying Depression: Jewish and Psychological Perspectives

Boniuk-Tanzman Memorial Lecture on Jewish Medical Ethics

A public lecture by Dr. David Pelcovitz.

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The Political Captivity of the Faithful

A Public lecture by Dr. Nathan Hatch.

American historian and university president Hatch considers the current challenge and need to understand “the other side.”

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Welcoming the Stranger to St. Louis: Religious Responses to Recent Immigrants and Refugees

Address by Anna Crosslin, President and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis, followed by a panel discussion with local religious leaders.

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Religion and Polarized Politics: Peter Wehner and Melissa Rogers on Revitalizing Democratic Pluralism

A moderated discussion between two former White House officials.

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration

Washington University’s annual commemoration event.

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A Fresh View of a Historic Presidency

An Evening with Stuart Eizenstat

A lecture, reception, and book signing with the author of President Carter: The White House Years.

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Reception at AAR/SBL Annual Meeting

Reception at Annual Meeting of the AAR/SBL

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Father’s Kingdom Film Screening and Discussion

Film screening and discussion moderated by Center professors as part of the St. Louis International Film Festival

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All In WashU

Students meet/dine with local elected leaders.

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Human Rights-Based Organizing: A Faith-Informed Response to Violence and Immigration

Noah Bullock, Executive Director of NGO Cristosal, and a panel of local clergy leaders.

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Department Open House

Joint event with the Religious Studies program.

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Michael Rakowitz Public Lecture

Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts event cosponsored by Danforth Center on Religion and Politics.

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Religion as a Conversation Starter! Embracing King’s Political Philosophy of “Somebodiness”

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death

Public lecture by Professor Jonathan Walton followed by on-stage discussion with Professor Lerone Martin.

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Religion and Politics in an Age of Fracture

John Inazu and Emma Green

Third event in a series of three discussions.

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Religion and Politics in an Age of Fracture

Eboo Patel and Ken Stern

Second event in a series of three discussions on religion and politics in an age of fracture.

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The Relevance of Religion for Leadership

How Religious Traditions Can Inform Leadership Values and Approaches

Olin Business School event cosponsored by the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics.

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Religion and Politics in an Age of Fracture

Adrienne Davis, John Inazu, and Eboo Patel

First discussion in a series on religion and politics in an age of fracture.

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What do Francis of Assisi and Francis of Buenos Aires Have in Common? A ‘Franciscan’ Perspective on the Common Good

Public lecture by Fr. Michael Perry, OFM.

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Preserving a United Nation: Moving Forward Together Despite Our Differences

A Conversation with John C. Danforth

A public interview with the former U.S. Senator from Missouri and Episcopal priest.

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Healing a House Divided

Public lecture by The Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.

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Jews and Muslims Turn Hate to Humanity: Interfaith Collaboration in Times of Religious Violence

Conversation between Andrew Rehfeld and Tarek El-Messidi moderated by Marie Griffith.

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An American Conscience: The Reinhold Niebuhr Story Film Screening and Panel Discussion

A film screening and panel discussion with the filmmaker and scholars.

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No Human Right to Sodomy: The Christian Right and SOGI Human Rights

A public lecture by Cynthia Burack, The Ohio State University.

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The Art and Politics of African American Faith

A public lecture by Josef Sorett, Columbia University.

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Work as Worship: Emerson’s Emancipating Religious and Political Journey

Thomas Lamb Eliot Lecture

A public lecture by David Robinson, Oregon State University.

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Faith and Power: Religion and the American Presidency from the Founding to Trump v. Clinton

A public lecture by Jon Meacham.

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Spiritual Values and Politics

Public lectures by Randall Balmer hosted by Second Presbyterian Church.

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Presidential Debate Hosted by Washington University in St. Louis

2016 Presidential Debate.

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Danforth Dialogues: Envisioning the Future of Religion and Politics in America

Krista Tippett will moderate conversations between Eboo Patel, Natasha Trethewey, David Brooks, and E.J. Dionne Jr.

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Student Open House

Informal reception for new and returning students.

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American Catholicism, American Politics Reconsidered

A panel discussion with visiting scholars on the topic of American Catholicism.

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Lecture by His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan

A public lecture by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York and native St. Louisan.

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Interfaith Panel on Climate Change

An interfaith panel on climate change introduced and moderated by Dr. Peter H. Raven.

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War Stories: How Religion and State Converge in the U.S. Military

Public lecture by Ronit Stahl, Danforth Center, with response by Margot Canaday, Princeton University.

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On Transparency: Christian Drug Rehabilitation Centers in Guatemala

Public lecture by Kevin Lewis O’Neill, University of Toronto as part of the Religion, Medicine,and Law Lecture Series.

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The Faith Community’s Role in Health Care

Religion, Medicine, and Law Lecture Series

A public lecture by Dr. G. Scott Morris, Church Health Center.

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Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Public Lecture and Book Signing

Public lecture and book signing.

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An Evening with John Danforth

Local launch event for Sen. Danforth’s new book.

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Paging God: Religion in the Halls of Medicine

Religion, Medicine, and Law Lecture Series

A public lecture by Wendy Cadge, Brandeis University.

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Obamacare and American Values

Religion, Medicine, and Law Lecture Series

A public lecture by David Craig, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

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The Holocaust and American Public Memory

A conversation with Fred Zeidman, Chairman Emeritus of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Council.

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Religious Freedom and U.S. Foreign Policy

A Conversation on History, Theory, and Practice

Visiting scholars discuss how religion shapes U.S. foreign relations.

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Writing in Water Film Screening and Discussion with the Filmmaker

2014-2015 Religion & Politics Film Series

Fourth and final film in the series.

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In A Communion of Shadows: Religion, Race, and Nation in Nineteenth-Century American Photography

A public lecture by Rachel Lindsey with response by Martha Sandweiss, Princeton University.

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Religious Responses to Ferguson

A panel discussion with St. Louis religious leaders.

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IQRA’ is READ Film Screening and Discussion with the Filmmaker

2014-2015 Religion & Politics Film Series

The third film and discussion in the series.

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Religion and Politics Minor: Student Information Session

Join us for pizza and conversation with faculty and staff.

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Senators John C. Danforth and Joe Lieberman in Conversation: The Role of Religion in America’s Broken Politics

Danforth Distinguished Lecture Series event moderated by Center Director R. Marie Griffith.

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John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics Reception at AAR/SBL Annual Meeting

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The Tailenders Screening & Discussion with the Filmmaker Adele Horne

2014-15 Religion and Politics Film Series

Second of four film discussions in the series.

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Religion and Politics in 21st Century America

A conference at Southern Methodist University with keynote speech by Sen. Jack Danforth.

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Why Liberals Win: America’s Culture Wars from the Election of 1800 to Same-Sex Marriage

A public lecture by Professor Stephen Prothero, Boston University.

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College of Arts & Sciences Major-Minor Fair

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Center Open House and Faculty Reception

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Divided We Fall Screening and Discussion with the Filmmakers

2014-2015 Religion and Politics Film Series

Filmmakers Valarie Kaur and Sharat Raju join the first of four film discussions in the series.

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Student Activities Fair

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Student Orientation: Center Open House

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Student Orientation: Resource Fair for Parents and Families

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Religion, Marriage, and Sexual Counterrevolutions

Keynote lecture by Rebecca Davis, University of Delaware, at a graduate student conference on sexual revolutions throughout this nation’s history.

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Food, Religion, and Politics: A Conversation on Contemporary Issues in the U.S.

A roundtable of activists, entrepreneurs, and scholars with backgrounds and expertise in various faith traditions.

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Barack Obama and the Paradoxes of Progressive Christianity (Keynote lecture of “Beyond the Culture Wars” Conference)

Keynote lecture by James Kloppenberg, Harvard University, at the Beyond the Culture Wars conference of scholars considering the most recent advances in the historical study of U.S. religion and politics.

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Let the Record Play!: The Phonograph in the Making of Modern American Religion

A public Lecture by Lerone Martin, John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics.

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What About The Establishment Clause?

A public lecture by Judge Guido Calabresi, Yale Law School.

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Center Reception at AAR/SBL Annual Meeting

Join us at the AAR/SBL annual meeting in Baltimore, MD.

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Protestant Foreign Missions and Secularization in Modern America

Inaugural Danforth Distinguished Lecture Series

The event includes public lectures in honor of the scholarship of David A. Hollinger, University of California Berkeley.

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Parent and Family Weekend Coffee Hour

Join Center faculty and staff to learn more about the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics.

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Concerning ‘Goodbye Christ’: Langston Hughes, Political Poetry, and African American Religion During the Interwar Period

A public lecture by Wallace Best, Princeton University.

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Welcoming the Stranger: A Panel Discussion on Religion and Immigration

This panel discussion assembles leaders to offer perspective on both national and local levels.

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John C. Danforth Center Open House and Faculty Reception

Meet our new colleagues and welcome the new academic year.

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U.S. Religion and Politics in Multidisciplinary Perspective

A conference to examine questions on religion and U.S. politics from various disciplinary viewpoints.

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Losing America, Trying for the World: The Origins of Global Protestantism

A public lecture by Sam Haselby, American University of Cairo.

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Islam & Muslims as American Political Footballs

A public Lecture by Arsalan Iftikhar, International Human Rights Lawyer and Founder of theMuslimGuy.com.

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Religious Equality: American Commitment or Global Ideal?

A public lecture by Christopher Eisgruber, Princeton University.

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Why are U.S. Prisons so Religious? The Ascendance of Faith-Based Programs in an Age of Punitive Incarceration

A public lecture by Tanya Erzen, University of Puget Sound.

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Making Our Voices Heard: Women’s Rights Today

A public lecture by Sandra Fluke, women’s rights activist.

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Religion and Politics in the First Modern Nation

A public lecture by George F. Will, author and The Washington Post columnist.

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Graduate Student Brown Bag Lunch: How do we wish politicians talked?

Graduate student discussion on religion and science.

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Center Reception at AAR/SBL Annual Meeting

Join us to meet faculty and find out more about the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis.

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“The ESPN-ing” of Political Reporting

A public lecture by Matt Bai, New York Times Magazine, supported by the Center.

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Redeeming the Soul of America? Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Promise of an Engaged Scholar

A public lecture by Charles Marsh, University of Virginia.

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“Conversations” – A Graduate Student Discussion

A conversation about the ways in which the Center can work for graduate students at Washington University.

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John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics Open House

An open house marking the beginning of the 2012-2013 academic year.

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International Conference – The Enlightenment Pope: Benedict XIV (1675-1758)

An international conference hosted by Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis University, and the Missouri History Museum.

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The Long Approach to the Mormon Moment: The Building of an American Church

A public lecture by Laurie F. Maffly-Kipp, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

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It’s Religion, Stupid, Not the Economy

A public lecture by the Rev. Barry Lynn, Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

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The Religious Influence in American War and Diplomacy: A History

A public lecture by Andrew Preston, Cambridge University.

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Stop Worrying and Start Sowing! The Ethics of a ‘Recession-Proof’ Gospel

A public lecture by Jonathan Walton, Harvard Divinity School.

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U.S. Evangelicals and the Congo Crisis of 1960-64: The Politics of Race, Revolution, and Persecution in Decolonizing Africa

A public lecture by Melani McAlister, George Washington University.

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Healing the Heart of Democracy

A public lecture and book signing by Parker Palmer.

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Is There Room for Mercy in the Sexuality Debates? Shifting the Terms of our Religious-Political Stalemate

A public lecture by Marie Griffith, John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics.

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Courts, Coercion, and Culture: The Meaning of Religion in Public Spaces

A public lecture by Tsvi Blanchard, National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership in New York.

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Muslim American Dissent and U.S. Politics Before and After 9/11

A public lecture by Edward E. Curtis IV, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

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The Politics of ‘Spiritual But Not Religious’ America

A public lecture by Laura R. Olson, Clemson University.

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The Spirit of the Law: Separation of Church and State from 1945-1990

A public lecture by Sarah Barringer Gordon, University of Pennsylvania.

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American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us

A public lecture by Robert D. Putnam, Harvard University.

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The Prophetic Conflict: Reinhold Niebuhr and the Second World War

A public lecture by William Charles Inboden, University of Texas-Austin.

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Can Religion and Politics Make Us More Civil and Not Just Angry?

A public lecture by E.J. Dionne Jr., the Brookings Institution and Washington Post columnist.

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Norman Mailer, William F. Buckley Jr., and the Civil Friendship That Shaped an Uncivil Decade

A public lecture by Kevin M. Schultz, University of Illinois-Chicago.

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Danforth Dialogues: Sen. Dan Coates and Sen. Bob Casey

A moderated discussion featuring Sen. Dan Coates and Sen. Bob Casey.

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Recruiting Young Love, How Christians Talk About Homosexuality

A public lecture by Mark D. Jordan, Harvard Divinity School.

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Welcome Reception for R. Marie Griffith, first Director of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics

A reception to welcome R. Marie Griffith as the director of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics.

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Navigating a Post 9/11 World: Challenges to Civil Liberties and Religious Freedom

A panel discussion held to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

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Politics in the Pews: Religious Institutions and Beliefs in American Politics

A public lecture by Eric L. McDaniel, University of Texas at Austin.

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Theological Argument in Law: Engaging With Stanley Hauerwas

A conference at Duke University supported by the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics.

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Faith and Reason: Amity or Enmity? The Life of Faith and the Moral Life

A public lecture by Robert P. George, Princeton University.

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Bridging Divides through Interfaith Initiatives – A Conversation with Rabbi Gutow and Rev. Dr. Kinnamon

A discussion on the future of interfaith cooperation featuring Rabbi Steve Gutow and Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon.

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The Holy Vote: The Politics of Faith in America

A public lecture by Ray Suarez, The NewsHour.

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A Vision for Civility – A Conversation with Members of the Center Aisle Caucus

A public discussion with members of the Center Aisle Caucus.

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A Public Lecture by Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein

2011 Adam Cherrick Lecture

A public lecture by Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein.

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Angels of Our Nature: Polarization in America and Its Challenge to Universities and Think Tanks

A public lecture by Strobe Talbott, The Brookings Institution.

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Post-Election Forum

A panel discussion on the role religion played in the 2010 midterm elections.

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God and Politics: From George Washington to Barack Obama

A public lecture by Jon Meacham was the inaugural event for the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics.

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