Lingua Sacra: Negotiating God-Talk in America

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Hours:	4:00 pm
Ages:	Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:	Indoor
Cost:	Free see below
Category:	Lectures/Discussions

The United States is among the most religiously diverse nations on earth and yet has comparatively little history of religious violence, in large part because of a widespread view of religion as a matter of private, not public, concern. As Thomas Jefferson famously wrote in 1781, “It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no god.

It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.” Granted strong legal protections by the First Amendment, free speech and religious freedom have come to be cherished social conventions, too, even (perhaps especially) among those who see religion as more of a public matter. Indeed, talking about God is something of a national pastime, one that in recent decades has broadened to include conversations among and about multiple religious traditions. What we say about God—and how we say it, through words and deeds—reveals much about our national character, principles, and beliefs.

Panelists:
David Belton: Writer, series director, producer Frontline/American Experience series 'God in America'

Sarah Colt: Writer, director, producer Frontline/American Experience series 'God in America'

Rachel Gordan: Doctoral candidate in American religious history, Harvard University

Cynthia L. Lyerly: Associate professor, College of Arts and Sciences, history department

Mark S. Massa, S.J.: Dean, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry

Moderator:
Erik Owens: Associate director, Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life and adjunct assistant professor of theology and international studies, Boston College

COST

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Free and open to the public

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www.bc.edu/events

LOCATION

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140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02459 map

Boston College, Cushing Hall 001