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CSUN’s Center for Ethics and Values to Host ‘Religion and Violence’ Conference

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Feb. 26, 2006) — History is filled with stories of people using violent means to assert their religious beliefs. Thus, society often avoids discussion about religion to prevent disagreements. The complexities of violence within religion will be explored next month at Cal State Northridge’s "Religion and Violence" conference.

The "Religion and Violence" conference will take place in the Presentation Room of the Oviatt Library from 3-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14 and Friday, March 16. The two-day forum, sponsored by the university’s Center for Ethics and Values, the departments of philosophy and religious studies, the Oviatt Library and the Global Village, will examine how violence is often perpetrated in the name of religion.

Panelists will discuss the roles Islamic, Jewish, Christian and Buddhist religions have played in raising or ameliorating the levels of conflict in regions around the world.

"The conference will provide a good arena and opportunity for people to voice, discuss, and think more about the relationship between religion and violence in the world today," said Northridge religious studies assistant professor Kenneth Lee. "The theme is timely and much needed, particularly to clear up any misunderstandings about the beliefs and practices of devout Muslims versus terrorists who use religious rhetoric to justify their actions."

On Wednesday, March 14, Aryeh Cohen of the University of Judaism will present "The War of Torah: Variations on a Theme" and Joseph Runzo of Chapman University will discuss "Christianity and War: A History and Ethics of Extreme Violence."

Amir Hussain of Loyola Marymount University will present "The Complexities of Muslim Violence" and Northridge’s Lee will talk about "Buddhist History and Perspectives on Violence" on Friday, March 16.

Northridge philosophy professor James Kellenberger will moderate all of the sessions.

Admission is free and open to the public. Parking is $4 and available in lots B3, B4 and B5 on Darby Avenue or G4 on Zelzah Avenue.

For more information, call 818-677-4854 on Tuesday and Thursday between 12:30-1:30 p.m. or e-mail james.kellenberger@csun.edu.