Tuesday, March 20, 2007
7:00 p.m. – Stern Center, Great Room
Pflaum Lecture
Lamin Sanneh, D. Willis James Professor of Missions and World Christianity at Yale University History Department
The lecture will assess the role of religion in the new world order and suggest how historical study can help illuminate present-day challenges.
Co-sponsored by the history department
“Continuing the Conversation”
All are welcome to stay for The Clarke Forum’s student led follow-up discussion immediately following the presentation. Refreshments provided.
Issue in Context
The spiritual dogma of Islamic Fundamentalism that prompted the 9/11 terrorist attacks horrified individuals of all religious and ethnic backgrounds, and brought the use of violence under the guise of a religious calling to the forefront of global attention. Religious responses to 9/11 varied considerably in both the United States and in countries around the world, ranging from an increased prominence of religion in society to a newfound interest in religious studies to blatantly anti-religious sentiment. In reaction to the terrorists’ Islamic Fundamentalist beliefs, individuals were particularly curious about the Islamic faith, a religion widely known for its doctrine of peace. Unprecedented global tension with regard to religious fundamentalists prompted President Bush to call for respect toward Muslim-Americans in the aftermath of the 9/11 atrocities. In the shadow of the devastation of a religious calling, nations around the globe must now determine how to best respond to the evolving role of spirituality in the new world order.
About the Speaker
Lamin Sanneh is a specialist in Christian-Muslim relations in Africa and has authored several books and over a hundred articles on religion and history. In 2005 he published his most recent book, The Changing Face of Christianity: Africa, the West, and the World. Sanneh is editor-at-large of The Christian Century, an ecumenical weekly publication, and serves on the editorial board of several academic journals. In recognition of Sanneh’s numerous academic achievements, he was made Commandeur de l’Ordre National du Lion, Senegal’s highest national honor. Sanneh is currently the D. Willis James Professor of Missions and World Christianity at Yale University, where he is actively involved with the Yale Council on African Studies. He received his Ph.D. in Islamic history at the University of London.
Related Websites
Sanneh’s Webpage:
Articles by Sanneh:
Interview with Sanneh:
“Christianity Today†Article: