Spiritual, Religious, Secular: Living in a Pluralistic Society

Code: IPI 5/717

Dates: May 24, 2020, May 25, 2020, May 26, 2020, May 22, 2020, and May 29, 2020

Attendance at Inter-religious Studies Conference (all via Zoom): May 24-26. Pre and Post conference class sessions (all via Zoom): May 22 & 29. Individual 1-hour meeting with instructor, scheduled before June 25.

This course offers an opportunity to prepare for, attend, and reflect on VST’s online Inter-Religious Conference on the theme “Religious, Spiritual, Secular: Living in a Pluralistic Culture.” At the conference, which will be a real-time, online event, accessed through Zoom and Canvas, presenters will explore the following theme:

Seventy-five percent of Canadians identify as religious or spiritual. What role do religion and spirituality play in public life, popular culture, and personal formation today? How do they strengthen our communal life? Or challenge it? Does political secularism support the flourishing of multiple traditions and belief systems? Can dissonances be addressed through public education, informed debate, and supportive policy? How do spiritual leaders and caregivers speak into this dynamic, pluralistic, sometimes individualistic culture? How do various cultures, traditions, and countries navigate these tensions? What is the future of an inclusive approach to faith?