Making Meaning in a time of Media Polarization
An Inter-Religious Conference
May 30 – June 1, 2023
Available via online, in-person, and hybrid formats
Featured Media Expert Speakers
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- Peter Klein
Canadian journalist, Emmy Award-winner and founder, Global Reporting Centre - Jason Stanley
Philosopher, author of How Propaganda Works and How Fascism Works - Sarah Kendzior
American journalist, co-host of Gaslit Nation Podcast, and author of They Knew: How a Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Complacent
- Peter Klein
Peter Klein’s lecture will be free and open to the public.
Featured Interfaith Activist Speakers & Dialogue Facilitators
- Rev. Catherine Keene Merchant (Buddhist)
- Sheikh Jamal Rahman (Muslim)
- Farid Rohani (Bahá’í)
- Rev. Don MacKenzie (Christian)
- Rev. John Snow (Stoney Nakoda)
- Dr. Terry Neiman (Jewish)
- Others to be confirmed
Conference Theme
Religious and spiritual teachers help people interpret their experiences and find meaning in their lives. This work is urgently needed in our time. Radio, television, and news groups sow polarization. Social media cultivates outrage. In the public sphere, disinformation mixes freely with information. People learn narrow understandings of religion, society, and politics.
How, then, should spiritual leaders and scholars of religion proceed? How can they offer wise guidance? Help others discern ethical paths of action? Reach out across divides in mutual understanding? Draw on scriptural and traditional resources to speak with integrity?
Registration is now open
- Registration fee: Students $85/ General $175
- Financial aid available, contact LDKaplan@vst.edu
Questions?
Contact Conference Administrator Dr. Nicola Hayward, nhayward@vst.edu, or
Conference Director Rabbi Dr. Laura Duhan-Kaplan, LDKaplan@vst.edu.