The Weekly Fellows’ Post
Secularism in Interfaith Work – Gwen Salm
When people hear the word “interfaith” they do not typically think about the secular population. A common misconception is that the secular community, especially atheists, do not care about interfaith issues. This stems from a misunderstanding that all atheists are immoral or anti-theist (against belief in a higher power). The word “atheist” is stigmatized. One of my goals as a secular fellow for the CRGC is to break that stigma.
I have been asked a few times: “how can the secular community be included in interfaith dialogue?” My response is simple and sincere: “use inclusive language.” In regard to dialogue on belief systems or lack thereof, the “or lack thereof” part of the question is usually not voiced. The CRGC held an interfaith potluck and provided questions to promote the interfaith dialogue in small group discussion format. The phrasing “religious, atheist, or humanist” was used in question construction, which made all the difference, as far as secular inclusivity.
Interfaith Fellows' Blog Posts
Secularism in Interfaith Work – Gwen Salm
When people hear the word “interfaith” they do not typically think about the secular population. A common misconception is that the secular community, especially atheists, do not care about interfaith issues. This stems from a …
February 18, 2019Yes, I’m American – Ufaira Shaik
“Where are you from?” she asks me as I pay for my Gatorade. “Wisconsin,” I respond automatically, wondering if I should make a joke about not finding a bubbler here in Florida. She glances at …
February 11, 2019Ah Yes, The Age-Old Tradition of the Hanukkah Bush – Peyton David
Before I came home for Winter Break, my mom texted me a picture of our “Hanukkah bush.” I would argue that this is a full-blown tree. I keep laughing at the ridiculousness of it all …
February 4, 2019Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – Noa Rose
“Round and round we dance, we hold each other’s hands and weave our lives in a circle, our love is strong; the dance goes on” I had the great pleasure of honoring Dr. King’s legacy …
January 28, 2019Really Listening – Emma Lai
Being with the Center for Religion and Global Citizenry this semester has been informative and enlightening, not only in my understanding of different faith and non-faith traditions, but also in listening. Talking about such a …
January 21, 2019- More Interfaith Fellows' Blog Posts posts
The Center in the News
Fernweh and Home – Ulrich Rosenhagen
Our Center Director Ulrich Rosenhagen is on Fernweh and Home, a podcast produced by two UW students. It aims to celebrate, document, and encourage the German-American relationship. Professor Rosenhagen discusses our center, the role of …
February 12, 2019
Madison area children participate in MLK Day faith event aided by CRGC Fellows
MADISON (WKOW) — Children across Madison celebrated faiths of all kinds Monday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. First Congregational UCC, in conjunction with Beth Israel Center, Madinah Academy of Madison, and Madison …
January 26, 2019Spirituality Seekers
The director of the CRGC, Ulrich Rosenhagen, was interviewed for the online magazine CURB for a story on religion and fear. In the middle of the night, David Giffey woke, grabbing for his rifle next …
December 6, 2018
Photos from the Interfaith Potluck
Thank you all for joining us tonight at our second annual Interfaith Potluck! It was a wonderful opportunity to meet others on campus and start building an Interfaith Network together!
December 1, 2018“Theological Responses to Interreligious Dialogue” at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto
CRGC Director Ulrich Rosenhagen together with Rita Sherma, Amir Hussain, Karma Lekshe Tsomo, Alan Brill, and John Pawlikowski after their panel on “Theological Responses to Interreligious Dialogue” at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in …
November 8, 2018- More The Center in the News posts
