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Speakers look at major religions World religions to be explored in UD symposium

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By Meredith Moss, Staff Writer 5:59 PM Friday, January 22, 2010

DAYTON — For the past 30 years, the Rev. David Fleming has spent much of his time working in India.

“It has given me an appreciation and realization that each religion is a living thing,” says Fleming, who teaches at a University of Dayton program in that country. “In order to have a harmonious relationship with those around us we need to understand and appreciate their values and religious motivations.”

Fleming is hoping an upcoming three-part series at UD will aid in that goal. The symposium, “Living Traditions,” will explore five major world religions and the importance of interfaith dialogue. It’s free and open to the public and will take place on Jan. 26, Feb. 3 and Feb. 11.

The University of Dayton faculty members who will serve as panelists are Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim practitioners.

“There is a lot of religious strife in the world today,” says Patricia Johnson, alumni chair in the humanities and event sponsor. “It’s important for people to openly discuss their religious commitments and share their experiences so we can relate to one another. When we understand each other, we get along better.”

The symposium will kick off with a panel discussion on Jan. 26. Speakers that evening include Elizabeth Harrison, Learning Teacher Center faculty member on Buddhism; Joseph Castellano, accounting professor, on Catholicism; Monish Chatterjee, engineering professor, on Hinduism; Myrna Gabbe, philosophy professor, on Judaism; and Muhhamad Islam, mathematics professor, on Islam.

Panel members will discuss how their religious traditions impact their life choices. A question-and-answer session facilitated by David O’Brien, professor of Faith and Culture, will follow.

“I’ll explain the basics of Buddhism and what it means to live that way,” says Harrison. “We’ve also been asked to talk about what’s difficult about living in this country within our particular religion.”

Part two of the symposium includes a discussion on Buddhism led by Lama Kathy Wesley of the Columbus-based Karma Thegsun Choling Tibetan Buddhist Center.

At the final session, Fleming will wrap up the symposium with a discussion on the importance of interfaith dialogue.

“This is becoming a world-wide issue,” he says. “Everywhere we have more and more cultural and religious diversity. I hope anyone who comes will get a better understanding of the genuineness of other religions.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.