Timothy Knepper – Page 18 – The Comparison Project

2017-09-27

10/08/2018: Meet My Religious Neighbor: Wat Phothisompan

Our next “Meet My Religious Neighbor” open house is on Sunday, October 8th from 10am – 12pm. It will be held at one of the Lao Buddhist temples in Des Moines, Wat Phothisomphan, which is located at 2560 SE 14^th Street.

The service will include Tak Bat, the offering of food to the monks at the temple, as well as chanting meditation, a dharma talk (“sermon”), and lunch.

Meet My Religious Neighbor is a monthly open-house series. Each open house allows the public the opportunity to tour a sacred space, learn how religion is practiced in it, and meet the congregation who worships there.

2017-09-22

10/05/2017: Miracles as Transforming Invitations to Wonder & Gratitude: An Islamic Perspective

Umeyye Isra Yazicioglu

Associate Professor of Islamic Studies, St. Joseph’s University

Thursday, October 5, 7:00 p.m.

Sussman Theater, Olmsted Center, Drake University

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Miracle stories in the Quran interrupt our familiarity with the world. In fact, the Quran (not unlike other scriptures) shocks us with stories like that of virgin birth, instant healing with touch, fire not burning and a staff becoming a serpent. Why? This talk will suggest that these miracle stories in the Quran are in fact transformative invitations to wonder & gratitude. In making this point, the talk will make use of two insightful Islamic theologians, Ghazali (11th century) and Nursi (20th century), with a focus on their approach to the Quran, natural order, and human life.

Professor Yazicioglu’s research is on interpretation of the Quran in the contemporary age, Islamic theology and spirituality, with a focus on the works of a significant Muslim theologian, Said Nursi. Her book Understanding Quranic Miracle Stories in the Modern Age (Penn State University Press, 2013) brings Muslim thinkers into conversation with Western thinkers. She is also a team member of an Islamic spirituality non-profit, Receiving Nur. Yazicioglu holds an MA in Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations from Hartford Seminary and a PhD in Religious Studies from University of Virginia.

Video of the Lecture

2017-09-01

09/14/2017: Miracles: A Philosopher’s Stance

Karen Zwier

Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Drake University

Thursday, September 14, 7:00 p.m.

Sussman Theater, Olmsted Center, Drake University

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Miracle stories are a phenomenon shared by all major religious traditions. What is a rational person to think in the face of this phenomenon? In this lecture, Professor Zwier will survey some of the ways in which philosophers have analyzed the concept of miracles and grappled with the question of the proper epistemic stance toward miracle reports.

Professor Zwier’s research deals with philosophical and scientific methodology as well as metaphysics of science. She concerns herself with questions about how—and if—metaphysical claims are engaged by empirical scientific methods. Her areas of specialty include philosophy of causation, history and philosophy of physics, and science and religion.

Video of the Lecture

2017-08-27

09/02/2017 Meet My Religious Neighbor

Our next “Meet My Religious Neighbor” open house is on Saturday, September 2nd, from 6-8pm. It will be held at the home of one of the members of the Hindu Cultural and Educational Center at 2513 E. Porter Ave in Des Moines. (This Hindu community does not yet have its own temple.)

From 6-8pm the community will perform bhajans (devotional hymns), accompanied with music and dancing. (Participants will have the opportunity also to dance!) At the end of the bhajan service, a light meal (prasad) will be served.

2017-07-03

08/12/2017: Meet My Religious Neighbor: Sikhs of Iowa Khalsa Heritage, Inc.

NOTE THAT WE HAVE PUSHED THIS BACK ONE WEEK TO SAT, 8/12

“Meet My Religious Neighbor” continues on Saturday, August 12th with an open house at the Sikh Temple in Johnston, Sikhs of Iowa Khalsa Heritage, Inc. (SIKHI). The open house will last from 10am until 1pm.

From 10am – 12pm visitors can tour the Temple and learn about Sikh beliefs, practices, and culture. From 12pm – 1pm visitors can join the members of the Temple for their congregational prayer (aardas) and meal (langar). The meal is free vegetarian meal that is served to all regardless of caste, class, or creed.

Visitors are advised to dress modestly and bring a head covering (scarves for women, kerchiefs for men). There are some kerchiefs and scarves available at the Temple.

SIKHI is located at 4820 NW 59th Ave in Johnston.