Is religion a purely private matter, concerned only with the interior life, or does religion also need to play a role in the public arena, in the busy marketplace of ideas? The proponents of the strictly non-political nature of religion overlook that every religion contains ethical mandates not just for individuals but also for interpersonal and communal relationships. Core religious values such as compassion and justice require people of faith to be concerned not just with themselves and their own group but with the protection of equal rights for all members of society, especially minorities. The forum will illuminate the particular reasons why their respective traditions call Muslims, Christians, and Jews to actively defend democracy.

Held on: November 2 at 6:00 PM 7:30 PM

Moderator: Dr. Reinhard Krauss, Academy for Judaic, Christian, and Islamic Studies

Presenters:

Rabbi Dr. Elliott Dorff, American Jewish University
Dr. Richard Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary
Salam Al-Marayati, Muslim Public Affairs Council

Respondents:

Yael Aranoff, American Jewish University
Winston Gee, UCLA
Kienan Taweil, Loyola Marymount University

Presenter Bio's:

Rabbi Elliot Dorff, Ph.D. - Dr. Dorff is a prominent interfaith leader in the Jewish community and a past President of the Academy for Judaic, Christian, and Islamic Studies (2015 – 2017). Dr. Dorff is the Rector and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at American Jewish University, where he has been directing the rabbinical and Master's programs since 1971.

Dr. Richard John Mouw - Dr. Mouw is an American theologian and philosopher. He held the position of President at Fuller Theological Seminary for 20 years (1993–2013) and continues to hold the post of Professor of Faith and Public Life. He received his BA from Houghton College. He then studied at Western Theological Seminary. He was awarded an MA from the University of Alberta and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

Salam Al-Marayati - Mr. Al-Marayati is nationally recognized for his commitment to improving the public understanding of Islam and policies impacting American Muslims. Salam is president and co-founder of the Muslim Public Affairs Council. He oversees MPAC’s groundbreaking civic engagement, public policy, and advocacy work. He is an expert on Islam in the West, Muslim reform movements, human rights, democracy, national security, and Middle East politics.

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