Rethinking Religion and World Affairs: A Conversation with Karen Armstrong

Issues of religion and world affairs are as salient in the media today as in 2006 when the Berkley Center was founded. And unfortunately much of the news is still negative. Still, there is every reason for hope. The religious people who comprise about four-fifths of humanity overwhelmingly reject faith-inspired violence and identify with values of justice and peace. And religious institutions-communities of worship, schools, hospitals, and aid organizations of different kinds-take roles in world affairs that affirm the essential dignity of human beings and advance the common good. How can we better tap the positive currents within and across traditions to advance deeper interreligious understanding? And how should we think about-and act on-the changing relationship between religion, violence, and peace in today’s world? The Berkley Center Tenth Anniversary Symposium convened thought leaders and practitioners to address these crucial questions. The symposium was preceded by a keynote address by Madeleine Albright on the afternoon of April 7.