The Rumi Forum presented “Pluralism as a Belief not a Convenience” with John O. Voll, Professor of Islamic History and Associate Director of the CMCU at Georgetown University.
Dr. Voll discussed pluralism as belief, not convenience. He explained that pluralism, aside from being a feel-good term, is an ideology that moves beyond tolerance. It acknowledges real diversity in the world, embraces that diversity, and in its truest form is a necessary ideological structure for human survival.
Dr. Voll noted the necessity of pluralism in our 21st century society where cultures and faiths recognize no set boundaries. While some may feel that pluralism cannot be reconciled with religion, Dr. Voll has found evidence within the scriptures of the Abrahamic faiths that pluralism and diversity are in fact perceived positively within these three religions. He ended his lecture by affirming that pluralism should not only be viewed as a strategy for survival, but more importantly, as a opportunity to network our strengths and come together as a diverse, yet unified people.
John O. Voll is Professor of Islamic History and Associate Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University. He is a specialist in modern Islamic history and the author of Islam: Continuity and Change in the Modern World and a number of other books and numerous articles. He is a past president of the Middle East Studies Association and has done research on Islamic movements in sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia as well as in the Middle East. At Georgetown University, he teaches survey courses on Islamic and African history as well as advanced courses on Islamic movements and modern Muslim thought.
Moderator :
Amira Rosenberg received her BA from New York University’s Gallatin school. She received her Master’s in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School. Amira is currently an adjunct professor in the Theology department at Georgetown University. Additionally, Amira is an active participant in the Rumi Forum in Washington, D.C.