Annual Al-Alwani Lecture Success

On February 13,  Dr. Waleed El-Ansary of Xavier University lead off the third annual Al-Alwani lecture for the Washington Consortium. Waleed challenged the full house to consider how self-serving economic theory had become, without further grounding in philosophy and spiritual principles.   He drew upon the Small is Beautiful economist, EF Schumacher to critique the utilitarian and anti-green nature of economists, and reviewed Muslim principles on economic life--which serve broader human interests, the planet, and God.   It was a stunning presentation--soon available on our website!

Dr. Rich Jones from the Consortium followed with a stirring and person-centered account about economic life, work and human fulfillment.   It was a wonderful "micro" complement to the "macro" presentation of Dr. El-Ansary.

We were delighted to partner with the El-Hibri Charitable Foundation who hosted this event at their beautiful center in D.C. for this year.  The crowd of 70 or more came from area religious leaders, faculty, students, and public policy personnel from a wide range of Christian and Muslim communities.   Many thanks to the Heritage Trust for making this annual lectureship possible!

Brad Gregory visits Consortium with "Unintended Reformation"

Brad Gregory of Notre Dame is a very smart guy. With one book, he has upended the paradigm of understanding the Reformation by analyzing it as the seedbed of the Enlightenment and contemporary secularization.

Dr. Gregory gave a preview of his new book at Virginia Seminary with Consortium history colleagues earlier this month. He argues that the Reformers tried to continue the medieval ideal of a society united by religion, but because of doctrinal differences, shifting ecclesiologies, the growing independence of science, the philosophical mediation of religious difference, and the gains of "the goods life" of production and consumption (nice pun!), the Reformers actually laid the groundwork for modern/postmodern secular society.

The problem is, this is largely a bad thing in Gregory's view, and when asked about his downward view of history (as opposed to the upward narrative of progress) he admits that he has developed a critical eye. He especially targeted modern consumerism and its feeding of egoism at the expense of the social good. The Protestant Spirit and Capitalism are no longer such a happy couple for the globe today! The presentation was insightful and passionate, however, and Gregory does find hope in the renewal of civic-minded, intellectually substantive religion in some quarters.

The book is so well documented and argued, and with such eloquence, that I highly recommend everyone read it! The Unintended Reformation: How a Religious Revolution Secularized Society (Harvard Press). Kudos to Jonathan Gray and VTS for bringing Gregory to us!

Muslim and Christian Views on Jobs and Meaning of Work--Feb 13

Friends of Muslim-Christian relations will gather next Monday, 4:00-6:00 at the El Hibri Charitable Foundation (1420 16th Street NW, DC--a few blocks east of Dupont Circle). Dr. Waleed El-Ansary, an expert in Muslim Economics form Xavier University, and Dr. Richard Jones, director of Muslim-Christian studies for the Washington Theological Consortium, will present distinct views on "Good Work and Good Works":  the importance of work and its meaning in the eyes of God.

Join us for this wonderful opportunity to network with Muslim and Christian neighbors who care about building bridges, hear inspiring presentations, and enjoy a hearty reception afterward!   Please RSVP   wtc@washtheocon.org

Ecumenism Lives at Figel Address

For those who think Ecumenism is waning, they should have been with us last Thursday night at the Washington Theological Union. A truly ecumenical community of 70 plus gathered for the Prayer Service for Christian Unity at Washington Theological Union, followed by the Consortium Ecumenism Award and Figel address, given by Dr. Margaret O'Gara of the University of St. Michael's College in Toronto. Students from the Consortium Student Board planned and beautifully lead the Prayer Service, which featured a wonderful homily by Fr. James Gardiner of the Graymoor Friars, who founded the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity over 100 years ago. During the service, two students were recognized for completing the Certificate in Ecumenism: Amy Feira of Luther Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, and Desiree Kameka, of Wesley Theological Seminary.
Dr. O'Gara gave an outstanding address, which focused on the mutual gifts received by churches who are involved in bilateral dialogues, which she framed as "Dialogues of Transformation." This theologically rich and well documented account of how various communions: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Mennonite, Anglican and Disciples--have corrected misunderstandings, exchanged gifts, and explored new forms of mission and authority was inspiring and hope-giving. Dr. O'Gara decades of personal experience and scholarship were apparent, and requisite for getting past significant impasses--like misunderstandings of Eucharistic tradition or understandings of grace--and forging new levels of understanding and at times consensus. The address will be available on the WTC website soon. Our thanks to Jack Figel who makes all this possible!