From left to right:
Dr. Christopher leighton, ICJS; Dr. Arnold Eisen, Stanford University;
Mr. Darrell Friedman, Jack Pearlstone Institute; Dr. C.G. Newsome,
Howard University; ans Mr. Gustav Niebuhr, The New York Times |
Truism: Grave concern exists in our country over fear of our differences--open
hos-tility in our cities, deep division over the values imparted
to our children, ethnic and religious antagonisms, the polarization
of political parties--all of which threaten to unravel democracy
in America. Premise: Religion has had both a positive and a negative
effect. Question: Can the ICJS apply the methods, purpose, and
lessons of its ongoing work regarding the historic antagonisms
between Christians and Jews to the sphere of interracial conflict?
 Given the reality that the ICJS is rooted in Baltimore, this issue
is not confined to philosophical speculation but finds expression
in daily life. Religion has actually fostered racism through contempt
and indifference; but it has also, through prophetic voices, inspired
the struggle toward human dignity and justice. It is not within
the scope of the Institute's mandate and resources to unravel
the political, economic, and social web that binds Religion and
Race, but two projects focus attention on this relationship, a
relationship that has received surprisingly little attention in
the academy.
"Forging Community: Three Responses to the Challenges of Ethnicity
and Religious Diversity" was supported by the Maryland Humanities
Council and took place at Temple Oheb Shalom on March 30. Dr.
Christopher Leighton (the moderator) raised the questions: "What
are the dangers that erupt when the stories of Christians and
Jews, Blacks and Whites, collide? Can we locate common commitments
that grow out of our distinct traditions? Can we discern shared
visions that enable us to see beyond our particularities?" Three
speakers, rooted in different ethnic and religious heritages,
responded: Dr. Arnold Eisen of Stanford University; Dr. C.G. Newsome,
Dean of Howard University Divinity School; and Gustav Niebuhr,
religion writer for The New York Times. All three expressed the
belief that our viewpoints are formatively shaped by the stories
we tell. Speakers and audience concurred that the search for common
ground may be "the question" for the Nineties. Nevertheless, common
ground lacks solidity when established at the expense of loss
of tradition. Audience members joined the speakers in consideration
of practical implications such as the critical role of the media
and the challenges of handing on our sacred stories to the next
generation.
The second project, pending funding, will come into existence
via the Baltimore City Life Museums' program on pluralism in the
city. As a result of input from the ICJS, their assistant director
Dr. John Durel is planning to direct an inquiry into the interplay
of race and religion. In a model which in many respects reflects
the Maryland Interfaith Project, ICJS Board member Taylor Branch
will serve as moderator of a seminar for clergy, educators, and
scholars. During the first phase these participants will investigate
ways religious groups have defined themselves with respect to
outsiders and the roles religion has played in shaping attitudes
about race relations. The second phase will entail development
of resources and exhibitions to enable different ethnic and religious
groups to come together, forge ongoing linkages, discover the
legacies we have inherited, and envision new possibilities for
the future. |