4/16
Kristina García
News Officer
klg@upenn.edu
Religious Studies
Integrating tough questions about the intersection of race, religion, and politics
Integrating tough questions about the intersection of race, religion, and politics
Through student discussions and outside lectures, one SNF Paideia Program course examined the Jewish experience, the history of prejudice, and intersectionality in Jewish identity, among other topics.
‘Then and Now: Black-Jewish Relations in the Civil Rights Movement’
‘Then and Now: Black-Jewish Relations in the Civil Rights Movement’
Professor of religious studies Anthea Butler gave an overview of shared history and discussed next steps in “Then and Now: Black-Jewish Relations in the Civil Rights Movement,” an event hosted by the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies.
Pope Francis supports same-sex unions
Pope Francis supports same-sex unions
The Catholic Church has long stated that marriage is between a man and a woman, a position Pope Francis supports. Melissa Wilde and Anthea Butler discuss the Pope’s recent support of civil unions that ensure legal rights for same-sex couples.
Across U.S. Catholic archdioceses, child protection policies vary widely
Across U.S. Catholic archdioceses, child protection policies vary widely
A report from CHILD USA, led by Professor of Practice Marci Hamilton, found that such policies lack uniformity, aren’t comprehensive, and often don’t take a victim-centered approach.
A food journey across the Middle East
A food journey across the Middle East
During a summer internship with Professor Heather J. Sharkey, four undergrads studied oranges, olive oil, coffee, and sorghum in an effort to understand their political, nutritional, and emotional value to the region.
Understanding death
Understanding death
In the latest episode of Penn Today’s “Understand This ...” podcast series, assistant professor of Religious Studies Jolyon Thomas and Director of Pastoral Services James Browning explore dialogues around death.
This is your brain on religion
This is your brain on religion
Saachi Datta is combining her passion for religion and science on her path to becoming a physician.
Final chapter in a pandemic’s shadow
Final chapter in a pandemic’s shadow
Historian David Ruderman was set to publish a new book and celebrate his retirement. Then the pandemic hit.
When Malcolm X came to Penn
When Malcolm X came to Penn
On this Malcolm X Day, his 95th birthday, Penn Today reflects on his visit to the University in January of 1963, and his life and legacy.
A unique fellowship for Middle Eastern languages
A unique fellowship for Middle Eastern languages
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, the Foreign Language and Area Studies Program (FLAS) offers undergraduate and graduate-level academic year and summer fellowships to Penn students studying Middle Eastern languages.
Media Contact
In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer
‘Muslim-ish’: For less observant Muslims, Ramadan remains a cherished ritual
Jamal Elias of the School of Arts & Sciences comments on the percentages of Muslims who practice their religion by praying five times a day, wearing the hijab, and eating halal food.
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The Conversation
For 150 years, Black journalists have known what Confederate monuments really stood for
Donovan Schaefer of the School of Arts & Sciences says that journalists at Black newspapers have historically criticized Confederate monuments for falsely enshrining Southern myths about why the Civil War was fought.
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AP News
A court in China sentences a famed Uyghur scholar to life in prison, foundation says
A former Penn lecturer specializing in the study of her people’s folklore and traditions has been sentenced to life in prison.
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CNBC
I lived like a monk for 48 hours, and it helped me break three of my worst habits—here’s how
Justin McDaniel of the School of Arts & Sciences explains the benefits of his class “Living Deliberately,” which requires students to observe a code of silence and abstain from using electronic communications.
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The Nation
Gospel of a new Christian left
Anthea Butler of the School of Arts & Sciences says that slaveholder Christianity was central to the postbellum mythology of the South, with the Klan a symbol of white Christian nationalism.
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The New York Times
Religious freedom arguments underpin wave of challenges to abortion bans
Marci Hamilton of the School of Arts & Sciences says that the Satanic Temple’s abortion-related lawsuits are helpful for countering the religious right with a faith whose rights are being violated.
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