Interfaith conference to examine human morality and moral behavior

Human morality and moral behavior will be the focus of the upcoming Grand Dialogue in Science and Religion conference at Grand Valley.

The conference provides an inter-institutional and interdisciplinary exploration of how science and religion connect to create constructive dialogue around interfaith.

The conference will take place March 16, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Loosemore Auditorium, located in the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. The event is free and open to the public; it is sponsored by Grand Valley’s Kaufman Interfaith Institute.

The keynote speaker will Christian Miller, the A.C. Reid professor of philosophy at Wake Forest University. Miller will discuss his work in moral psychology, elaborate on ways people can live morally and virtuously, and explain how religion can play a role in the journey of improving character.

“While the various religions and even secular beliefs are often similar with respect to values and morality, we are also similar in the gap between our values and our actions,” said Douglas Kindschi, Kaufman Interfaith Institute director. “The presentation and breakout sessions will help us understand these issues and help us improve.”

Miller’s presentation will take place at 10 a.m., followed by two breakout sessions.

Throughout his career, Miller has directed nearly $10 million in projects exploring these issues, leading to authoring three books, including his most recent work, The Character Gap: How Good Are We? His work has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and Slate Magazine.

The Grand Dialogue in Science and Religion is a biennial event that seeks to reconcile science and religion with an inter-institutional, interdisciplinary, and interfaith model. The event seeks to produce constructive dialogue and encourage open discussions and mutual respect between individuals from widely varying backgrounds.

To learn more or register for the conference, visit the gvsu.edu/interfaith.

-Story written by Madison Barnes, student writer