FIU Middle East Studies Center presents lecture on interfaith dialogue by renowned Islamic studies scholar


WHAT: The Middle East Studies Center of the School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University will present a lecture titled “The Modern World and the Necessity of Dialogue among the Abrahamic Religions” with renowned scholar of Islamic studies Seyyed Hossein Nasr.  Nasr will discuss the importance of interfaith dialogue in the contemporary world.  A leading advocate of such dialogue, Nasr has met with Jewish and Christian leaders, including a recent visit with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in November 2008, to foster communication among three world faiths that share historical antecedents.  The aim of interfaith dialogue is to achieve a common ground in belief through mutual respect, understanding of respective values, and commitment to world peace.

WHO:  Seyyed Hossein Nasr is University Professor of Islamic Studies at George Washington University in Washington D.C.  He is one of the most important and foremost scholars of Islamic studies, comparative mysticism and religion, and Perennial Philosophy in the world today. Author of more than 25 books and 500 articles which have been translated into many languages, Nasr is a well known and highly respected intellectual figure both in the West and the Islamic World. Nasr speaks and writes based on the doctrine and the viewpoints of “perennial philosophy” on subjects such as philosophy, religion, spirituality, music, art, architecture, science, literature, civilizational dialogues, and the natural environment.  A proponent of interfaith dialogue, Nasr’s work also seeks to establish connections among the various world faiths. Nasr is a much sought after speaker at academic conferences and seminars, university and public lectures and also radio and television programs in his area of expertise. Possessor of an impressive academic and intellectual record, his career as a teacher and scholar spans over four decades.

WHEN: April 9, 2009 at 5 p.m.

WHERE: MARC Pavilion, FIU-University Park, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami.  The event is free and open to the public.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Frank Ortoleva, program coordinator of the Middle East Studies Center at 305-348-1792 or forto001@fiu.edu.

ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST STUDIES CENTER: The Middle East Studies Center (MESC) is a component of the School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University.  MESC is devoted to research and dissemination of knowledge on various aspects of the Middle East.  The Center’s activities encompass not only what is traditionally considered “The Middle East” but also Central Asia, the Caucasus, South Asia, North Africa, and in a broader sense, the Muslim world.  The Center’s scope is broad and comprehensive, treating the Middle East as a “meta-region” and exploring critical linkages between politics, culture, religion, ethnicity, gender, migration, diasporas, resources, economics, security, and international relations.

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