Religion

FOUNDATIONS LIST OF EXPERTS

Religion American culture and religion, 19th century sectarian movements, new religious movements

Dr. Brian C. Wilson, assistant professor of comparative religion Wilson has published and presented his work on topics ranging from the sociology of religion to Puritan popular culture and the role of Mormons and Christian Scientists in California history. He has served as an expert source for the Arts and Entertainment Network's "Ancient Mysteries" television series.

Comparative religions

Dr. E. Thomas Lawson, chairperson, Department of Comparative Religion Lawson is credited with developing a curriculum that became a model for the academic study of religion at universities around the nation. Active in professional organizations and on the editorial boards of professional journals, Lawson is the author and co-author of two major books on religion and has been executive editor of "Numen," an international journal of comparative religion.

Comparative study of religion, liberation theology

Dr. Rudolf J. Siebert, professor of comparative religion Siebert is the author of two major books on the critical theory of religion and has traveled and conducted research in Germany, Croatia, Greece, Spain, Poland, Hungary and the Ukraine.

Early Christian church history, origin of Christmas and Easter customs

Dr. Paul L. Maier, professor of history The author of numerous best-selling works on the origins of Christianity, Maier has explored the historical and archaeological records that supplement biblical accounts of events such as Jesus' birth, ministry and resurrection. Maier draws on this information to discuss many of the popular notions surrounding Christian holidays. Maier's insights have been sought by numerous media including U.S. News and World Report, The Learning Channel and the Arts and Entertainment Network.

Islam

Dr. David Ede, associate professor of comparative religion Ede is a scholar of medieval and contemporary Islamic thought and tradition who has lectured and published widely on such topics as the origins of Islam, women and Islam and politics and Islam. He is the editor of and a contributor to a "Guide to Islam."

Islam in Africa

Dr. Bruce M. Haight, professor of history Haight has conducted extensive research in Africa on the topics of Islam and African art history. He has been a research fellow at a Nigerian university and was named a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow at the Smithsonian.

Japanese religions, religious sects

Dr. H. Byron Earhart, professor of comparative religion Earhart has served as an expert source on Japanese religions for Time, Newsweek and major Japanese media. He is the author of two books on Japanese religions and on international religious traditions.

Politics and religion, religious freedom

Dr. Ralph C. Chandler, professor of political science and director of the School of Public Affairs and Administration Chandler has nearly 30 years of teaching experience in the areas of constitutional law, civil rights, the political process and race relations. He is also an ordained minister.

Psychology of religion, Christianity

Dr. Francis L. Gross Jr., professor of comparative religion A former Jesuit priest, Gross is the author of eight books on topics ranging from teaching young adults and searching for God to a study of St. Teresa of Avila, a 16th century mystic.

Women in religion, religion in India

Dr. Nancy Auer Falk, professor of comparative religion Falk's research on women and religion in India has been funded by grants from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as a Fulbright award. She is the author of a 1988 book on women's religious life in non-western cultures and has been active at the national level in the American Academy of Religion.

FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

First Things Kristen H. LIndbeck Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews: A Jewish Life and the Emergence of Christianity [Book Review]

The Weekly Standard January 8, 2001 Steven Lenzner Judaism and Enlightenment Books: The Modern Jewish Canon: A Journey Through Language and Culture by Ruth Wisse... Maimonides' Empire of Light by Ralph Lerner...

The American Prospect January 1-15, 2001 Richard Rothstein Vouchers in Court In a decision now headed to the Supreme Court, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the voucher program in Cleveland, Ohio, violates the separation of church and state.

Salon.com December 21, 2000 Elizabeth Hanes Perry Better pageantry through science Holiday programming hits a nonreligious apex at my kids' school....

The Atlantic Monthly January 2001 Charlotte Allen The Scholars and the Goddess Historically speaking, the "ancient" rituals of the Goddess movement are almost certainly bunk...

The Atlantic Monthly January 2001 Charles R. Morris "The Worst Thing About My Church" A compelling new history of Catholic anti-Semitism...

Asiaweek December 15, 2000 Sujoy Dhar To Bear Witness An independent filmmaker strikes a quiet blow against religious extremism in India...

TIME Europe December 15, 2000 Amany Radwan Six: Remote Control Television takes on special significance on modern Ramadan evenings...

TIME Europe December 15, 2000 Amany Radwan Four: Iftar The post-fast Ramadan meal is a time to reconnect with people you've known all your life...

TIME Europe December 15, 2000 Amany Radwan Five: Out with a Boom The firing of the historic Cairene cannon signals the end of each day's fast...