‘Three Faiths’ Documentary Highlights, Panel Discussion
3/4/09
Maryville University will present highlights from the ground-breaking documentary, Three Faiths, One God: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 23, in the University Auditorium. A panel discussion with representatives from these faith traditions and other experts will be held in conjunction with the film clips.
The event is open to the public; there is no admission charge. Maryville University’s Campus Ministry and Community Service will host the event, along with the Faith Beyond Walls/Interfaith Partnership.
“The documentary discusses the similarities and differences between Islam, Christianity and Judaism,” said Steve DiSalvo, director of Campus Ministry and Community Service. “As we work to build greater diversity, global awareness and cultural competence, it will benefit us to become more familiar with the beliefs, traditions and practices of those within our community.”
Refreshments will follow the program. For more information, e-mail Steve DiSalvo or call him at 314.529.9521.
Panelists include:
Gulten Ilhan, professor of philosophy at St. Louis Community College – Meramec: Ilhan, a Turkish American, is involved in promoting peace, tolerance and understanding between inter-faith communities. She often addresses national and Canadian audiences on topics such as “Women in Islam” and “Freedom and Responsibility.”
Carla Mae Streeter, OP: Streeter is a Dominican of the Congregation of Catherine of Siena in Racine, Wisc. Currently, she is a professor of systematic theology and spirituality at Aquinas Institute of Theology. She is active on the Board of the Interfaith Partnership of Metropolitan St. Louis and other ecumenical and interfaith activities, and serves on the Board of ITEST, the Institute for the Theological Encounter with Science and Technology.
David Oughton, Ph.D.: Oughton has taught courses in religion and philosophy for 35 years, including courses for Maryville University for the past eight years. He is the organizer of St. Louis’ Dialogue Group of the World’s Religions and Philosophies. Oughton will moderate the panel discussion.
Annie Stevens, Ph.D., SL: Stevens teaches religious studies and human rights courses at Maryville University and Webster University, as well as English classes at St. Louis Community College – Meramec. For 20 years, she served as chair of the English department at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tenn. As a Sister of Loretto, she combines her research and teaching interests with community service learning. She has travelled and studied in Europe and Asia, and for five years participated in an interfaith (Hindu, Christian, Jewish) discussion group.
Cantor Ronald D. Eichaker: Eichaker has served United Hebrew Congregation and the St. Louis Jewish community since 1999, when he moved here in 1999 from Milwaukee, Wisc., where he was also very active in the Jewish community. He is currently a volunteer instructor at the Saul Mirowitz – Reform Jewish Academy of St. Louis and has spent the past nine years developing a deeper background in multi-cultural and cultural fusion arts.
Maryville University, founded in 1872, is a four-year, private university located in west St. Louis County. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Colleges in the Masters-Midwest category, Maryville University students may choose from 50 academic programs, including degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. Among recent graduates, 94 percent are employed or attending graduate school. More than 15,000 Maryville alumni work and live in the St. Louis region.