Berkley Center

From 2010 to 2013, Rev. Jim Wallis taught a Georgetown course addressing questions of faith, social justice, and the political process through a series of topical classes. It is often said that racism is America’s “original sin.” In 2013 the United States marked 150 years since the Emancipation Proclamation and 50 years since the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s momentous “I have a dream” speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Yet race remains salient in American public life. This was never more evident than in the impassioned reactions to the shooting of Trayvon Martin in Florida in 2012 and the acquittal of George Zimmerman. How is religion a force for racial reconciliation? How is religion involved in maintaining racial division? Does 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning remain, as Dr. King lamented in a 1968 sermon at the Washington National Cathedral, “the most segregated hour in America?” As immigration and changing demographics have reshaped the religious landscape, how will Christians relate to their neighbors of other faiths? In this class Rev. Wallis leads a study of important stories of shared history, theological similarities and differences, and aspirations for social justice that both Christians and Muslims share as communities of faith. Religious differences provide fertile ground for animosity and misunderstanding. Over the years, both Muslims and Christians have dealt with extremists who distort the character of true belief. Significant, intelligent dialogue and the development of authentic friendships across religious lines are key to deepening Christians’ and Muslims’ faith. Dalia Mogahed was a featured guest speaker on the topic.