The topic will be “Religion and Social Justice.” Fr. Freed dedicated his energies to projects of social justice in both scholarly and pastoral arenas, a dedication apparent in his book, The Experience of the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima in Poem, in which he compiled and translated the poems and experiences of Hiroko Takanashi, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Fr. Freed’s efforts toward social justice were also apparent in his daily lived experience, as he worked with Betty Kwan Chin in her outreach programs, ministered to those in need in his church and neighborhood, and taught his students that Religious Studies can and does prepare us to see and work towards increasing justice in our world.
This lecture will address some basic questions about the relationship between religious life, religious studies, and social justice. It will consider the challenges of working toward justice in the context of injustice, and how our understanding of community helps to shape the way we face these challenges.
Speakers for this event include Naomi Steinberg (HSU Lecturer in Religious Studies and Rabbi at Temple Beth El), Sara Hart (HSU Lecturer in Religious Studies), and Emily Rood (Student in Religious Studies). The speakers will each address the audience with prepared remarks, and will then serve as panelists for open discussion with those in attendance.
Members of the public are cordially invited to attend. For information, please contact Sara Hart (sjh68@humboldt.edu) or William Herbrechtsmeier (wh1@humboldt.edu).