Jamal J. Elias, Walter H. Annenberg Professor in the Humanities and Professor of Religious Studies and of South Asia Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, will discuss how Islam is one of the world’s largest religions and one of the most influential global forces of our time. Yet religions – as sets of beliefs or as social practices – are not monolithic and static, nor does a religion exist independent of its expression in human life. This lecture will introduce Islam as it is lived and practiced today, paying special attention to the ways in which Muslims attempt to negotiate their lives as a combination of constant change and the desire to remain faithful to notions of piety and virtue located in an idealized past.

Apart from the ongoing academic lectures and programs at the Middle East Center, this six-part lecture series at the Camden County College is part of Center’s community college outreach initiatives. Our past programs with the Camden County College included topics such as arts, history, culture, and religion in the Middle East.

It is free and open to public. NJ Professional Development Credits (CEU) are available for educators.