Harvard Thinks Big: "Religion in the Age of Pluralism" - Diana Eck

Summary

In this engaging talk, Diana Eck emphasizes the vital importance of studying religion in today’s pluralistic world. She highlights how religious literacy equips individuals to navigate the complexities of cultural and faith diversity, from local communities to global events. Drawing on personal experiences in Asia and observations of shifting demographics in the U.S., Eck illustrates how religious differences shape social, political, and urban life. She argues that pluralism is more than tolerance—it requires understanding, engagement, and relationship-building across differences. Ultimately, she invites everyone to actively participate in the project of pluralism, fostering a more informed, empathetic, and interconnected world.

Takeaways

• 🌏 Religion is essential to understanding and navigating the pluralistic world we live in today.
• 📚 Religious literacy benefits everyone, not just scholars or religious individuals.
• 🕌 The world is increasingly shaped by religious diversity, migration, and cultural change.
• ⚖️ Pluralism is the challenge of our time, requiring engagement across differences, not just tolerance.
• 🔥 Historical and contemporary religious conflicts show both the power and dangers of faith.
• 🙏 Personal experiences, like studying religion in India, can deepen understanding of human spirituality.
• 🏙️ Urbanization brings challenges and opportunities for religious and cultural engagement in cities.
• 🤝 Pluralism is about building relationships and understanding with people of different faiths and backgrounds.
• 💡 Effective pluralism requires knowledge, empathy, and active participation in communities.
• 🌐 The age of pluralism demands engagement from individuals, institutions, governments, and societies worldwide.
• 🛤️ Following guidance from thought leaders and spiritual figures can inspire meaningful participation in pluralism.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the transcript and what is her main purpose?

The speaker is Diana Eck, and her main purpose is to encourage the serious study of religion as essential for understanding and engaging in the age of pluralism.

What does Diana Eck mean by the 'age of pluralism'?

The 'age of pluralism' refers to the current era where people of diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds coexist and interact, requiring knowledge and engagement across differences.

Why does she emphasize religious literacy for everyone, not just scholars or religious individuals?

Eck argues that understanding religion is critical for everyone because religious currents influence global events, local communities, politics, and social interactions, affecting all aspects of life in a pluralistic world.

What examples does Eck provide to illustrate the global impact of religion?

She mentions street demonstrations in Taiwan, Christian protests in India, a massive Shiite pilgrimage to Kerala, and migration shaping religious landscapes in cities like London, Houston, and Boston.

How did Diana Eck’s personal experiences influence her interest in studying religion?

Her interest began during the Vietnam War when she witnessed the self-immolation of a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, which highlighted the human suffering caused by conflict and inspired her to study religion and Asia.

What role do religious communities play in shaping cities and nations according to Eck?

Religious communities contribute to the cultural, ethnic, and social diversity of cities, influencing local policies, community interactions, and debates over identity, property, and representation.

How does Eck differentiate pluralism from diversity or tolerance?

Pluralism is more than just acknowledging diversity or practicing tolerance; it involves active engagement, understanding, and building relationships across differences without requiring agreement.

What examples does Eck provide of local religious engagement in Boston and the US?

She cites Hindu temples in Chicago, mosques in Ohio, Vietnamese populations near St. Ambrose Church in Boston, and disputes over purchasing church properties in suburban communities.

What challenges does Eck identify in the context of urbanization and pluralism?

Eck highlights that while urbanization brings issues like hunger, disease, pollution, and housing, it also creates complex human ecologies involving ethnic and religious communities that require thoughtful engagement in pluralism.

What is the ultimate call to action that Eck makes to her audience?

Eck invites her audience to actively participate in the study and practice of pluralism, engaging with diverse communities, fostering understanding, and contributing to a future where relationships across differences are nurtured.

How does Eck connect historical events to contemporary religious pluralism?

She connects events like the Vietnam War and Cambodian refugee resettlement to the ongoing changes in religious demographics, showing how historical migration and conflict shape the pluralistic landscape of cities today.

Why does Eck argue that studying religion is a challenging task in the humanities?

She notes that understanding someone else’s faith requires navigating deeply held beliefs and cultural practices, which is intellectually and empathetically demanding but essential for engaging in a pluralistic world.