Lecture Series to Focus on the Expansion of Religious Diversity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 20, 2008
MARIA SIKORYAK-ROBINS
DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS

FAYETTEVILLE, NC—Two lectures focusing on religious diversity will be open to the public at Methodist University, Monday, February 25, 2008. Dr. Stephen J. Stein, Chancellor’s Professor, Emeritus, at Indiana University, will speak on “Alternative Religious Movements in American History” at 11 a.m. and on “Reflections on the Globalization of American Religion” at 2 p.m. Dr. Stein’s presentations are part of the annual Womack Lecture Series, which will take place in Yarborough Auditorium in Clark Hall (11 a.m.) and the Science Auditorium (2 p.m.). There will be a luncheon at noon. The event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Stein has edited three volumes in the Yale University Press edition of The Works of Jonathan Edwards, co-edited with Catherine L. Albanese a series on “Religion in North America” published by Indiana University Press, and edited with Bernard McGinn and John J. Colins The Continuum History of Apocalypticism (New York: Continuum International Publishing Group, 2003). He also recently authored Communities of Dissent: A History of Alternative Religions in America (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003) and The Cambridge Companion to Jonathan Edwards (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007). Dr. Stein was the recipient of the Indiana University Trustees Award for Teaching Excellence in 2003.

The Womack Lecture Series strives to promote public awareness of religious scholarship by bringing an expert in the field of religion, philosophy, or ethics to Methodist University. The series recognizes the university’s commitment to religion and its ecumenical spirit.

Methodist University is an independent four-year institution of higher education with over 2,100 students from 41 states and 30 countries. Methodist University offers over 70 majors and concentrations, three master’s degree programs, and 19 NCAA III intercollegiate sports. For more details or to RSVP for the luncheon at noon, contact Dr. Steven Brey, assistant professor of religion, at (910) 630-7090, or e-mail