GUEST PANELISTS
Kamal Abu-Shamsieh, PhD
Director of Interreligious Chaplaincy Program
Assistant Professor of Practical Theology
Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA
Venerable Juewei, PhD
Head of Program (Humanistic Buddhism)
Acting Head of Program (Applied Buddhist Studies)
Director (Humanistic Buddhism Centre)
Senior Lecturer
Nan Tien Institute, Sydney, Australia
Jon Paulien, PhD
Professor, Theology Area
Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Dr. George Lee
Clinical Psychologist
Lecturer, Centre of Buddhist Studies
The University of Hong Kong
Rabbi Melvin Young
Academy of Jewish Religion
Los Angeles, CA
As our world becomes increasingly globalized and interconnected, we also find ourselves increasingly isolated. Even before the pandemic, our societies were moving toward pockets of echo chambers and walled borders. Most distressing was that civil discourse gave way to shouting matches on social media and dueling partisan news media.
Bridging the Gap is a discussion panel, hosted by University of the West and organized by UWest’s Department of Religious Studies and REL Graduate Council, with the aim of constructive dialog on what it takes to reach across faith traditions, connect with the isolated, and closing the divide. The panel guests include international educators, community leaders, and spiritual advisors.
While the conversation will be primarily among these leaders, the public is encourage to add to the discussion by submitting questions, queries, and feedback on social media platforms. The hope is that this event and topic will spark conversations, even if they may be difficult. If there is no dialog, then there is no chance for understanding.
[UPDATE]
The video of the panel discussion is available here:
