During winter term, the Department of Religious Studies and the Catholic Studies Program both sponsored annual lectures with notable religious thinkers. The events centered on the discussion of religion and ethics in a modern society.

From left, Barbara Cushing, Gary Dorrien and Ralph Cushing.

The Ralph and Barbara Cushing Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted by the Department of Religious Studies, featured Columbia University Ethics Professor Gary Dorrien. At the March 19 lecture, "The Making of Social Ethics: Peabody, Pickering and the Politics of Color," Dorrien stressed the need for the development of social ethics as a discipline in the United States.

Religious Studies Professor and Chair James Tubbs said, "The lecture was received very well. It was thoughtful and included the work of former UDM Religious Studies Professor George Pickering."

Acclaimed sociologist Robert Bellah of the University of California, Berkley discussed "The Challenge of Secularism: Is God Absent?"

Sociologist Robert Bellah (left) and Director of Catholic Studies Si Hendry, S.J.

According to UDM Director of Catholic Studies Si Hendry, S.J., Bellah's talk examined how to "find God in new ways and also to find a sense of each other in liturgy, community and the sacrament of the Eucharist." The talk, which took place April 3, was followed by a lunch and informal conversation with Bellah, faculty and students on April 4.

To hear the Bellah lecture in its entirety, go to the UDMcast.

For more information regarding Religious Studies events, please contact James Tubbs at tubbsjb@udmercy.edu or call 313-578-0355. For Catholic Studies information, please contact Fr. Si Hendry at sihendry@udmercy.edu or 313-578-0352.