Better Together, Elon's interfaith student group, will host a panel Monday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in LaRose Digital Theatre called “The Real Religulous.” The panel will focus on media representations & stereotypes of Christian Evangelicalism, Islam, and Secular Humanism. Better Together Adviser Anthony Hatcher will be the moderator.
The panelists are:
- L.D. Russell, Professor of Religious Studies and author of Godspeed: Racing is my Religion. LD is conversant with both evangelicalism and NASCAR.
- Thomas Arcaro, Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, who has conducted research into the stigma of atheism.
- Shereen Elgamal, Professor of Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies, who spent 28 years of her life in Egypt.
We will explore such questions as:
- “Why are Evangelical Christians often portrayed in the press as being right wing, owning several guns, and being anti-government?”
- “Are Atheists opposed to all religiosity and religious people?”
- “How can Muslims combat the ‘terrorist’ label?”
There will be a question and answer period following the panel discussion.
The panel is free and open to students, faculty, staff and the public. Sponsors are the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and Better Together, Elon’s interfaith cooperation organization. Better Together is an initiative of the Interfaith Youth Core.