Public Square - Summer Series

Public Square - Summer Series

The Future of Religion

For centuries, Western thinkers assumed that religion would decline throughout the world as scientific ideas spread and replace "superstition" with modern, rational, secular ways of life.

In recent decades, however, that assumption has faded. Across the globe, religion remains an influential force, one that impacts how we view ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

As new forms of worship and belief continue to evolve in the twenty-first century, we have asked thought leaders from a variety of religious traditions to talk about the future of religion. What trends will influence how people across the spectrum of faiths worship and practice? What are the challenges and opportunities that will confront faith leaders? What are the controversial issues? Will cooperation or conflict between religions be dominant in the years ahead? What reform movements will shape the future of belief?

Essays will tackle such subjects as race, interfaith relations, blogging, theological controversies, gender issues, proselytizing, music, emerging movements, politics, and film.  

The Future of Religion Series schedule is:

June 28 - The Future of Hinduism

July 5 - The Future of Buddhism

July 12 - The Future of Judaism           

July 19 - The Future of Christianity: Catholicism

July 26 - The Future of Christianity: Mainline Protestantism

August 2 - The Future of Christianity: Evangelicalism

August 9 - The Future of Christianity: Mormonism

August 16 - The Future of Islam

August 23 - The Future of Paganism

August 30 - The Future of Humanism

September 6 - The Future of Religion

Each week, we'll be featuring short essays by prominent thought leaders, written for a general audience. Please join us for this exciting new series.