Altruists Without Borders : The Concept of Service in Contemporary Society - Has Ended

Is the notion of Altruism changing? How has the idea of serving contemporary society become different than what it was in the past? What role do faith communities still have in serving wider society in today's increasingly polarised world?

As part of his tour for his recently published book on controversial Muslim scholar Fethullah Gulen, Prof Jon Pahl together with Harry Oppermann and Shan Gunawardena from Canberra's Interfaith Community are going to discuss the notion of Altruism and Service as members of the Abrahamic faiths. They will consider these ideas through their own experiences and people of faith and service, and reflect their thoughts on Prof Pahl's book 'Fethullah Gulen: A Life of Hizmet'. 

Join us for what will be a robust and important discussion.

A light dinner will be served at 17:30 which will be followed by the program at 18:00

Professor Jon Pahl

Dr. Jon Pahl is a historian of religions and Professor at United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia/Gettysburg. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Divinity School. In addition to his recent biography, Fethullah Gülen--A Life of Hizmet: Why A Muslim Scholar in Pennsylvania Matters to the World, Dr. Pahl has authored or edited seven books, notably Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Spaces and Empire of Sacrifice: The Religious Origins of American Violence. Jon has spoken with audiences around the globe, and he has worked as a progressive community activist with many agencies, most recently as a pastor at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Jon lives with his wife, Lisa, on a lake and woods where he enjoys gardening, relaxing with his extended family, and playing jazz as an avid amateur saxophonist.

Harry Oppermann

Shan Gunawardena

For catering purposes please RSVP by Monday 26th of August 2019