Parliament of Worlds Religion 1999 Capetown SA

Author(s): Parliament of the World’s Religions
Publisher: USA Parliament of the Worlds Religions

Page 62

1 9 9 9 PARLIAMENT
MAJOR PRESENTATIONS
the past 18 years. He is currently the Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois. In his nonprofessional life he has been engaged in the struggle for human rights and justice for Dalits "ex-untouchables," Neo-Buddhist, Muslims, Christians, and other minorities for the 21st century. Dr. Deepankar is also President of the New Republic of India International, and Vice President of the Association of Indians in America.
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2:00 PM-2:45 PM IN THEATER 1
Ngaga Christ Paradigm
Gomang Seratwa Ntloedibe-Kuswani
This lecture asks why the Nganga Paradigm has not been noticed, acknowledged or exploited by African theologians. The lecture will explore the Nganga paradigm with specific reference to Botswana, and proposes "Nganga (healer in Setswana) as Christ" - the savior of her or his people. The 'Ngaka Christ' proposal is made because health and well-being are the core concern of African religions.
No biographical statement available at time of printing.
2:00 PM-2:45 PM IN THEATER 6
Without Land, How Will the Spiritual Helpers Know Me?
Prof. Jennifer R. Joe
The federal government's settlement of a century-year-old land dispute in Arizona, not only displaced and dispossessed numerous Navajo families, but it also impacted their health and spiritual well-being. In this presentation, Dr. Joe will discuss some of the human and spiritual consequences for these families after being forced from their homes.
Dr. Jenny Joe is a member of the Dine (Navajo) Nation of Northern Arizona. She is a Professor in the Dept. of Family Medicine, a Medical Anthropologist, and the Director of the Native American Research and Training Center at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. She conducts research on American Indian physical and mental health issues.
3:00 PM-3:45 PM IN COMMERCE 2.57 African Origins and Unity of Religious Thought
Prof. Dr. Mathole Motshekga
This lecture traces the evolution of religious thought from predynastic Egypt through dynastic Egypt, the Hyksos, Libyan, Persian, Greco-Roman and Islamic periods. In essence, it shows how modern religions - both Western and Eastern religionswere derived from or at least influenced by ancient African Religions. This lecture strives to show the common origins of all religions, and to illustrate the potential harmony of religions which is a prerequisite for peace, security and development. No biographical statement available at time of printing.
CURATI MATRAS ZUTAB
PAKSUDAH PERSO
3:00 PM-4:30 PM IN THEATER 1 Foundations of Sikhism
Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra
Dr. Hansra will present the history and fundamentals of Sikhism by highlighting the lives of Sikh gurus and their contributions toward improving the spiritual, social, political, and economic conditions in India. The presentation will also examine the social, political, and religious climate at the time of Guru Nanal's birth.
Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra is a Professor of Physical Sciences at City Colleges of Chicago. He is former President of the Sikh Religious Society of Chicago; Trustee of the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religion (CPWR). Vice-Chair of CPWR: and Chair of IIPC CPWR.
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3:00 PM-3:35 PM IN THEATRE 3 Gathic Mysticism and Interfaith Harmony Dr. Homi Dhalla
There have been many causes that have divided religions, which has gradually led to conflicts. Today, when we are on the threshold of a new millennium, it is necessary that religions work together. Comprehending and appreciating the mystical element in the various religious traditions could foster tolerance and greater understanding amongst them. This paper attempts to shed some light on the mystical dimension of Prophet Zarathushtra's message and how this could enhance inter-faith harmony.
A researcher in the Zarathushti religion and Parsi History. Dr. Dhalla has represented the Parsi community at various international conferences for many years and presented papers on religion, ecology, peace, and interfaith dialogue. As the Founder and President of the World Zarathushti Cultural Foundation, Dr. Dhalla has initiated various projects for the preservation and spread of its culture and heritage.
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3:00 PM-3:45 PM IN THEATER 7
How to Make Life Significant
Shri Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji
This universe in which we find ourselves is a vast home. There are more planets in our Galaxy than there are people on the earth. Of what significance can this small span of 90 or even 100 years be in the midst of the vastness? The significance can be made by living a life with an open outlook in the world to what we see and experience. This presentation intends to demonstrate how life can be significant and purposeful by being charitable to all living beings, practicing Ahimsa (reverence for life), and not burdening the earth. Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji is one of the leaders of 20 million Jains. In sequence, he is the founder and the president of The Divine Knowledge Society in India: founder and president of The Jain Meditation International Center in Manhattan, New York, USA; founder and President of The Vegetarian Society in India, and founder of JAINA Jain Association in North America) which has a membership of 57 Jain Centers and 80, 000 members in North America. He was the First Jain monk to address the Summit Conference at Geneva, Switzerland in 1970, and at Harvard Divinity School in 1971. He transcended his cloistered life to carry his message of Ahimsa (reverence for life) to all of mankind, as a global citizen. He is now known as "A Man with a Global Vision."
3:00 PM-3:45 PM IN THEATER 2
Mending the World: An Ecumenical Vision for Healing and Reconciliation
Mr. Bruce Gregersen
Mending the World introduces the concept of Whole World Ecumenism, and calls the United Church of Canada into a new understanding of ecumenical relationships. In the context of exploding bombs, fragile atmosphere, polluted waters, and myriad expressions of violence, the church is called to make common cause with peoples of other faith and ideologies for the sake of the healing of creation. The workshop will explore the meaning of Whole World Ecumenism, its implications for the historic understandings of ecumenism, and for the agenda of communities of faith in today's world.
Rev. Dr. Bruce Gregersen, Interfaith and South Asia/Pacific Secretary for the United Church of Canada, the Rev. Kerry Craig, Chairperson of the InterChurch Interfaith Committee of the United Church of Canada and the Rev. Rob Hankinson, a United Church minister and leader in Interfaith organizations including the Edmonton Centre for Interfaith Action and Education. All three have contributed towards the development of the document and continue to work extensively in Canada for interfaith action and awareness.
Major Presentations