Bill Moyers believes that faith cannot exist without doubt. Now, at the end of a week of intense discussion that cast doubt on the survival of religion in America, Moyers is prepared to remark on
Rabbi Sid Schwarz likes to say he has the body of a 60-year-old, but the heart of a 20-year-old. This has given Schwarz the ability to communicate with both the younger and older generations of
As mainstream religion loses influence, Greg Epstein is working to build communities for the increasing number of nonreligious people. Epstein will explain why these communities are important for the future of faith — and society
Chautauquans heading to the Massey Memorial Organ mini-concert Wednesday should be ready to take a march. Thankfully, organist and coordinator of worship and sacred music Jared Jacobsen will be there to guide them. The concert,
The two most sacred texts in this country, the Bible and the Constitution, have been failing us for centuries. At least, that is what the Rev. Dr. Susan K. Smith, founder and leader of the
Although this week’s theme at Chautauqua Institution is “A Crisis of Faith?,” Robert P. Jones believes there is also a crisis of American identity. Jones, founding CEO of the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute, will
Martin Luther not only transformed Christianity nearly 500 years ago, he also revolutionized the creation of hymns. At 8 p.m. Sunday in the Amphitheater, the Sacred Song Service “Here I Stand” will kick off the
For 12 Christian young adults, Chautauqua is more than just a vacation. Here, they will be able to experience a multicultural exchange, faith retreat and summer camp, all in just four weeks. These young adults
It may seem hard to imagine, but E. J. Dionne Jr. believes politics is not supposed to be resentful and contentious. Dionne, a political columnist for The Washington Post, will discuss the true purpose of
The intrinsic value of archaeology is deep. In fact, it’s as deep as a Vasco da Gama shipwreck, an ancient castle of Tamerlane beneath a lake, or a Roman harbor buried in Israel. While they
Tragedy brought Douglas Birdsall, a white Presbyterian minister, and Barbara Williams-Skinner, a black civic leader, together two years ago. Since then, a larger purpose has kept them together. The pair will discuss this tragedy, the
On the steps of Smith Memorial Library on the Fourth of July, Rabbi Arthur Waskow read the Declaration of Independence aloud to Chautauquans. On Wednesday, he will ponder what Thomas Jefferson may have written in
On the nation’s birthday, former ambassador James Joseph is prepared to remind Chautauquans of what it means to be truly patriotic. At 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Hall of Philosophy, Joseph will give a lecture
Khalid Qazi reached out to his neighbors in the 1970s when no one else in his Muslim community would. Now, he wants all Americans to do the same. At 2 p.m. Monday in the Hall
While the Tallman Tracker Organ is Chautauqua Institution’s smaller organ, it is also the most patriotic. At 12:15 p.m. Monday in the Hall of Christ, Jared Jacobsen will create a uniquely American experience for the
Former United States president Theodore Roosevelt once called the Chautauqua movement “the most American thing in America.” Jared Jacobsen said he couldn’t agree more, especially this Fourth of July. To kick off the Fourth of