The global reach of religion

Religion and globalization, two forces that the world is acutely aware of these days, will be the theme of the third annual Fall Lecture in Culture and Social Theory Nov. 8 and its accompanying panel discussion the following day.

Peter L. Berger, an internationally recognized sociologist who is director of the Institute for the Study of Economic Culture at Boston University, will give the talk Nov. 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Minor Hall Auditorium. His address will focus on the rise of powerful religious movements with global reach and influence, both in the West and outside it. Berger is the author of many books on sociological theory, the sociology of religion and Third World development. He recently directed a 10-nation comparative study of cultural globalization thsat will be published by Oxford University Press in 2002.

The follow-up discussion will be held Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. in the Newcomb Hall Commonwealth Room. The panel will include two other guests, sociologist George Thomas of Arizona State University and anthropologist Tulasi Srinivas, also from Boston.

The events are sponsored by U.Va.’s Center on Religion and Democracy and Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture.