Stephen Prothero speaks on America, religion and the danger of ignorance

Although America is one of the most religious places on Earth, in reality, its citizens know little about religion. That’s the position Stephen Prothero takes in his provocative book “Religious Literacy.” The work offers solutions to what Prothero believes is a national crisis, including proposing the mandatory study of world religions in public schools.

On Feb. 15, Prothero will give a public talk on this and similar issues titled “Religious Literacy in a Furiously Religious World” at University of Puget Sound. The 7:30 p.m. lecture will be in Schneebeck Concert Hall. Entry is free, but tickets must be ordered in advance.

Prothero is chair of the Department of Religion at Boston University. His best-selling book, “Religious Literacy,” inspired a “Time” magazine cover story, and landed Prothero on “Oprah” and “The Daily Show.”

Prothero argues that the more Americans know about religion - whether or not they themselves are religious - the less likely they will be to defer, through sheer ignorance, to politicians who often frame their actions in a religious context.

Religious ignorance is not bliss, he says. It can be dangerous. Can citizens understand the war in Iraq without knowledge of Islam? Can they debate gay marriage or stem cells without knowledge of the Bible? In his talks and writings, Prothero argues that Americans do not know much about their own religions, much less those of others, and that religion should become the “fourth R” of education. Prothero feels that by teaching students in high school and in colleges about the world’s religions (in an academic sense) schools can equip them to understand American politics and world affairs. An engaging speaker, Prothero presents a balanced understanding of one of the most highly charged issues of our time.

Prothero is a frequent guest on National Public Radio, has written for salon.com and “The New York Times Magazine” and has appeared on “The Today Show” and “The O’Reilly Factor.” He is also the author of “American Jesus: How the Son of God Became a National Icon.” He earned his Ph.D. in religion from Harvard University and is a specialist in Asian religious traditions in the United States.

The lecture at Puget Sound is sponsored by the Swope Endowed Lectureship on Ethics, Religion, Faith and Values. The lectureship was established at Puget Sound through a gift from Major Ianthe Swope in honor of her mother, Jane Hammer Swope. It is intended to promote discussion, critical thinking and ethical inquiry about matters of religion, such as its role in public life and contemporary ethics.

Complimentary tickets are available now by contacting Wheelock Information Center, or by calling (253) 879-3419 for credit card orders. Seating is limited. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Please note that at 7:20 p.m. any unclaimed seats will be allocated to those waiting to attend so all unused tickets will be void at that time.

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