Islam and Modernity

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected through technological advances, we are now beginning to appreciate the differing experiences of the world’s many cultures in their encounters with the complex of institutions and ideas that we identify as modernity. In particular, we have the new concept of “alternative modernities,” a term which goes a long way in representing the diversity of the world in encountering new realities.

Read More →

Another Modernity: Thanksgiving among Haitian Catholics

It is appropriate that Anne Barnard’s New York Times piece on Haitian Catholicism appeared on Thanksgiving, for one of the strongest themes of the Haitian Catholic Charismatic movement is gratitude. During nearly two years of fieldwork I conducted among Haitian Catholics, I was also struck by how often they thanked God for such blessings as food (however meager), life (however difficult) and faith (however severely challenged).

Read More →

Cheer, Cheer for Old Notre Dame

Series:

I’m not a cheerleader for the Fighting Irish. (I certainly don’t look like one). I’m not even Roman Catholic or a Notre Dame alum. Nor am I a Muslim. I’m not “secular” either. So perhaps I’ll be forgiven for indulging in a little rah-rah for Notre Dame and its recently initiated project on Contending Modernities: Catholic, Muslim, Secular.

Read More →

Multicultural Modernity in Montréal

A remarkable experiment in urban modernity is taking place in Canada. Seeking a humane response to the reality of global capitalism and global migration, the government of Québec has enthusiastically embraced the concept of a “social economy.” Although this concept is explicitly secular, its Catholic heritage can be seen in its commitment to social justice and the common good.

Read More →