E Pluribus Unum: For Us? For the gods? For Both? – John Jones
Date: February 11, 2012
Speaker: Dr. John Jones
Position: Associate Professor of New Testament Studies & Religion, La Sierra University
Topic: “E Pluribus Unum: For Us? For the gods? For Both?”
Venue: Chan Shun Hall
Attendance: 70
Presentation: Calling religious pluralism in the U.S. a “tossed salad” of Christians (91%) & non-Christians (9%), Jones explained how the “Axial Age” (900-200 B.C.) saw major shifts in world religions (Judaism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Monotheism, Daoism) from an emphasis on rituals, liturgical formulas, rules & sacrifices to a focus on spirituality, right actions, bringing justice to the poor, & raising philosophical questions about the Golden Rule, the meaning of life, & popular devotional experiences. He also posited the idea that world religions have “evolved” and that one God might be guiding this development (citing Ellen White’s famous Prophets & Kings, 499-500 statement).
Michiana Adventist Forum 