June 18, 2014 Book Discussion - The World of Faith and Freedom: Why International Religious Liberty is Vital to American National Security

During her recent visit to our church, Elizabeth Prodromou spoke about "Endangered Christian Communities in the Middle East". Her talk provoked great concern for the plight of Christians throughout the lands through which Jesus once walked and preached. These lands are the cities, countries, and regions from which our Orthodox faith emerged. The one question that predominated after the talk was, “ What can we do to help the threatened Christian communities in the Middle East and throughout the world?” One of Dr. Prodromou’s first recommendations was to be informed. To this end, The Book Discussion Group has selected The World of Faith and Freedom: Why International Religious Liberty is Vital to American National Security by Thomas Farr. From Publisher’s Weekly: “….American foreign policy … ignores religion or sees it as an obstacle to human freedom. (The author) suggests that American foreign policy is … limiting our capacity to defend ourselves by overlooking religion as a powerful influence on how nations act. He argues for a strong connection between religion and democracy, urging U.S. foreign policy makers to encourage Islamic and other religious leaders to use their own sacred texts to derive liberal norms that promote human dignity.” From the Orthodox publication, Touchstone: “Farr makes a compelling case for placing the issue of religious freedom at the center of American foreign policy.” Join us for the discussion of this very important book. It is now available in the bookstore and church library. The discussion will be held at 7:00, Wednesday June 18, 2014 on the portico of the church courtyard.