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The 2025 Silber-Obrecht Lecture

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What Does it Mean to Be Human? Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Perspectives

Christian traditions develop theologies of original sin grounded in Genesis. Jewish traditions teach about competing human inclinations for good and evil in rabbinic tradition. Islamic traditions affirm the concept of fitra—an innate ability to discern goodness and recognize God from Qur’an. These differing religious views on human nature intersect/compete with various social beliefs about human rights. 

Using comparative scriptural exegesis, Rabbi Dr. Rachel S. Mikva will explore how considering the question of the human is essential when navigating religious differences today. She will use select scriptural passages (and their interpretations) to examine ideas about creation, sin, free will, and the body/soul within Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions.

The lectures and response will be pre-recorded and the links shared in March 2025 for viewers to watch at their convenience.

Programs

  • Silber-Obrecht Lectures (three videos)
    • Watch the videos of two lectures by Rachel Mikva and one response lecture by Younus Mirza. Links will be available in March 2025.
  • Conversation (live event)
    • Join Rachel Mikva and Younus Mirza in conversation on April 22, 2025 at Goucher College in Baltimore.

 

Sign up today to receive links to the recorded Lectures and Response and to receive an invitation to the April 22nd Conversation Event (in-person).

See videos and photos from the 2023 Silber-Obrecht Lecture

Program Partners