Houghton College and Christ United Methodist Church Presents Conversations That Matter

HOUGHTON, N.Y. —Houghton College and Christ United Methodist Church of Olean, N.Y., presents Conversations that Matter, a series of four discussions exploring current hot topics.

Each conversation will feature a reasoned Christian approach by a current scholar, followed by time for reflection and discussion.

On Jan. 27 at 7 p.m., Houghton College Professor of History Meic Pearse will explore “Life in an Age of Global Rage: Culture & Conflict in the Post-9/11 World.” This conversation looks at how the events of 9/11 brought into our national awareness the brewing conflict between the Western world and some other cultures.

Pearse is the author of several books including “The Gods of War: Is Religion the Primary Cause of Violent Conflict?” and “Why the Rest Hates the West.” In 2005, he was invited to address the Republican Party leadership in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, meeting in retreat at The Greenbrier, W. Va., under the auspices of the Congressional Institute — a weekend at which he was introduced to President George W. Bush.

Upcoming Conversations that Matter include “Perspectives on Homosexuality: Psychology, Scripture, and the Church” on March 9, “Gods of War: Is Religion the Primary Cause of Violent Conflict?” on April 20, and “Stem Cell Research: Navigating the Moral Maze” on May 18.

Conversations that Matter is free of charge and open to the public.

Each discussion will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 633 Linwood Ave., Olean, N.Y. More information can be found at www.houghton.edu/conversations/ or by calling 585.567.9665 or 716.372.3495.