Hindu Times

USC has appointed a Hindu as Dean of Religious Life, the first time a major US campus has nominated a leader from this particular faith to be the chief spiritual leader. Soni follows Rabbi Susan Laemmle who was the first non-Christian to lead the religious life of a major university in America. I don't know whether this reflects a sense that spirituality is moving in a particular direction or simply that he is the best person for the job, I would imagine that it is perhaps a combination of the two. It does, I think, make a small, though important, comment about the state of change in the US religious landscape--pluralism is not something that happens 'out there' but here at home in our daily lives. Spiritual leadership in the 21st century will come from a variety of sources and influences and each faith will have to learn how to navigate through the tricky waters of difference. This will involve moving beyond ecumenism and universalism I believe, which are options from a different time and space.

Comments

[Adam Moore]

I want to hear more about your final comment. This sounds right - I want to hear more.