Objectives
The primary objective of the Center for the Study of Religion and Public Life is to examine the relationship between religion, civic activity, and liberal democracy. The Center considers, in the context of free democratic systems, the connection between religion and the citizen's identity. 

However, the Center also scrutinizes the relationship between religion and politics in other systems of government, such as a theocracy or monarchy.

Thus, the Center for the Study of Religion and Public Life is engaged in a continuing assessment of the following question: Does religious identity determine political identity, or does political identity determine religious identity?

The Center is a place where scholars can gather to give individual lectures or to present papers as part of a symposium.  On the level of data collection and dissemination, the Center is a repository of information, whether in the form of a library, databases, and general reference, for professors, students, and others examining the topic of religion and public life. In addition, the Center functions as a neutral milieu for people of opposing viewpoints to meet and consider conflict and resolution.

Upcoming Events

Catholic Social Thought Series

Nov. 14, 7:00 p.m.
The inaugural lecture, “What is Catholic Social Teaching? How is it relevant for American Politics?,” will be offered at the NHIOP by Rev. Thomas Massaro, a Jesuit priest of the New England province, and a Professor of Moral Theology at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts on 

Feb. 27, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
The second talk will be offered at the NHIOP by Rev. Kenneth Himes, OFM, associate professor and chairman of Theology at Boston College.  Himes, a Franciscan friar, will speak on “The Challenge of Peace: 25 Years Later.” 
 

This lecture series deals with the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching as it comes to us from Papal Social Encyclicals and Pastoral Letters of Conferences of Bishops.  The series will draw connections and applications to a variety of contemporary American policy debates, including anti-poverty legislation and foreign policy.