Here’s an idea for a holiday gift:  free Interfaith Appreciation lectures by Dr. Michelle Voss Roberts on three of the world’s enduring religions: Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism.  They will be offered at no cost in February through the collaboration of Interfaith Winston-Salem and Centenary United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem. The lectures begin at 7 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium at Centenary.  You can register by clicking http://if-ws-eac2.eventbrite.com/#

An assistant professor of theology and culture, Dr. Roberts teaches courses at the Wake Forest School of Divinity in systematic theology, comparative theology, theologies of religious pluralism, and feminist theologies. She graduated from Calvin College, earned an MTS from Candler School of Theology, and received her Ph.D. in Theological Studies from Emory University.

Feb. 5, 2013 -- “The Finger and the Moon: Learning from Buddhism”

A saying from the Zen branch of Buddhism likens speech about ultimate reality to a finger pointing to the moon: if we focus only on the pointer, we may miss the moon. The "Interfaith Appreciation" begins with the life and foundational teachings of the Buddha. We discuss the Four Noble Truths (a favorite "finger" pointing to the nature of reality) and survey the three major branches of Buddhism to gain a sense of the compassion and practical wisdom of this faith tradition.

Feb. 12, 2013 -- The Family of the Book: Learning from Islam”

Linked with Judaism and Christianity in the Abrahamic family of faiths, Islam is simultaneously nearer to and less understood by many in the United States than other religious traditions. This lecture covers the origins of Islam, its major divisions, and the nature of its text, the Quran. Special attention will be paid to the five pillars or core practices of Muslims and the dynamic body of Islamic religious law known as Sharia.

Feb. 19, 2013 -- “Three Paths: Learning from Hinduism”
Hindus affirm as many as 330 million gods and as few as none. This lecture explores the diversity of paths to liberation that find a place under the umbrella of Hinduism: the way of right action, the way of deep knowledge, and the way of loving devotion to divinity. Participants will also have the opportunity to reflect on the diverse paths encountered in the course of this series.