History department holding conference on religion this weekend

The Department of History at SUNY Fredonia is hosting the conference, "Shifting Paradigms in Religious Studies: History, Culture, and Practice," on Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13.

In keeping with SUNY Fredonia's 2012-2013 Convocation Theme, "Time for Change: Shifting Paradigms, Creating Possibilities," the conference will highlight new work being done in religious studies in both western and non-western contexts.

Conference panelists will explore a range of thematic topics, comparing theological constructs, definitions of "the spiritual," pious practices, and the impact of market forces and the state across many different faith traditions.

Conference sessions will be held in the Williams Center, Room S204 ABC. The conference convenes at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. At 5:30 p.m., Lynda Coon, professor of history at the University of Arkansas, will deliver the keynote address, "Dark Age Jesus."

Conference sessions and the keynote address are free and open to the public.

For more information and the complete conference program, go to www.fredonia.edu/department/history/conference.