The Center for Understanding World Religions hosts a variety of events that include featured speakers, panels and lectures. Find videos of our events below.
What if Jesus Had Never Been Born? How the world would be different
Sabbath, February 22, 2020
Abundant historical evidence suggests that Jesus of Nazareth was the most influential person in human history, far beyond His significance for communities of faith. Jon Paulien, PhD, reviewed the evidence and drew evidence-based conclusions.
Connecting with God? Prayer, Meditation, and the World Religions
Sabbath, December 7, 2019
The presenter was Varun Soni, Dean of Religious Life at University of Southern California, and the response was given by Yi Shen Ma, PhD, Assistant Professor at LLU School of Religion. This was followed by a distinguished panel representing some of the world religions. Presented by the Center for Understanding World Religions.
Ancient Faiths in a New Land
Sabbath, December 1, 2018
The program featured perspectives shared by Maneck Bhujwala, MA, a Zoroastrian priest and interfaith community leader; Janice De-Whyte, PhD, assistant professor of religion at Loma Linda University and a scholar of Ashanti Adventism; Nitin Shah, MD, professor of anesthesiology and critical care at Loma Linda University Health and former president of the Jain Center of Southern California; and Harpreet Singh, a Sikh community leader. Presented by the Center for Understanding World Religions.
Hinduism at Loma Linda University
Sabbath, December 2, 2017
The program explored the role and experience of Hindu students and faculty in the context of Loma Linda University Health’s mission and values. Presentations featured special guests Tahil Sharma (University of Southern California and Interfaith Youth Core) and Swasti Bhattacharrya (Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Buena Vista University). Panelists included guest presenters as well as Piyush Shelar (DPT Student, LLU School of Allied Health Professions), Chintan Somaiya (LLU Alumni & Institute for Community Partnerships, Program Director) and Dr. Manoj Shah (LLUH Pediatric Gastroenterology). Presented by the William Johnsson Center for Understanding World Religions, directed by Dr. Jon Paulien.
Islam at Loma Linda University
Sabbath, January 28, 2017
The program explored the role and experience of Muslim students and faculty in the context of Loma Linda University Health’s mission and values. Presentations featured Loma Linda faculty, Dr. Gerald Winslow, and special guest Jihad Turk, president of the Islamic seminary at Claremont School of Theology. Panelists included the invited speakers, Dr. Mahmoud Torebinejad (professor, LLU School of Dentistry), Dr. Eba Hathout (professor, LLU School of Medicine), Sara Haddad Tabrizi (LLU School of Public Health, DrPH student) and Kwaja Arsalaan Ahmed (LLUMC, 4th year radiology resident). Recitations and translations were given by Dr. Nahidh Hasaniya (associate professor, LLU School of Medicine) and Dr. Shamel Abd-Allah (professor, LLU School of Medicine). This was the inaugural program of the new William Johnsson Center for Understanding World Religions, directed by Dr. Jon Paulien.