What is religion, anyway? Are they all the same? Why do people get, and stay, involved in a religion?  Does religion just boil down to ethics? Are religions inherently good, or bad?  Are some religions good and others bad? Are cults religions, or something else? What is the relation between religion and politics? 

Gene Gallagher, our I’On neighbor, received his M.A. and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in History of Religions. “These are the types of questions that come up when people I meet find out that I have a Ph.D. in the study of religion and have taught courses in the study of religion in colleges and universities for more than 40 years.”

Whether or not an individual practices a particular religion, it is all around us. And it has been a substantial social and cultural force for thousands of years. As such, it is worth serious and sustained attention. After a brief introduction that attempts to develop a common vocabulary for discussion, this session of IAH will open the floor for questions and, with luck, a lively discussion.

Gene has taught for 37 years at Connecticut College in New London, CT. He also taught at La Salle University, Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, and the College of Charleston. He has lived in I’On since 2015 with his wife, Jennifer.