Interfaiths Miami: Quakerism, Pacifism, & Justice: A Life of Service with Prof. Janette Smith

Описание: Jeanette Smith is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Florida International University (FIU). She also serves as the COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) Faculty Coordinator and an Honors College Faculty Fellow.

Her courses include:
Introduction to Religion
Studies in World Religions
Faith in Social Justice
Religion & Fantasy
Religion & Science Fiction
Thou Shalt Not Steal: Wage Theft & Moral Thought (an Honors College class)

Jeanette Smith holds a Ph.D. from Florida International University and a law degree. She has a background as a former attorney and is a worker justice advocate, having helped pass wage theft ordinances in Florida, including a 2010 Miami-Dade County ordinance.

She has studied abroad extensively in Mexico, Italy, Greece, Singapore (as a law student), and Jamaica (as an attorney), which has contributed to her interest in the COIL program. She was appointed as the university's inaugural COIL Faculty Fellow in January 2021. She is known for engaging students with innovative assignments, promoting community-based learning, and creating a safe space for discussion in her classes. She has received the FIU's Outstanding Adjunct Professor Award.

The "Interfaiths" podcast series, spearheaded by Dr. Iqbal Akhtar, Director of the East West Foundation, is a vital initiative dedicated to fostering understanding and collaboration across religious divides. This series stands out for its deliberate focus on showcasing the work of both practitioners and scholars deeply engaged in interfaith dialogue.

A core emphasis of the "Interfaiths" podcast is Muslim-Jewish engagement. By specifically highlighting this crucial relationship, the series aims to dismantle stereotypes, build bridges of mutual respect, and explore shared values and common ground between these two Abrahamic traditions. Through in-depth conversations, Dr. Akhtar facilitates discussions that delve into the historical, theological, and contemporary dimensions of Muslim-Jewish interactions, offering insights into successful models of cooperation and addressing challenges constructively.

Ultimately, the podcast series strives to enable the conditions for "glocal human flourishing." This concept implies a holistic approach to well-being that integrates global perspectives with local realities. By promoting interfaith dialogue, particularly between Muslims and Jews, the "Interfaiths" podcast seeks to cultivate environments where diverse communities can thrive, working together on common societal concerns, and fostering a sense of shared humanity that transcends religious distinctions. It aims to inspire listeners to contribute to a more harmonious and prosperous world, from local communities to a global scale.