November 29, 2018

Imaginary worlds extend and expand our visions of what is possible. In these worlds, we can fly with dragons or shoot lightning from our fingertips. Yet, this expansiveness does not always apply to the religious lives of the characters populating our narratives. Religion can be made flat, so that the lived religious experiences and ideals of characters are signified by objects: head coverings, prayer beads, or feathers. As a result, both the religion and practitioner are not fully realized. Conversely, imaginary worlds can add depth and nuance to religions that have been flattened in real life. This panel explores the tensions of how religion is (re)presented in fiction and in real life, and how it is actually practiced by adherents.

Panelists Include: Sara Alfageeh, Shannon Chakraborty, and A. David Lewis, Hussein Rashid (Moderator). Opening remarks from Zachary Hendrickson.

This event was organized by the Institute for Religion, Culture and Public Life and generously cosponsored by the Office of the University Chaplain at Columbia University.