7 lectures are planned on religions

CLEARFIELD — "Religion in Davis County" is the theme of a lecture series starting Thursday.

This seven-part series will feature free public lectures from various religious leaders in the area. Lectures will be Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. at the Clearfield Library Auditorium, 562 S. 1000 East.

Geoffrey Austad said he organized the series as a spin-off to a community leadership program he is involved with.

"Religion tends to create an exclusive attitude," he said. "They tend to focus on differences, not similarities."

As such, he's hoping this series will tear down some religious barriers in the community, because he wants the leaders to especially focus on the universal qualities they have.

"These lectures are educational in nature," Austad said. "Please come with an open mind and heart."

The format will include a 90-minute presentation and then a question-and-answer session for the remainder of the two hours.

"I have a passion for spirituality," Austad said.

The library auditorium can hold about 250 people, and seating will be on a first come, first served basis. He hopes to attract at least 50-100 people each night.

The first lecture this week will be on Buddhism, presented by Tahn Narin, abbot of the Layton Buddhist Temple.

The remainder of the series will be:

• June 21 — Islam, with Imam Farid Farooqi, spiritual leader of Khadeeja Mosque.

• June 28 — Protestantism, with Dave Rowe, associate professor at Salt Lake Theological Seminary.

• July 5 — Judaism, with Judi Amsel, president of Congregation Brith Sholem.

• July 12 — Mormonism, with Randall C. Bird, LDS Institute instructor, Weber State University-Davis Campus.

• July 26 — Catholicism, with Msgr. Victor Bonnell, Saint Rose of Lima Parish

• Aug. 2 — Hinduism, speaker to be arranged.

For more information, contact Austad at 525-3015 or at gaustad@uwyo.edu.