Dr. Nathan O. Hatch, a nationally respected scholar and former provost of the University of Notre Dame, became the 13th president of nearby Wake Forest University in July 2005.
He is regularly cited as one of the most influential scholars in the study of history and religion in America.?On Oct. 5, in Dillard Auditorium, Hatch presented “The Challenges of Pluralism for America and the World” as part of the James A. Gray Lecture Series.
Pluralism can be defined as a condition in which numerous distinct ethnic, religious, or cultural groups are present and tolerated within a society, Hatch said.?During his speech, he reflected upon the Civil Rights Movement as an example of social pluralism.
?”How well are we doing in fulfilling the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King?” he asked.?
?Racism and segregation still exist in some form or fashion in American society, but Hatch used examples of the success of affirmative-action programs and significant collapses of segregation to show that, in some way, King’s vision is being utilized.?
“It is hard to comprehend where we are, when it doesn’t move in a linear motion,” Hatch said.?”People are fearful of what they are not familiar with.”
Hatch also covered the topic of pluralism from a religious standpoint using examples of Muslim and Christian interaction.?The media compromises how people in society look at one another, he said.? “Religion in most of the world is not withering away.”
Hatch discussed how some religious groups experience contradicting trends within society.?The media fuels secular and religious expressions through similar avenues, confusing people on what is acceptable and what is not, he said.
“Pluralism is our response to diversity,” Hatch said.?He challenged the WSSU audience to learn to look at the world through the eyes of others by developing overlapping values.” It is important for leaders to explore what pluralism means, to create entry points of engagements,” he said.