Gonzaga Professor discusses religious violence - March 23

SPOKANE, Wash. – Patrick McCormick, Ph.D., professor of religious studies at Gonzaga University, will discuss “American Religious Violence: Examining the Beam in Our National Eye,” at Gonzaga University’s Flannery Lecture at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 23 in the Hemmingson Center Ballroom (third floor). The event is free and open to all.

McCormick said his lecture will explore the questions: “Why is the most religious and Christian nation in the developed world also the planet’s leading military power, arms merchant, jail keeper and poisoner of creation? What is it about Americans’ belief in nationalism, consumerism and individualism that makes us so willing to sacrifice and scapegoat others in service of these idols, and how can our Christian faith and Catholic theology respond to this plague of religious violence?”

McCormick earned a master of divinity and theology degree from Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, Pennsylvania. He completed his licentiate and doctorate in theology at the Gregorian University in Rome. Currently, he teaches courses in Christian ethics, medical ethics, and Catholic social teachings.

The endowed Flannery Chair of Roman Catholic Theology is made possible through a gift of the late Maud and Milo Flannery of Spokane to further the excellence of theological study and teaching at Gonzaga. Gonzaga invites an outstanding theologian twice a year to deliver the Flannery Lecture.

For more information, please contact Gonzaga’s religious studies department at (509) 313-6782 or www.Gonzaga.edu/religious-studies.