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The WISE Center brings together diverse worldviews to build interfaith understanding and a compassionate community.
At Baldwin Wallace University, a new Center for Worldviews and Interfaith Social Ethics (WISE) serves as a vital resource for students, offering a unique opportunity to engage with diverse religious and philosophical perspectives.
With a mission rooted in promoting understanding, respect and justice, the WISE Center seeks to apply the wisdom of the world's faith traditions to foster a more compassionate and inclusive campus community.
Students are encouraged to explore and actively participate in the Center's work to deepen their understanding of the values that shape a just and interconnected world.
Through programming and events, the WISE Center educates about diverse worldviews, collaborates with the Greater Cleveland Interfaith Community and advocates for core ethical values.
Dr. Ellen Posman, chair and professor of religion and chair of BW Faith and Life, says WISE is open to anyone and everyone.
"The WISE Center promotes love and compassion for the suffering and support for the oppressed. As we commit to combating injustice and upholding human dignity, the WISE Center fosters a community where individuals from all faiths and spiritual paths can thrive."
WISE is hosting a series of free, public events this spring, all centered around the theme "Life Worth Living," which is also the title of the book by Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun and Ryan McAnnally-Linz.
Croasmun and McAnnally-Linz headline this year's BW Faith and Life Lecture Series on April 2 and 3. Their three interactive talks offer a unique opportunity for the BW community to dive into important questions about purpose, fulfillment and living a meaningful life.
On Wednesday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m., in the Lindsay-Crossman Chapel, Croasmun and McAnnally-Linz will introduce the deep existential question: What kind of lives are worthy of our shared humanity? They'll lead attendees in reflecting on the values and priorities that shape a meaningful life, offering valuable insights for anyone seeking purpose and direction.
On Thursday, April 3, at 10 a.m., a session titled "How Does a Good Life Feel?" will challenge conventional ideas of happiness, exploring what it truly means to live a good life, looking beyond surface-level satisfaction and examining the emotional depth of fulfillment. This session encourages deeper thinking about what makes life truly worth living.
Later that same day at 2 p.m., participants are invited to engage in an interactive conversation about the role of suffering in human flourishing and how suffering can contribute to a richer, more meaningful life.
Each lecture is free and open to the public, and registration is required.
Posman says the WISE Center often partners with other organizations, with upcoming plans to host an Interfaith dialogue event on campus on April 14 and an Earth Day Tree Planting on April 22.
