2010 - Gary Bouma

The Study Trust was pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Emeritus (of Sociology) Gary Bouma FAICD as the 2010 Geering Lecturer. His research has primarily focused on the interaction between religion and society in the West.

Current work includes a major study of religious plurality in multicultural Australia which makes strategic comparisons with other societies; research into the management of religious diversity and continuing work on Post-Modernity as a context for interfaith dialogue and theological reflection.

Gary Bouma is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Monash University, associate priest of St Dunstan's Anglican Church, Camberwell, and vice-chairman of The World Conference of Religions for Peace, Australia. Professor Bouma's research has primarily focused on the interaction between religion and society in Western societies including Canada, The United States, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

Current work includes a major study of religious plurality in multicultural Australia; research into the management of religious diversity; and continuing work on Post-Modernity as a context for interfaith dialogue and theological reflection.

Speaking Events

Globalisation – the movement of people, capital and ideas – has created a level of religious diversity in most parts of the world that is both quantitatively and qualitatively different.

Increased religious diversity in turn has been partly responsible for the re-emergence of religion as a vital voice in public policy, the increased potential for conflict and competition and has increased the need both to understand and manage its consequences. These issues are uniquely concatenated in the 21st century and will define its course.

His four lectures at St Andrews on The Terrace, Wellington, considered these issues:

• Religious Diversity as the ‘New Normal’
• Responding to Diversity: Road Rage on the Highway to Heaven
• Responding to Diversity: Snapping along the Spandex: Religious Diversity and Social Cohesion
• Being Faithful in Diversity: Criteria that go beyond relativism

Gary Bouma Preached at St Andrew’s on June 6.

A review of Gary's book Being Faithful in Diversity is available HERE