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You are here: Home / Vocation Projects / Research Seminars / Interfaith Perspectives on Vocation

Interfaith Perspectives on Vocation

Calling in Today's World coverThe language of vocation emerged from within the Christian tradition. Yet other religions have similar terms to explain how people and communities gain a sense of purpose, direction, and meaning.

Beginning in 2014, a group of scholars has been exploring concepts, perspectives, and challenges related to a sense of calling from Buddhist, Confucian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Christian, and secular traditions. Together they have written Calling in Today’s World: Voices from Eight Faith Perspectives, Kathleen A. Cahalan and Douglas J. Schuurman, eds. (Eerdmans, 2016).

Find out more about Calling in Today’s World »

Watch a panel discussion from several of the book’s contributors:

Buddhist tradition
Mark Unno
Professor of Religion, University of Oregon

Confucian tradition
Mark Berkson
Professor of Religion, Hamline University

Hindu tradition
Anantanand Rambachan
Professor of Religion, St. Olaf College

Islamic tradition
John Kelsay
Richard L. Rubenstein Professor of Religion, Florida State University

Jewish tradition
Rabbi Amy Eilberg

Secular tradition
Edward Langerak
Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, St. Olaf College

Protestant tradition
Douglas Schuurman
Professor of Religion, St. Olaf College

Catholic tradition
Kathleen A. Cahalan
Professor of Theology, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary

More in this Section

  • Research Seminars
    • Vocation across the Lifespan
    • Vocation and Faith in the Professions
    • Interfaith Perspectives on Vocation
    • Integration in Theological Education
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  • Bearings Online Articles on Vocation
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