Rabbi Rami Shapiro to Present on Perennial Wisdom for the Spiritually Independent

Rabbi Rami Shapiro, an award-winning author and former professor of religious studies, will speak at Meredith College on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 at 4 p.m. in Ledford 101.

Shapiro will present “Perennial Wisdom for the Spiritually Independent,” exploring the four key teachings of perennial wisdom and how they can speak to people and their lives.

Perennial wisdom, which is often referred to as perennial philosophy or Perennialism, is a philosophy that believes that all the world’s religions are streams of wisdom that flow from a single source. Although they have many differences, they all point to a common truth.

Spiritually independent refers to people who borrow texts, teachings, and practices from a number of religions without identifying with any one religion in particular.

“We are excited to have him on campus because he’s speaking to a growing trend, especially among millennials, of being ‘spiritual, but not religious.’ Many people who identify this way use teachings from a variety of religions to forge their own spiritual path,” said Associate Professor of Religious and Ethical Studies Shannon Grimes. “Rabbi Shapiro, who has studied with Jewish, Buddhist, and Hindu teachers, does this thoughtfully and with great respect, and we look forward to hearing more about his approach.”

Shapiro has written more than 30 books on religion and spirituality. He earned his rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, and a Ph.D. in religion from Union Graduate School. He served as a chaplain with the United States Air Force for three years, led Temple Beth Or in Miami, Fla., for 20 years, and taught religious studies at Middle Tennessee State University for a decade.

He currently directs the One River Foundation for the study of perennial wisdom and heads its World Wisdom Bible project. Shapiro also writes the “Roadside Assistance for the Spiritual Traveler” column for Spirituality and Health Magazine, and hosts the magazine’s weekly radio show, Essential Conversations with Rabbi Rami.

For Meredith students, this event, sponsored by the Meredith College Department of Religious and Ethical Studies, counts as an Academic/Cultural Event for General Education.