I recently had the opportunity to discuss the on-going culture wars (kulturkampfen) with Critical Theorist, Dr. Rudolf J. Siebert. We discussed the history of culture wars, their relevance to current politics in the United States and Europe – especially regarding right-wing populism and Neo-fascism, and possible future of the culture wars. This discourse was sponsored by Ekpyrosis Press and the Institute for Critical Social Theory.
From April 29th through May 12th, I had the great opportunity to teach a course entitled “Genius of the German World” for The University of Olivet. We traveled to Berlin, Wittenberg, Leipzig, Weimar, Erfurt, Eisenach, Nürnberg, Vienna, Hallstatt, and Salzburg, to study great philosophers, composers, artists, religious figures, and psychoanalysts. Seven UO students, Prof. Mike Fales (Religious Studies), my friends Karen and Ken, and the great Tracey and Bryce Katz accompanied us on this amazing trip. We visited numerous museums, attended two concerts and one dinner concert, visited a variety of cathedrals and churches, one Augustinian monastery in Erfurt, and got to know many locals on our trains. The logistics of the trip were put together by Witte Travel and Tours (Grand Rapids), who did an amazing job setting up another demanding tour I designed. Below are some pictures from our journey.
I had the distinct pleasure of joining fellow colleagues to discuss Erich Fromm and his critical understanding of religion. This discourse was sponsored by the Erich Fromm Society of North America, and took place on January 21st, 2024. It was hosted by Dr. Maor Levitin and Dr. George Lundskow. We were joined by Dr. Rudolf J. Siebert, Dr. Rainer Funk, Dr. Hille Haker, Dr. Sandra Buechler, Dr. Lauren Langman, Dr. Talmadge Wright, Dr. Mauricio Cortina, and others. My discourse pertains to the rescue of religion within the modern world. My discourse starts at the 48 minute mark.
On March 16th, I had the distinct honor to once again join with Dr. Rudolf J. Siebert in a lengthy conversation. This time, we discussed “What is Anti-Semitism,” its history, development, and current use and abuse. This discourse was sponsored by Ekpyrosis Press and the Institute for Critical Social Theory.
On February 24th, 2024, I had the great honor of discussing the “Christian Resistance to Fascism” with the Critical Theorist and Catholic Theologian, Dr. Rudolf J. Siebert. This discourse follows up our last two, “The Fascist Temptation” and “The Democratic Response to the Far-Right and Fascism,” both available on the Rudolf J. Siebert Audio-Visual Archive on YouTube. In this discourse, Dr. Siebert discusses his experience with Christianity in the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich and its responses to the rise of fascism. Additionally, we discussed our current situation, wherein new versions of fascism have begun to arise within the Neo-liberal and post-secular states. This discourse was sponsored by Ekpyrosis Press and the Institute for Critical Social Theory.
dustinjbyrd
Dustin J. Byrd, Ph.D. 