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 April 13, 2024, I had the great opportunity to talk with the Critical Theorist and WWII combat veteran, Rudolf J. Siebert, about St. Augustine’s Just War Theory, as well as its further development into international law. We also discussed the many times when the Just War Theory has been violated by those who proclaim their adherence to it, especially in the West. If you’d like more information on the work of Rudolf J. Siebert, see the website dedicated to his work: www.dialectical-religion.org
On April 17th, 2024, I was awarded two important awards at The University of Olivet: 1) Doctors Gorton and Peggy Riethmiller Award for Excellence in Teaching, and 2) the Presidential Distinguished Medalist – Most Influential Professor. The first is voted upon by the student body, and the second is given by a top five graduate of the senior class. I was nominated for the latter by Chelsea Wiltse, one of my Philosophy and Religious Studies students. Below is me at Convocation with Sydney Lynch, one of my very gifted and talented students, as well as a dinner I had with The University of Olivet President Steven Corey and Kelly Corey, with my students, Chelsey Wiltse, Taylor Darhower, Garrett Ennis, Sydney Lynch, and Sarah Zaharian, as well as my wife.
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.
On the 59th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X, February 21st, 2024, I have a lecture at The University of Olivet entitled, “Malcolm X: Man, Myth, and Legacy.” It was well attended by students, colleagues, and administration, and we had a wonderful question/answer period afterwards. Black History month is too often reduced down to Dr. King, and on top of that down to his “I have a dream” speech. As beloved as Dr. King is, Black History is much bigger than him. This discourse is but one way to broaden the scope of Black History month, which, in my humble opinion, is important for all Americans to participate in.
On February 11th, 2024, I had the great honor of speaking to Aditya Nigam about his book, “Decolonizing Theory: Thinking Across Traditions” (Bloomsbury 2020), along with other members of the Institute for Critical Social Theory, including Seyed Javad Miri, Mehdi Shariati, and Michael Naughton. This was an insightful conversation dealing with a variety of topics as they relate to decolonial theory in a variety of spaces and places. Check out the video on the Institute for Critical Social Theory’s YouTube channel:
dustinjbyrd
Dustin J. Byrd, Ph.D. 