Compelling Preaching Cohort Application
The Compelling Preaching Initiative at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture seeks to create space for faith leaders to think about their preaching in an ever-changing social and cultural landscape. …
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Spiritual Exemplars: The Pragmatism and Mystical Perspective of William James
William James was the inspiration for our project on “spiritual exemplars” at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture. James, a philosopher and psychologist, believed that one learns more from what …
Remembering Nick Street: CRCC’s Storyteller
There’s a spider alive because of Nick Shindo Street. Nick, a Buddhist, had convinced his colleague Najuma Smith, a Christian minister, that spiders were God’s creation and deserved to live. So when …
We Need Heroes: Countering Cultural Despair with an Exhibit of Exemplars
There is a great boom in psychotherapy these days. Especially among a younger generation, people are lonely, anxious about the environment, insecure financially—fearful they will not achieve the same standard as their …
Ten Characteristics of Thriving Communities of Faith
Even as religious affiliation continues to decline, CRCC’s research on religious creativity and innovation has found groups that are thriving across religious traditions. While not necessarily large (though some are), these groups …
Finding Accountability and a Moral Agenda After Revelations of Racism in City Hall
Politicians are elected to represent all of their constituents, not just those who voted for or supported them. They should be fair-minded and not traffic in exclusionary or discriminatory practices, or promote …
Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray Retires from University of Southern California
The Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray announced his retirement from his second career—as Tansey Professor of Christian Ethics and chair of the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement—at the University of …
Dr. Christina Puchalski: COVID-19 Highlights Spiritual Needs In Health Care
This video was originally published by Religion Unplugged, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. As health care professionals assess the lessons of the COVID-19 global pandemic, one unexpected message …
CRCC Looks Back at 2021 and Looks Forward to 2022
It is hard to believe that we are just weeks away from the end of 2021 and a new year is on the horizon. The year has continued to be difficult for …
Building on the Past, With an Eye to the Future – A Reflection from CRCC’s New Executive Director
Richard Flory shared the following reflection upon the announcement of his appointment as CRCC’s executive director, effective July 1, 2021. Thank you all for the notes of congratulations and kind words of …