Food in Religions and their Ethical Practices - Contemporary Implications of Ancient Traditions.

Time: 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Place: 2U Conference Room, Room 2019, Claire Fagin Hall

Information/RSVP: nhistory@nursing.upenn.edu or 215-898-4502

Abstract: This seminar examines contemporary implications and possibilities of religious food traditions. The ancient ethical traditions associated with dietary guidelines of Judaism, Asian religions, and some Christian churches continue to shape the ways in which health and wellbeing is perceived among the practitioners of these faiths. The seminar focuses on three ethical key concepts – rationality, self-mastery, and hospitality – that have had a major impact on the way in which food is perceived within religious traditions. The seminar suggests that the ancient ethical ideals of rationality, self-mastery, and hospitality could be fruitfully introduced to the contemporary secular discussions and health-promotion concerning food.