by Robert Connelly
EAST LIVERPOOL--Dr. Ali Erritouni kicked off the 2007-2008 Kent State East Liverpool series on comparative religions Wednesday night at the quiet study lounge. The focus of his talk was Hinduism, the third largest religion in the world.
The presentation included a brief taped interview conducted by Deborah Woods with Anuradha Eaturu, a KSU professor of mathematics and practicing Hindu. Eaturu described her belief system and included the locations of two area Hindu temples in Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
Making use of a Powerpoint slideshow, Erritouni went into further detail about the history and evolution of the Hindu religion. Hinduism does not recognize a “founder” and is considered by the faithful to have always existed.
Hinduism is largely practiced in India, the second most populous country in the world. Although 80 percent of India's people are Hindus, the country has no "official" religion.
When asked about the importance of educating people about different religious traditions, Erritouni replied, “A lot of prejudice comes from ignorance.”
Wednesday's discussion is the first in a series on world religions sponsored by the Kent State East Liverpool Diversity Committee. The next presentation will focus on Buddhism and is scheduled for 6. p.m. Nov. 28. All presentations are open to the public.
NOTE: A video interview with Dr. Erritouni will soon be available here at Eastern Flash. Erritouni is a KSU-EL English professor.
