Patchogue, NY – September 8, 2005 – The Institute for the Study of Religion in Community Life at St. Joseph’s College presents: “The Battle for God,” a talk by Karen Armstrong, prolific author and leading thinker on the role of religion in the modern world on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in the McGann Conference Center, O’Connor Hall.

Karen Armstrong is the author of the international best-seller, The History of God, and an instructor at London’s prestigious Leo Baeck College-Centre for Jewish Education. A former Roman Catholic nun who understands both the acute differences and the profound similarities among the world’s great religions, she is one of today’s most provocative, original and inclusive thinkers on the role of religion in the modern world.

During her talk on “The Battle for God,” Armstrong will examine the religious cultures of Islam, Judaism and Christianity, and explore what they have in common, what unites the faiths, why this is so and what role it will play in the new millennium. Her lecture will be followed by a question and answer session and book signing reception.

Armstrong has written many books on religion, and her most recent book, The Spiral Staircase: My Climb Out of Darkness, has received widespread critical and popular acclaim. She has also played a key role in Bill Moyer's popular PBS series on religion NOW. This event is open to the public with a registration fee of $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For additional information, please contact S. Suzanne Franck at (631) 447-2739 or email sfranck@sjcny.edu. Or, visit us online at www. sjcny.edu/religion. St. Joseph’s College is located at 155 W. Roe Blvd. in Patchogue, and is accessible via the South Service Road of Sunrise Highway, just east of Exit 52 (Waverly Avenue).

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF RELIGION IN COMMUNITY LIFE

The Institute was founded to investigate and articulate the various roles religious institutions and individual people of faith can take to enhance community life. To this end, we sponsor research projects and educational seminars, develop cooperative programs with various religious organizations in the community and search out service opportunities in the community for our faculty and students.

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE

St. Joseph’s College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility, and service. With campuses located in the Clinton Hill area of Brooklyn and in Patchogue, Long Island, the College offers degrees in over 21 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs through its School of Arts and Sciences and its School of Adult and Professional Education. Graduate degrees are also offered including an Executive MBA, a Master of Science in Management, a Master of Science Degree with a Major in Nursing, a Master of Arts in Literacy/Cognition and a Master of Arts in Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Special Education.