Thurman Series: Pluralism, Democracy, and the American Imagination

6pm Reception 7pm Panel Start Time This is the first installment of The Howard and Sue Bailey Thurman Series, a continuing series intended to serve as a beacon and road map for education and engagement with the Thurmans’ life, legacy, and philosophies. Thurman envisioned a shared life that transcends boundaries of race, culture, and creed, urging communities to cultivate “experiences of unity” that honor difference without erasing it. This series aims to recover the depth and nuance of Thurman’s thought— moving beyond simplified or popularized portrayals—to engage his theological, philosophical, and ethical reflections on how diverse human communities can live together meaningfully, grounded in compassion and mutual reverence. Pluralism is a contested but widely discussed concept in theology, philosophy, and public life. The panel will discuss credible definitions of pluralism that highlight the coexistence of diverse beliefs, the equal standing of multiple traditions, and the possibility of shared truth across differences. The Thurman Series is a partnership between The Howard Thurman Center, the School of Theology, and BU Libraries. Panelists: Nick Bates Boston University Howard Thurman Center Director Dr. Shively T.J. Smith Boston University Associate Professor of New Testament, School of Theology Dr. Walter Fluker Boston University Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor Emeritus of Ethical Leadership, School of Theology Dr. Emilie M. Townes Boston University Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Religion & Black Studies, School of Theology Dr. Luther E. Smith Jr. Emory University Professor Emeritus of Church and Community The Howard Thurman Center honors the legacy of author, philosopher, and educator Howard Thurman who was the Dean of Boston University's Marsh Chapel from 1953 to 1965. Thurman believed that unique and creative experiences could break down barriers between people from different backgrounds. The Howard Thurman Center is designed to bring students, faculty, staff and the larger Boston community together in a beautiful, fun space that's like your BU living room.