Future of Faith Podcast-S0209-Listening to Combat Religious Extremism with Ray Kim
- tapehlyn
- Nov 26
- 2 min read
It is hard to make sense of the continuous onslaught of bad news filling our media feeds. Escalating violence, political assassinations, genocidal conflicts, and religious and political extremism are inescapable parts of our daily news. Within this chaos, it isn't easy to gain perspective and make sense of what is happening around us.
In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, Greg Arthur and Dr. Ray Kim explore the pressing issues of religious extremism, polarization, and the quest for truth in today's society. They discuss the widening chasm in American discourse, the role of narratives in shaping beliefs, and the importance of community healing. Dr. Kim emphasizes the unique role of faith communities in fostering belonging and reconciliation, while also addressing the dire consequences of the stories we tell. The conversation concludes with a call to action for individuals and communities to engage in meaningful dialogue and create a culture of reconciliation.
As the Director of US Programs & Partnerships at the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD), Ray Kim leads efforts to counteract toxic polarization and rebuild social cohesion by working with faith leaders and communities across the United States. Ray brings extensive expertise in conflict transformation, mediation, and depolarization, designing and facilitating workshops, trainings, and resources that empower communities to prevent violent extremism and promote inclusive dialogue. Ray earned his Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies from Georgetown University, specializing in the sociology of religion. His academic and professional pursuits have included research on Islamophobia in Korea, religious soft-power influences in global contexts, and the experiences of religious minorities in the Levant.
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