The City in the Religious Imagination

Myer Siemiatycki
Ryerson University

Abstract

This talk examines how sacred religious texts and contemporary religious practise engage with the city. On the page, the city is constructed as an expression of human hubris, depravity and danger. In practise, faith communities today devote considerable effort to repairing the city. From theology to social movements, this talk explores religion as 'city-builder' while reflecting on current debates regarding cities and religions.

Myer Siemiatycki is a Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Ryerson University, where he served as Chair from 1991 to 1996. Siemiatycki was the founding Director (2004-2008) of the Interdisciplinary MA program in Immigration and Settlement Studies. His many recent publications focus on the theme of the political exclusion of minority voters.