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Faith and Human Agency:
Why Religion Matters

Secularists often follow Marx in thinking that religion simply distracts people from what really matters, subverting their commitment to real-world change. But does that hold up to evidence? On an important real-world question important to both secularists and many people of faith—whether people believe they can make a difference in the world—it does not hold up at all. Recent research in two major Latin American cities shows that the more important religion is in people’s lives, the more they see themselves as able to make a difference.

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Religion as opiate? James Ron and Rich Wood think not—with evidence.

James Ron and Rich Wood

Expert commentary that seeks common ground and discovers solutions

    Synodality and the Catholic Church

    Launched by Pope Francis in March 2020, the synod is a multi-year process aiming to generate feedback from Catholics across the globe. Read more from IACS Affiliated Scholars on the impact the global initiative will have on the future direction of the Catholic Church.

    Catholic Ethics and AI

    New and emerging technologies offer the potential to address global challenges and provide positive impact across our society. At the same time, however, they also can pose unprecedented harms to individuals, societies and our natural environment. Too often, the development of new technology is not accompanied by ethical reflection. IACS Affiliated Scholars exploring the role of the Catholic intellectual tradition in guiding the ethics of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and social media.

    A photo of a crowd of people greeting Pope Francis

      Previous commentary and analysis on Engaging the Divides

      Human Rights Funding Tragedy Foretold – James Ron

      Tricia and Mom hero

      Where Women Sit: An Insider’s Reflection on the Synod on Synodality

      About the Pope: An Insider’s Reflection on the Synod on Synodality

      Expert commentary that seeks common ground and explores solutions.

      Engaging the Divides is an online forum bringing together leading researchers, scholars and practitioners to discuss contemporary issues and explore solutions to pressing challenges facing society.

      The forum is an initiative from IACS, a global research center located at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The Institute draws from an international pool of scholars from diverse disciplines and religious traditions to further innovative research, create dialogue and spark ideas on Catholic thought, creative imagination and lived experience.

      IACS supports scholars and artists, produces books, hosts academic conferences and cultural events, engages in sustained dialogue around pressing issues and furthers the intellectual work of the Catholic Church.

      To join our network of contributors, please connect with us at iacs@usc.edu.