Hamalis brings expertise to discussion on religion, politics, the election

Perry Hamalis, North Central College Cecelia Schneller Mueller Professor of Religion, associate professor of religious studies and director of academic opportunities, was part of a four-member panel that discussed “Religion in Politics: Energizing or Polarizing.”

Held at First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove on Oct. 3, the discussion also included panelists Scott Harper, former congressional candidate; Jerry Moore, opinions editor and columnist with Suburban Life Publications; and Rev. Phil Blackwell, senior pastor of the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple.

The panelists considered a variety of timely questions. Hamalis addressed the specific question, “How has religion energized or polarized politics over the last 50 years?” Other panelists discussed this election’s hot-button religious issues and what, if any, effect religious groups or pulpits have in defining a candidate’s platform or the political landscape.
 
Hamalis joined North Central’s faculty in 2004. He earned his B.A. from Boston College, his M.Div. from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.