Discussion: View Thread

  • 1.  Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    Posted 07-18-2006 15:40

    On Jul 17, 2006, at 7:26 PM, David Steingard wrote:

    Hi Sunita,

    This conference looks wonderful. I am curious about the synergy between you and Regent University. They appear to be a strictly Christian university. What is your orientation? I ask because I would want to ensure that a variety of perspectives on spirituality would be welcome at this conference.

    Any information you could provide would be terrific.

    I'm very glad you raised this David. Regent University is a very interesting place. Pat Robertson is the founder and Chancellor of Regent University (originally called CBN university). I don't know about this conference, but Regent University's Chancellor would seem unlikely to "ensure that a variety of perspectives on spirituality would be welcome." 

    He isn't very welcoming to other mainstream Christian denominations, according to the respected British newspaper, The Guardian. They quote him as saying, 'You're supposed to be nice to Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Methodists ... Nonsense. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist.' ("Right-wing TV evangelist and former Presidential candidate Pat Robertson is the man Bank of Scotland has chosen to spearhead its US subsidiary. Why?"  Gregory Palast, The Guardian. Sunday May 23, 1999.)

    Nor is he particularly welcome to Muslims. The Boston Globe says, "Television evangelist Pat Robertson said yesterday on his live news-and-talk program ''The 700 Club" that Islam is not a religion of peace and that radical Muslims are ''demonic." Robertson made his comments after he watched a news story on his Christian Broadcasting Network about Muslim protests in Europe over the cartoon drawings of the Prophet Muhammad. He remarked that the outpouring of rage elicited by cartoons ''just shows the kind of people we're dealing with. These people are crazed fanatics, and I want to say it now: I believe it's motivated by demonic power. It is satanic and it's time we recognize what we're dealing with." Robertson also said that ''the goal of Islam, ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not, is world domination." In a statement later yesterday, Robertson said he was referring specifically to terrorists who want to bomb innocent people as being motivated by Satan." ("Robertson says Islam isn't a faith of peace: Televangelist calls radicals 'demonic'" Sonja Barisic, March 14, 2006. Boston Globe.


    Nor is he particularly welcome to Hindus, as illustrated by the following quotes:

    "When I said during my presidential bid that I would only bring Christians and Jews into the government, I hit a firestorm. `What do you mean?' the media challenged me. `You're not going to bring atheists into the government? How dare you maintain that those who believe in the Judeo-Christian values are better qualified to govern America than Hindus and Muslims?' My simple answer is, `Yes, they are.'" - Pat Robertson's The New World Order, page 218

    "Hinduism and many of the occult activities that come out of the Orient are inspired by demons and demon worship...There's this concept that all religions are the same and all are good. That is not true. The worship of the Devil is not good." – Pat Robertson's 700 Club, 9-11-89:

    "Of all of India's problems, one stands out from the rest. That problem is idol worship. It is said there are hundreds of millions of Hindu deities. All this has put a nation in bondage to spiritual forces that have deceived many for thousands of years." - Pat Robertson: March 23rd, 1995 broadcast of "The 700 Club."

    I was surprised to find that the conference was being co-sponsored by an Indian university.

    Robertson's views on feminists, gays and lesbians are also worth looking into.

    Now it is perfectly plausible that the organizers of the conference do not share the opinions of their university's chancellor. But participation in the conference raises an interesting moral and spiritual question--does participation in a conference led by a man who is famous for religious and spiritual intolerance constitute a tacit endorsement? If one attends, should one speak out? 


    I don't have an answer, but I think these questions could produce a very interesting discussion on the list.


    - Don

    ---
    Don McCormick
    2030 Overland Avenue
    Los Angeles, CA 90025




  • 2.  Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    Posted 07-18-2006 22:28
    Hi Don,

    Thanks for the heads-up.

    Yours,

    David

    On Jul 17, 2006, at 7:26 PM, David Steingard wrote:

    Hi Sunita,

    This conference looks wonderful. I am curious about the synergy between you and Regent University. They appear to be a strictly Christian university. What is your orientation? I ask because I would want to ensure that a variety of perspectives on spirituality would be welcome at this conference.

    Any information you could provide would be terrific.

    I'm very glad you raised this David. Regent University is a very interesting place. Pat Robertson is the founder and Chancellor of Regent University (originally called CBN university). I don't know about this conference, but Regent University's Chancellor would seem unlikely to "ensure that a variety of perspectives on spirituality would be welcome."

    He isn't very welcoming to other mainstream Christian denominations, according to the respected British newspaper, The Guardian. They quote him as saying, 'You're supposed to be nice to Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Methodists ... Nonsense. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist.' ("Right-wing TV evangelist and former Presidential candidate Pat Robertson is the man Bank of Scotland has chosen to spearhead its US subsidiary. Why?" Gregory Palast, The Guardian. Sunday May 23, 1999.)

    Nor is he particularly welcome to Muslims. The Boston Globe says, "Television evangelist Pat Robertson said yesterday on his live news-and-talk program ''The 700 Club" that Islam is not a religion of peace and that radical Muslims are ''demonic." Robertson made his comments after he watched a news story on his Christian Broadcasting Network about Muslim protests in Europe over the cartoon drawings of the Prophet Muhammad. He remarked that the outpouring of rage elicited by cartoons ''just shows the kind of people we're dealing with. These people are crazed fanatics, and I want to say it now: I believe it's motivated by demonic power. It is satanic and it's time we recognize what we're dealing with." Robertson also said that ''the goal of Islam, ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not, is world domination." In a statement later yesterday, Robertson said he was referring specifically to terrorists who want to bomb innocent people as being motivated by Satan." ("Robertson says Islam isn't a faith of peace: Televangelist calls radicals 'demonic'" Sonja Barisic, March 14, 2006. Boston Globe.

    Nor is he particularly welcome to Hindus, as illustrated by the following quotes:
    "When I said during my presidential bid that I would only bring Christians and Jews into the government, I hit a firestorm. `What do you mean?' the media challenged me. `You're not going to bring atheists into the government? How dare you maintain that those who believe in the Judeo-Christian values are better qualified to govern America than Hindus and Muslims?' My simple answer is, `Yes, they are.'" - Pat Robertson's The New World Order, page 218
    "Hinduism and many of the occult activities that come out of the Orient are inspired by demons and demon worship...There's this concept that all religions are the same and all are good. That is not true. The worship of the Devil is not good." - Pat Robertson's 700 Club, 9-11-89:
    "Of all of India's problems, one stands out from the rest. That problem is idol worship. It is said there are hundreds of millions of Hindu deities. All this has put a nation in bondage to spiritual forces that have deceived many for thousands of years." - Pat Robertson: March 23rd, 1995 broadcast of "The 700 Club."
    I was surprised to find that the conference was being co-sponsored by an Indian university.
    Robertson's views on feminists, gays and lesbians are also worth looking into.
    Now it is perfectly plausible that the organizers of the conference do not share the opinions of their university's chancellor. But participation in the conference raises an interesting moral and spiritual question--does participation in a conference led by a man who is famous for religious and spiritual intolerance constitute a tacit endorsement? If one attends, should one speak out?


    I don't have an answer, but I think these questions could produce a very interesting discussion on the list.

    - Don

    ---
    Don McCormick
    2030 Overland Avenue
    Los Angeles, CA 90025


    <x-sigsep>
    --  
    </x-sigsep>
    David S. Steingard, Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor of Management
    Assistant Director, Pedro Arrupe Center for Business Ethics
    Department of Management
    Erivan K. Haub School of Business
    Saint Joseph's University
    5600 City Avenue
    Philadelphia, PA  19131-1395
    Phone: 610-660-3231 Fax: 610-660-1229


  • 3.  Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    Posted 07-19-2006 16:16
    While I in no way condone the remarks attributed to Pat Robinson below, I would like share my and Dr. Laura Matherly's direct experience with the School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Regent University. We were invited last March by them to spend two days with their faculty and doctoral students and share our theory, research, and experience on maximizing human well-being and performance excellence through spiritual leadership. Our one hour presentation to faculty and students can be viewed at:
     
     
    During the presentation and throughout our visit we made clear the distinction between spirituality and religion and that we believe the values inherent in spiritual leadership theory are common to all religions. We also believe that spiritual leadership can be practiced in organizations either inclusively or exclusively of religion. In addition, we discussed the necessary conditions that must be met for religious beliefs to be expressed in organizations in order to avoid  a religious workplace orientation that can lead to arrogance that a particular company, faith, or even nation is somehow 'better' or worthier than another and thus lead to negative individual and organizational outcomes (e.g., lower organizational commitment, productivity, and spiritual well-being).
     
    We found our presentation and views treated with respect and the source of lively dialogue reminiscent of our Academy MSR sessions and retreats. We neither heard nor experienced any of the dogmatic rhetoric such as that quoted below. However, I might add that we were there on the last Wednesday of the month which is when Pat Robinson conducts his monthly noon chapel service. I must admit that the Pat Robinson we heard was, without going into detail, very much in the ilk of the Pat Robinson described below.
     
    Based on our experience at the School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship on the Regent campus, my guess would then be that the conference will be conducted "in full freedom" and that all denominations and spiritual perspectives will be welcome. Besides, as we stated in our presentation, all religious and spiritual practices can only gain and keep seekers through attraction to what adherents, who are clearly faithful, have. Promotion or marketing of these practices may attract seekers, but unless the fruits of the spirit follow they often will become disillusioned and search elsewhere. This is all the more reason for adherents of all spiritual and religious practices to participate in conferences such as this if possible.

    Louis W. (Jody) Fry
    Associate Professor of Management
    Tarleton State University - Central Texas
    1901 South Clear Creek Road
    Killeen, Texas
    254-519-5476
    ----- Original Message -----
    Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 2:39 PM
    Subject: Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership


    On Jul 17, 2006, at 7:26 PM, David Steingard wrote:

    Hi Sunita,

    This conference looks wonderful. I am curious about the synergy between you and Regent University. They appear to be a strictly Christian university. What is your orientation? I ask because I would want to ensure that a variety of perspectives on spirituality would be welcome at this conference.

    Any information you could provide would be terrific.

    I'm very glad you raised this David. Regent University is a very interesting place. Pat Robertson is the founder and Chancellor of Regent University (originally called CBN university). I don't know about this conference, but Regent University's Chancellor would seem unlikely to "ensure that a variety of perspectives on spirituality would be welcome." 

    He isn't very welcoming to other mainstream Christian denominations, according to the respected British newspaper, The Guardian. They quote him as saying, 'You're supposed to be nice to Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Methodists ... Nonsense. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist.' ("Right-wing TV evangelist and former Presidential candidate Pat Robertson is the man Bank of Scotland has chosen to spearhead its US subsidiary. Why?"  Gregory Palast, The Guardian. Sunday May 23, 1999.)

    Nor is he particularly welcome to Muslims. The Boston Globe says, "Television evangelist Pat Robertson said yesterday on his live news-and-talk program ''The 700 Club" that Islam is not a religion of peace and that radical Muslims are ''demonic." Robertson made his comments after he watched a news story on his Christian Broadcasting Network about Muslim protests in Europe over the cartoon drawings of the Prophet Muhammad. He remarked that the outpouring of rage elicited by cartoons ''just shows the kind of people we're dealing with. These people are crazed fanatics, and I want to say it now: I believe it's motivated by demonic power. It is satanic and it's time we recognize what we're dealing with." Robertson also said that ''the goal of Islam, ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not, is world domination." In a statement later yesterday, Robertson said he was referring specifically to terrorists who want to bomb innocent people as being motivated by Satan." ("Robertson says Islam isn't a faith of peace: Televangelist calls radicals 'demonic'" Sonja Barisic, March 14, 2006. Boston Globe.


    Nor is he particularly welcome to Hindus, as illustrated by the following quotes:

    "When I said during my presidential bid that I would only bring Christians and Jews into the government, I hit a firestorm. `What do you mean?' the media challenged me. `You're not going to bring atheists into the government? How dare you maintain that those who believe in the Judeo-Christian values are better qualified to govern America than Hindus and Muslims?' My simple answer is, `Yes, they are.'" - Pat Robertson's The New World Order, page 218

    "Hinduism and many of the occult activities that come out of the Orient are inspired by demons and demon worship...There's this concept that all religions are the same and all are good. That is not true. The worship of the Devil is not good." – Pat Robertson's 700 Club, 9-11-89:

    "Of all of India's problems, one stands out from the rest. That problem is idol worship. It is said there are hundreds of millions of Hindu deities. All this has put a nation in bondage to spiritual forces that have deceived many for thousands of years." - Pat Robertson: March 23rd, 1995 broadcast of "The 700 Club."

    I was surprised to find that the conference was being co-sponsored by an Indian university.

    Robertson's views on feminists, gays and lesbians are also worth looking into.

    Now it is perfectly plausible that the organizers of the conference do not share the opinions of their university's chancellor. But participation in the conference raises an interesting moral and spiritual question--does participation in a conference led by a man who is famous for religious and spiritual intolerance constitute a tacit endorsement? If one attends, should one speak out? 


    I don't have an answer, but I think these questions could produce a very interesting discussion on the list.


    - Don

    ---
    Don McCormick
    2030 Overland Avenue
    Los Angeles, CA 90025

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: "Sunita Singh-Sengupta" <sssengupta@FMS.DU.AC.IN>
    Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 3:52 AM
    Subject: Call for Papers, Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    Hello!

    This gives me immense pleasure to announce that Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi (http://www.fms.edu/) along with School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Regent University, USA (http://www.regent.edu/acad/sls/) is organizing a three day International Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership during February 8-10, 2007 at University of Delhi, India.

    The conference announcement is put on our website: http://www.fms.edu/. On the left hand you will find the announcement scrolling. However, if you want to directly open the announcement the conference website is: http://fms.edu/conference/IntConf/rtc.htm.

    Looking forward for your participation and I shall appreciate if you pass on the information to your colleagues and friends as well.

    With regards,

    Sunita Singh-Sengupta
    Conference Convener





    Sunita Singh-Sengupta, Ph.D.
    Professor in Organizational Behaviour
    Faculty of Management Studies
    University of Delhi
    Delhi - 110 007
    India
    Work Phone : 91-11-27667264
    Fax No. 91-11-27667183
    Cell No. 9873167484, 9213428032

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Scott Taylor <s.taylor.2@BHAM.AC.UK>
    Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2006 10:53 am
    Subject: Call for Papers, The Spirit of Capitalism




  • 4.  Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    Posted 07-20-2006 07:51

    Dear Prof. Fry,

    Thank you for your query. This conference invites people from different segments of society to share and discuss the spiritual leadership and changing management paradigm. Scholars across the globe will be sharing their views on different conference sub-themes. I am sure we will make this conference an academically productive conference.

    Regards,

    Sunita Singh-Sengupta, Ph.D.
    Professor in Organizational Behaviour
    Faculty of Management Studies
    University of Delhi
    Delhi - 110 007
    India
    Work Phone : 91-11-27667264
    Fax No. 91-11-27667183
    Cell No. 9873167484, 9213428032

    ----- Original Message -----

    From: "Dr. Fry" <fry@TARLETON.EDU>

    Date: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 1:15 pm

    Subject: Re: Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    > While I in no way condone the remarks attributed to Pat Robinson
    > below, I would like share my and Dr. Laura Matherly's direct
    > experience with the School of Global Leadership and
    > Entrepreneurship, Regent University. We were invited last March by
    > them to spend two days with their faculty and doctoral students
    > and share our theory, research, and experience on maximizing human
    > well-being and performance excellence through spiritual
    > leadership. Our one hour presentation to faculty and students can
    > be viewed at:
    >
    > http://www.iispiritualleadership.com/
    >
    > During the presentation and throughout our visit we made clear the
    > distinction between spirituality and religion and that we believe
    > the values inherent in spiritual leadership theory are common to
    > all religions. We also believe that spiritual leadership can be
    > practiced in organizations either inclusively or exclusively of
    > religion. In addition, we discussed the necessary conditions that
    > must be met for religious beliefs to be expressed in organizations
    > in order to avoid  a religious workplace orientation that can lead
    > to arrogance that a particular company, faith, or even nation is
    > somehow 'better' or worthier than another and thus lead to
    > negative individual and organizational outcomes (e.g., lower
    > organizational commitment, productivity, and spiritual well-being).
    >
    > We found our presentation and views treated with respect and the
    > source of lively dialogue reminiscent of our Academy MSR sessions
    > and retreats. We neither heard nor experienced any of the dogmatic
    > rhetoric such as that quoted below. However, I might add that we
    > were there on the last Wednesday of the month which is when Pat
    > Robinson conducts his monthly noon chapel service. I must admit
    > that the Pat Robinson we heard was, without going into detail,
    > very much in the ilk of the Pat Robinson described below.
    >
    > Based on our experience at the School of Global Leadership and
    > Entrepreneurship on the Regent campus, my guess would then be that
    > the conference will be conducted "in full freedom" and that all
    > denominations and spiritual perspectives will be welcome. Besides,
    > as we stated in our presentation, all religious and spiritual
    > practices can only gain and keep seekers through attraction to
    > what adherents, who are clearly faithful, have. Promotion or
    > marketing of these practices may attract seekers, but unless the
    > fruits of the spirit follow they often will become disillusioned
    > and search elsewhere. This is all the more reason for adherents of
    > all spiritual and religious practices to participate in
    > conferences such as this if possible.
    >
    > Louis W. (Jody) Fry
    > Associate Professor of Management
    > Tarleton State University - Central Texas
    > 1901 South Clear Creek Road
    > Killeen, Texas
    > 254-519-5476
    >  ----- Original Message -----
    >  From: Don McCormick
    >  To: MSR@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU
    >  Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 2:39 PM
    >  Subject: Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on
    > Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >  On Jul 17, 2006, at 7:26 PM, David Steingard wrote:
    >
    >
    >    Hi Sunita,
    >
    >
    >    This conference looks wonderful. I am curious about the
    > synergy between you and Regent University. They appear to be a
    > strictly Christian university. What is your orientation? I ask
    > because I would want to ensure that a variety of perspectives on
    > spirituality would be welcome at this conference.
    >
    >
    >    Any information you could provide would be terrific.
    >
    >
    >  I'm very glad you raised this David. Regent University is a very
    > interesting place. Pat Robertson is the founder and Chancellor of
    > Regent University (originally called CBN university). I don't know
    > about this conference, but Regent University's Chancellor would
    > seem unlikely to "ensure that a variety of perspectives on
    > spirituality would be welcome."
    >
    >
    >  He isn't very welcoming to other mainstream Christian
    > denominations, according to the respected British newspaper, The
    > Guardian. They quote him as saying, 'You're supposed to be nice to
    > Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Methodists ... Nonsense. I don't
    > have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist.' ("Right-wing TV
    > evangelist and former Presidential candidate Pat Robertson is the
    > man Bank of Scotland has chosen to spearhead its US subsidiary.
    > Why?"  Gregory Palast, The Guardian. Sunday May 23, 1999.)
    >
    >
    >  Nor is he particularly welcome to Muslims. The Boston Globe
    > says, "Television evangelist Pat Robertson said yesterday on his
    > live news-and-talk program ''The 700 Club" that Islam is not a
    > religion of peace and that radical Muslims are ''demonic."
    > Robertson made his comments after he watched a news story on his
    > Christian Broadcasting Network about Muslim protests in Europe
    > over the cartoon drawings of the Prophet Muhammad. He remarked
    > that the outpouring of rage elicited by cartoons ''just shows the
    > kind of people we're dealing with. These people are crazed
    > fanatics, and I want to say it now: I believe it's motivated by
    > demonic power. It is satanic and it's time we recognize what we're
    > dealing with." Robertson also said that ''the goal of Islam,
    > ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not, is world
    > domination." In a statement later yesterday, Robertson said he was
    > referring specifically to terrorists who want to bomb innocent
    > people as being motivated by Satan." ("Robertson says Islam isn't
    > a faith of peace: Televangelist calls radicals 'demonic'" Sonja
    > Barisic, March 14, 2006. Boston Globe.
    >
    >
    >
    >  Nor is he particularly welcome to Hindus, as illustrated by the
    > following quotes:
    >
    >  "When I said during my presidential bid that I would only bring
    > Christians and Jews into the government, I hit a firestorm. `What
    > do you mean?' the media challenged me. `You're not going to bring
    > atheists into the government? How dare you maintain that those who
    > believe in the Judeo-Christian values are better qualified to
    > govern America than Hindus and Muslims?' My simple answer is,
    > `Yes, they are.'" - Pat Robertson's The New World Order, page 218
    >
    >  "Hinduism and many of the occult activities that come out of the
    > Orient are inspired by demons and demon worship...There's this
    > concept that all religions are the same and all are good. That is
    > not true. The worship of the Devil is not good." – Pat Robertson's
    > 700 Club, 9-11-89:
    >
    >  "Of all of India's problems, one stands out from the rest. That
    > problem is idol worship. It is said there are hundreds of millions
    > of Hindu deities. All this has put a nation in bondage to
    > spiritual forces that have deceived many for thousands of years." -
    > Pat Robertson: March 23rd, 1995 broadcast of "The 700 Club."
    >
    >  I was surprised to find that the conference was being co-
    > sponsored by an Indian university.
    >
    >  Robertson's views on feminists, gays and lesbians are also worth
    > looking into.
    >
    >  Now it is perfectly plausible that the organizers of the
    > conference do not share the opinions of their university's
    > chancellor. But participation in the conference raises an
    > interesting moral and spiritual question--does participation in a
    > conference led by a man who is famous for religious and spiritual
    > intolerance constitute a tacit endorsement? If one attends, should
    > one speak out?
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >  I don't have an answer, but I think these questions could
    > produce a very interesting discussion on the list.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >  - Don
    >
    >
    >  ---
    >  Don McCormick
    >  2030 Overland Avenue
    >  Los Angeles, CA 90025
    >
    >
    >  ----- Original Message -----
    >  From: "Sunita Singh-Sengupta" <sssengupta@FMS.DU.AC.IN>
    >  To: <MSR@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU>
    >  Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 3:52 AM
    >  Subject: Call for Papers, Integrating Spirituality and
    > Organizational Leadership
    >
    >
    >  Hello!
    >
    >  This gives me immense pleasure to announce that Faculty of
    > Management Studies, University of Delhi (http://www.fms.edu/)
    > along with School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship,
    > Regent University, USA (http://www.regent.edu/acad/sls/) is
    > organizing a three day International Conference on Integrating
    > Spirituality and Organizational Leadership during February 8-10,
    > 2007 at University of Delhi, India.
    >
    >  The conference announcement is put on our website:
    > http://www.fms.edu/. On the left hand you will find the
    > announcement scrolling. However, if you want to directly open the
    > announcement the conference website is:
    > http://fms.edu/conference/IntConf/rtc.htm.
    >  Looking forward for your participation and I shall appreciate if
    > you pass on the information to your colleagues and friends as well.
    >
    >  With regards,
    >
    >  Sunita Singh-Sengupta
    >  Conference Convener
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >  Sunita Singh-Sengupta, Ph.D.
    >  Professor in Organizational Behaviour
    >  Faculty of Management Studies
    >  University of Delhi
    >  Delhi - 110 007
    >  India
    >  Work Phone : 91-11-27667264
    >  Fax No. 91-11-27667183
    >  Cell No. 9873167484, 9213428032
    >
    >  ----- Original Message -----
    >  From: Scott Taylor <s.taylor.2@BHAM.AC.UK>
    >  Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2006 10:53 am
    >  Subject: Call for Papers, The Spirit of Capitalism
    >
    >
    >



  • 5.  Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    Posted 07-20-2006 10:18
    I have been lurking and mulling re: this thread... and getting increasingly both "sucked in" and anxious... I am now at this question, in my thinking;
     
    Why is it that the more RELATIVISTIC spirituality perspective is so uncomfortable (?) and un-accomodative of the more DOGMATIC religious perspective... especially when the more dogmatic position is willing to give the more relativistic position a hearing? In the world of ideas, isn't it good to be exposed to honest, spirited criticism?
     
    Might it be that the spirituality perspective is less developed? "fuzzier"?   
    I certainly don't have any empirical evidence but I really don't think that these perspectives are on opposite sides of a single spectrum. Why wouldn't dialogue (even collaboration!) be a good thing? "WHO" is afraid of "WHAT"? and "WHY"? It's not making much sense to me. Is each side cautiously building a glass castle with a tenuous and implicit understanding that neither will throw stones? Hmmm... and how long will that last?!
     
    Ralph
    "Dr. Fry" <fry@TARLETON.EDU> wrote:
    While I in no way condone the remarks attributed to Pat Robinson below, I would like share my and Dr. Laura Matherly's direct experience with the School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Regent University. We were invited last March by them to spend two days with their faculty and doctoral students and share our theory, research, and experience on maximizing human well-being and performance excellence through spiritual leadership. Our one hour presentation to faculty and students can be viewed at:
     
     
    During the presentation and throughout our visit we made clear the distinction between spirituality and religion and that we believe the values inherent in spiritual leadership theory are common to all religions. We also believe that spiritual leadership can be practiced in organizations either inclusively or exclusively of religion. In addition, we discussed the necessary conditions that must be met for religious beliefs to be expressed in organizations in order to avoid  a religious workplace orientation that can lead to arrogance that a particular company, faith, or even nation is somehow ‘better’ or worthier than another and thus lead to negative individual and organizational outcomes (e.g., lower organizational commitment, productivity, and spiritual well-being).
     
    We found our presentation and views treated with respect and the source of lively dialogue reminiscent of our Academy MSR sessions and retreats. We neither heard nor experienced any of the dogmatic rhetoric such as that quoted below. However, I might add that we were there on the last Wednesday of the month which is when Pat Robinson conducts his monthly noon chapel service. I must admit that the Pat Robinson we heard was, without going into detail, very much in the ilk of the Pat Robinson described below.
     
    Based on our experience at the School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship on the Regent campus, my guess would then be that the conference will be conducted "in full freedom" and that all denominations and spiritual perspectives will be welcome. Besides, as we stated in our presentation, all religious and spiritual practices can only gain and keep seekers through attraction to what adherents, who are clearly faithful, have. Promotion or marketing of these practices may attract seekers, but unless the fruits of the spirit follow they often will become disillusioned and search elsewhere. This is all the more reason for adherents of all spiritual and religious practices to participate in conferences such as this if possible.

    Louis W. (Jody) Fry
    Associate Professor of Management
    Tarleton State University - Central Texas
    1901 South Clear Creek Road
    Killeen, Texas
    254-519-5476
    ----- Original Message -----
    Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 2:39 PM
    Subject: Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership


    On Jul 17, 2006, at 7:26 PM, David Steingard wrote:

    Hi Sunita,

    This conference looks wonderful. I am curious about the synergy between you and Regent University. They appear to be a strictly Christian university. What is your orientation? I ask because I would want to ensure that a variety of perspectives on spirituality would be welcome at this conference.

    Any information you could provide would be terrific.

    I'm very glad you raised this David. Regent University is a very interesting place. Pat Robertson is the founder and Chancellor of Regent University (originally called CBN university). I don't know about this conference, but Regent University's Chancellor would seem unlikely to "ensure that a variety of perspectives on spirituality would be welcome." 

    He isn't very welcoming to other mainstream Christian denominations, according to the respected British newspaper, The Guardian. They quote him as saying, 'You're supposed to be nice to Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Methodists ... Nonsense. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist.' ("Right-wing TV evangelist and former Presidential candidate Pat Robertson is the man Bank of Scotland has chosen to spearhead its US subsidiary. Why?"  Gregory Palast, The Guardian. Sunday May 23, 1999.)



    Ralph A. Rodriguez, Ph.D.

    Department of Management
    Anderson Hall, Room 308 
    West Chester University of PA
    West Chester, PA 19383 
    (610) 436-1095
     
    rrodriguez@wcupa.edu
     

     


  • 6.  Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    Posted 07-20-2006 14:47
    Thanks for sharing your experience with Regent, Jody.

    While I in no way condone the remarks attributed to Pat Robinson below, I would like share my and Dr. Laura Matherly's direct experience with the School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Regent University. We were invited last March by them to spend two days with their faculty and doctoral students and share our theory, research, and experience on maximizing human well-being and performance excellence through spiritual leadership. Our one hour presentation to faculty and students can be viewed at:
     
    http://www.iispiritualleadership.com/
     
    During the presentation and throughout our visit we made clear the distinction between spirituality and religion and that we believe the values inherent in spiritual leadership theory are common to all religions. We also believe that spiritual leadership can be practiced in organizations either inclusively or exclusively of religion. In addition, we discussed the necessary conditions that must be met for religious beliefs to be expressed in organizations in order to avoid  a religious workplace orientation that can lead to arrogance that a particular company, faith, or even nation is somehow 'better' or worthier than another and thus lead to negative individual and organizational outcomes (e.g., lower organizational commitment, productivity, and spiritual well-being).
     
    We found our presentation and views treated with respect and the source of lively dialogue reminiscent of our Academy MSR sessions and retreats. We neither heard nor experienced any of the dogmatic rhetoric such as that quoted below. However, I might add that we were there on the last Wednesday of the month which is when Pat Robinson conducts his monthly noon chapel service. I must admit that the Pat Robinson we heard was, without going into detail, very much in the ilk of the Pat Robinson described below.
     
    Based on our experience at the School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship on the Regent campus, my guess would then be that the conference will be conducted "in full freedom" and that all denominations and spiritual perspectives will be welcome. Besides, as we stated in our presentation, all religious and spiritual practices can only gain and keep seekers through attraction to what adherents, who are clearly faithful, have. Promotion or marketing of these practices may attract seekers, but unless the fruits of the spirit follow they often will become disillusioned and search elsewhere. This is all the more reason for adherents of all spiritual and religious practices to participate in conferences such as this if possible.

    Louis W. (Jody) Fry
    Associate Professor of Management
    Tarleton State University - Central Texas
    1901 South Clear Creek Road
    Killeen, Texas
    254-519-5476

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Don McCormick
    To: MSR@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU
    Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 2:39 PM
    Subject: Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership


    On Jul 17, 2006, at 7:26 PM, David Steingard wrote:

    Hi Sunita,

    This conference looks wonderful. I am curious about the synergy between you and Regent University. They appear to be a strictly Christian university. What is your orientation? I ask because I would want to ensure that a variety of perspectives on spirituality would be welcome at this conference.

    Any information you could provide would be terrific.

    I'm very glad you raised this David. Regent University is a very interesting place. Pat Robertson is the founder and Chancellor of Regent University (originally called CBN university). I don't know about this conference, but Regent University's Chancellor would seem unlikely to "ensure that a variety of perspectives on spirituality would be welcome." 

    He isn't very welcoming to other mainstream Christian denominations, according to the respected British newspaper, The Guardian. They quote him as saying, 'You're supposed to be nice to Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Methodists ... Nonsense. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist.' ("Right-wing TV evangelist and former Presidential candidate Pat Robertson is the man Bank of Scotland has chosen to spearhead its US subsidiary. Why?"  Gregory Palast, The Guardian. Sunday May 23, 1999.)

    Nor is he particularly welcome to Muslims. The Boston Globe says, "Television evangelist Pat Robertson said yesterday on his live news-and-talk program ''The 700 Club" that Islam is not a religion of peace and that radical Muslims are ''demonic." Robertson made his comments after he watched a news story on his Christian Broadcasting Network about Muslim protests in Europe over the cartoon drawings of the Prophet Muhammad. He remarked that the outpouring of rage elicited by cartoons ''just shows the kind of people we're dealing with. These people are crazed fanatics, and I want to say it now: I believe it's motivated by demonic power. It is satanic and it's time we recognize what we're dealing with." Robertson also said that ''the goal of Islam, ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not, is world domination." In a statement later yesterday, Robertson said he was referring specifically to terrorists who want to bomb innocent people as being motivated by Satan." ("Robertson says Islam isn't a faith of peace: Televangelist calls radicals 'demonic'" Sonja Barisic, March 14, 2006. Boston Globe.

    Nor is he particularly welcome to Hindus, as illustrated by the following quotes:
    "When I said during my presidential bid that I would only bring Christians and Jews into the government, I hit a firestorm. `What do you mean?' the media challenged me. `You're not going to bring atheists into the government? How dare you maintain that those who believe in the Judeo-Christian values are better qualified to govern America than Hindus and Muslims?' My simple answer is, `Yes, they are.'" - Pat Robertson's The New World Order, page 218
    "Hinduism and many of the occult activities that come out of the Orient are inspired by demons and demon worship...There's this concept that all religions are the same and all are good. That is not true. The worship of the Devil is not good." - Pat Robertson's 700 Club, 9-11-89:
    "Of all of India's problems, one stands out from the rest. That problem is idol worship. It is said there are hundreds of millions of Hindu deities. All this has put a nation in bondage to spiritual forces that have deceived many for thousands of years." - Pat Robertson: March 23rd, 1995 broadcast of "The 700 Club."
    I was surprised to find that the conference was being co-sponsored by an Indian university.
    Robertson's views on feminists, gays and lesbians are also worth looking into.
    Now it is perfectly plausible that the organizers of the conference do not share the opinions of their university's chancellor. But participation in the conference raises an interesting moral and spiritual question--does participation in a conference led by a man who is famous for religious and spiritual intolerance constitute a tacit endorsement? If one attends, should one speak out? 

    I don't have an answer, but I think these questions could produce a very interesting discussion on the list.

    - Don

    ---
    Don McCormick
    2030 Overland Avenue
    Los Angeles, CA 90025

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: "Sunita Singh-Sengupta" <sssengupta@FMS.DU.AC.IN>
    To: <MSR@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU>
    Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 3:52 AM
    Subject: Call for Papers, Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    Hello!

    This gives me immense pleasure to announce that Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi (
    http://www.fms.edu/) along with School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Regent University, USA (http://www.regent.edu/acad/sls/) is organizing a three day International Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership during February 8-10, 2007 at University of Delhi, India.

    The conference announcement is put on our website:
    http://www.fms.edu/. On the left hand you will find the announcement scrolling. However, if you want to directly open the announcement the conference website is: http://fms.edu/conference/IntConf/rtc.htm.

    Looking forward for your participation and I shall appreciate if you pass on the information to your colleagues and friends as well.

    With regards,

    Sunita Singh-Sengupta
    Conference Convener





    Sunita Singh-Sengupta, Ph.D.
    Professor in Organizational Behaviour
    Faculty of Management Studies
    University of Delhi
    Delhi - 110 007
    India
    Work Phone : 91-11-27667264
    Fax No. 91-11-27667183
    Cell No. 9873167484, 9213428032

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Scott Taylor <
    s.taylor.2@BHAM.AC.UK>
    Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2006 10:53 am
    Subject: Call for Papers, The Spirit of Capitalism


    <x-sigsep>
    --  
    </x-sigsep>
    David S. Steingard, Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor of Management
    Assistant Director, Pedro Arrupe Center for Business Ethics
    Department of Management
    Erivan K. Haub School of Business
    Saint Joseph's University
    5600 City Avenue
    Philadelphia, PA  19131-1395
    Phone: 610-660-3231 Fax: 610-660-1229


  • 7.  Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    Posted 07-20-2006 16:44
    D



    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Management, Spirituality & Religion <MSR@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU>
    To: MSR@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU <MSR@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU>
    Sent: Thu Jul 20 07:51:08 2006
    Subject: Re: Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    Dear Prof. Fry,

    Thank you for your query. This conference invites people from different segments of society to share and discuss the spiritual leadership and changing management paradigm. Scholars across the globe will be sharing their views on different conference sub-themes. I am sure we will make this conference an academically productive conference.

    Regards,

    Sunita Singh-Sengupta, Ph.D.
    Professor in Organizational Behaviour
    Faculty of Management Studies
    University of Delhi
    Delhi - 110 007
    India
    Work Phone : 91-11-27667264
    Fax No. 91-11-27667183
    Cell No. 9873167484, 9213428032



    ----- Original Message -----

    From: "Dr. Fry" <fry@TARLETON.EDU>

    Date: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 1:15 pm

    Subject: Re: Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership

    > While I in no way condone the remarks attributed to Pat Robinson
    > below, I would like share my and Dr. Laura Matherly's direct
    > experience with the School of Global Leadership and
    > Entrepreneurship, Regent University. We were invited last March by
    > them to spend two days with their faculty and doctoral students
    > and share our theory, research, and experience on maximizing human
    > well-being and performance excellence through spiritual
    > leadership. Our one hour presentation to faculty and students can
    > be viewed at:
    >
    > http://www.iispiritualleadership.com/
    >
    > During the presentation and throughout our visit we made clear the
    > distinction between spirituality and religion and that we believe
    > the values inherent in spiritual leadership theory are common to
    > all religions. We also believe that spiritual leadership can be
    > practiced in organizations either inclusively or exclusively of
    > religion. In addition, we discussed the necessary conditions that
    > must be met for religious beliefs to be expressed in organizations
    > in order to avoid a religious workplace orientation that can lead
    > to arrogance that a particular company, faith, or even nation is
    > somehow ‘better’ or worthier than another and thus lead to
    > negative individual and organizational outcomes (e.g., lower
    > organizational commitment, productivity, and spiritual well-being).
    >
    > We found our presentation and views treated with respect and the
    > source of lively dialogue reminiscent of our Academy MSR sessions
    > and retreats. We neither heard nor experienced any of the dogmatic
    > rhetoric such as that quoted below. However, I might add that we
    > were there on the last Wednesday of the month which is when Pat
    > Robinson conducts his monthly noon chapel service. I must admit
    > that the Pat Robinson we heard was, without going into detail,
    > very much in the ilk of the Pat Robinson described below.
    >
    > Based on our experience at the School of Global Leadership and
    > Entrepreneurship on the Regent campus, my guess would then be that
    > the conference will be conducted "in full freedom" and that all
    > denominations and spiritual perspectives will be welcome. Besides,
    > as we stated in our presentation, all religious and spiritual
    > practices can only gain and keep seekers through attraction to
    > what adherents, who are clearly faithful, have. Promotion or
    > marketing of these practices may attract seekers, but unless the
    > fruits of the spirit follow they often will become disillusioned
    > and search elsewhere. This is all the more reason for adherents of
    > all spiritual and religious practices to participate in
    > conferences such as this if possible.
    >
    > Louis W. (Jody) Fry
    > Associate Professor of Management
    > Tarleton State University - Central Texas
    > 1901 South Clear Creek Road
    > Killeen, Texas
    > 254-519-5476
    > ----- Original Message -----
    > From: Don McCormick
    > To: MSR@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU
    > Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 2:39 PM
    > Subject: Regent University, Pat Robertson and the Conference on
    > Integrating Spirituality and Organizational Leadership
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > On Jul 17, 2006, at 7:26 PM, David Steingard wrote:
    >
    >
    > Hi Sunita,
    >
    >
    > This conference looks wonderful. I am curious about the
    > synergy between you and Regent University. They appear to be a
    > strictly Christian university. What is your orientation? I ask
    > because I would want to ensure that a variety of perspectives on
    > spirituality would be welcome at this conference.
    >
    >
    > Any information you could provide would be terrific.
    >
    >
    > I'm very glad you raised this David. Regent University is a very
    > interesting place. Pat Robertson is the founder and Chancellor of
    > Regent University (originally called CBN university). I don't know
    > about this conference, but Regent University's Chancellor would
    > seem unlikely to "ensure that a variety of perspectives on
    > spirituality would be welcome."
    >
    >
    > He isn't very welcoming to other mainstream Christian
    > denominations, according to the respected British newspaper, The
    > Guardian. They quote him as saying, 'You're supposed to be nice to
    > Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Methodists ... Nonsense. I don't
    > have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist.' ("Right-wing TV
    > evangelist and former Presidential candidate Pat Robertson is the
    > man Bank of Scotland has chosen to spearhead its US subsidiary.
    > Why?" Gregory Palast, The Guardian. Sunday May 23, 1999.)
    >
    >
    > Nor is he particularly welcome to Muslims. The Boston Globe
    > says, "Television evangelist Pat Robertson said yesterday on his
    > live news-and-talk program ''The 700 Club" that Islam is not a
    > religion of peace and that radical Muslims are ''demonic."
    > Robertson made his comments after he watched a news story on his
    > Christian Broadcasting Network about Muslim protests in Europe
    > over the cartoon drawings of the Prophet Muhammad. He remarked
    > that the outpouring of rage elicited by cartoons ''just shows the
    > kind of people we're dealing with. These people are crazed
    > fanatics, and I want to say it now: I believe it's motivated by
    > demonic power. It is satanic and it's time we recognize what we're
    > dealing with." Robertson also said that ''the goal of Islam,
    > ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not, is world
    > domination." In a statement later yesterday, Robertson said he was
    > referring specifically to terrorists who want to bomb innocent
    > people as being motivated by Satan." ("Robertson says Islam isn't
    > a faith of peace: Televangelist calls radicals 'demonic'" Sonja
    > Barisic, March 14, 2006. Boston Globe.
    >
    >
    >
    > Nor is he particularly welcome to Hindus, as illustrated by the
    > following quotes:
    >
    > "When I said during my presidential bid that I would only bring
    > Christians and Jews into the government, I hit a firestorm. `What
    > do you mean?' the media challenged me. `You're not going to bring
    > atheists into the government? How dare you maintain that those who
    > believe in the Judeo-Christian values are better qualified to
    > govern America than Hindus and Muslims?' My simple answer is,
    > `Yes, they are.'" - Pat Robertson's The New World Order, page 218
    >
    > "Hinduism and many of the occult activities that come out of the
    > Orient are inspired by demons and demon worship...There's this
    > concept that all religions are the same and all are good. That is
    > not true. The worship of the Devil is not good." – Pat Robertson's
    > 700 Club, 9-11-89:
    >
    > "Of all of India's problems, one stands out from the rest. That
    > problem is idol worship. It is said there are hundreds of millions
    > of Hindu deities. All this has put a nation in bondage to
    > spiritual forces that have deceived many for thousands of years." -
    > Pat Robertson: March 23rd, 1995 broadcast of "The 700 Club."
    >
    > I was surprised to find that the conference was being co-
    > sponsored by an Indian university.
    >
    > Robertson's views on feminists, gays and lesbians are also worth
    > looking into.
    >
    > Now it is perfectly plausible that the organizers of the
    > conference do not share the opinions of their university's
    > chancellor. But participation in the conference raises an
    > interesting moral and spiritual question--does participation in a
    > conference led by a man who is famous for religious and spiritual
    > intolerance constitute a tacit endorsement? If one attends, should
    > one speak out?
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > I don't have an answer, but I think these questions could
    > produce a very interesting discussion on the list.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > - Don
    >
    >
    > ---
    > Don McCormick
    > 2030 Overland Avenue
    > Los Angeles, CA 90025
    >
    >
    > ----- Original Message -----
    > From: "Sunita Singh-Sengupta" <sssengupta@FMS.DU.AC.IN>
    > To: <MSR@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU>
    > Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 3:52 AM
    > Subject: Call for Papers, Integrating Spirituality and
    > Organizational Leadership
    >
    >
    > Hello!
    >
    > This gives me immense pleasure to announce that Faculty of
    > Management Studies, University of Delhi (http://www.fms.edu/)
    > along with School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship,
    > Regent University, USA (http://www.regent.edu/acad/sls/) is
    > organizing a three day International Conference on Integrating
    > Spirituality and Organizational Leadership during February 8-10,
    > 2007 at University of Delhi, India.
    >
    > The conference announcement is put on our website:
    > http://www.fms.edu/. On the left hand you will find the
    > announcement scrolling. However, if you want to directly open the
    > announcement the conference website is:
    > http://fms.edu/conference/IntConf/rtc.htm.
    > Looking forward for your participation and I shall appreciate if
    > you pass on the information to your colleagues and friends as well.
    >
    > With regards,
    >
    > Sunita Singh-Sengupta
    > Conference Convener
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > Sunita Singh-Sengupta, Ph.D.
    > Professor in Organizational Behaviour
    > Faculty of Management Studies
    > University of Delhi
    > Delhi - 110 007
    > India
    > Work Phone : 91-11-27667264
    > Fax No. 91-11-27667183
    > Cell No. 9873167484, 9213428032
    >
    > ----- Original Message -----
    > From: Scott Taylor