Christian Miller, professor of philosophy at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., will lead a discussion on the effect of religion on society on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 4:30 p.m. in the Wall Boardroom at Coastal Carolina University. The event is free and open to the public.

Miller's presentation will debate religion as a positive and/or negative societal force, traversing topics from religious tragedies and community outreach to the benefits of a secular society. Questions to be covered include: Can secular thinking and religion coexist? Does religion damage or help a society? Are the attempts of secularizing society virtuous?

Miller is the endowed A. C. Reid Chair in Philosophy at Wake Forest University. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Notre Dame University, and his research focuses on contemporary meta-ethics, moral psychology, theory of action, normative theory and philosophy of religion. Miller is a longtime supporter of and speaker for CCU's Tea & Ethics series; this event is his third appearance as a discussant, previous talks having covered concepts of honesty and moral character. traversing topics from religious tragedies and community outreach to the benefits of a secular society. Questions to be covered include: Can secular thinking and religion coexist? Does religion damage or help a society? Are the attempts of secularizing society virtuous? traversing topics from religious tragedies and community outreach to the benefits of a secular society. Questions to be covered include: Can secular thinking and religion coexist? Does religion damage or help a society? Are the attempts of secularizing society virtuous?

Tea & Ethics has been the flagship event of the Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values since 2004. The Jackson Center aims to cultivate ethical awareness in the community through programs and events fostering inclusive conversations on important contemporary ethical issues.

"Tea and Ethics provides a unique opportunity for open discussion about controversial topics among students, faculty and community members," said Nils Rauhut, CCU professor of philosophy and director of the Jackson Center.

The Wall Boardroom is located in Room 222 of the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration at 119 Chanticleer Drive E. on CCU's main campus. Parking is limited; for more information, visit coastal.edu/safety/parking.

For more information or questions regarding the event, contact Rauhut at nrauhut@coastal.edu or 843-349-2547.