Inter/Sections Season Continues with Episode on Pluralism and Catholic Thought

The Institute for Communication and Religion’s feature podcast, Inter/Sections, continues its current season with a new episode, “Exploring Pluralism in Catholic Thought between the Theological and Political.” The episode is hosted by Axel Takacs, Th.D., assistant professor of comparative theology and interreligious studies and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Interreligious Studies, and features Matthew Cavedon, director of the Cato Institute’s Project on Criminal Justice. He discusses his recently published article, “Fraternal Pluralism: Pope Francis’s Contributions and Precedents.” The episode is available to view now on the ICR’s PodBean and the University’s YouTube channel.

“This most recent episode offers a rich conversation on the kind of pluralism promoted by the Catholic intellectual tradition — internal pluralism as well as political and social pluralism. It could certainly be used in many of our Core classes,” said Takacs. “The podcast is designed for use in the classroom through the Classroom Integration Toolkit, which provides resources for educators and students.”

Inter/Sections relaunched this semester as part of a new partnership between Seton Hall and Interreligious Studies Media (ISM). The JIRS is an open-access, peer reviewed academic journal that discusses issues impacting religious communities around the world. The ISM was established to support and expand upon the scholarly work of the JIRS, helping to create more diverse educational programming. Seton Hall University joined the ISM as the first full partner in 2025, with the ICR producing Inter/Sections as part of this partnership.

Previous episodes of Inter/Sections are available to view on the ICR’s PodBean.

About the Institute for Communication and Religion
The Institute for Communication and Religion (ICR) is an affiliated unit within Seton Hall University’s College of Human Development, Culture, and Media. Religious traditions are primary drivers for social action across humanity’s full moral range, from care through violence. Launched with THRUST funding in Fall 2017, the ICR is an interdisciplinary nexus for communication and media scholarship addressing the critical intersection between religion and society. Guided by Nostra Aetate’s spirit of ecumenical and interreligious cooperation, the Institute seeks to engage in public dialogue and debate, promote academic inquiry and support religious dimensions of creativity. Our values are Seton Hall’s values: servant leadership, curricular innovation, and intellectual excellence. For more information, visit the Institute for Communication and Religion website. 

Categories: Faith and Service