'Walking the Bible' Author to Speak at Baylor Nov. 9

New York Times best-selling author Bruce Feiler, whose books include "Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land," "Where God Was Born" and "Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths," will be the featured speaker at Baylor University's fifth annual Ferguson-Clark Author Lecture. Feiler's lecture, "Can We All Get Along? Building Bridges Among the Religions in the 21st Century," will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, in Waco Hall.
A native of Savannah, Ga., Feiler has traveled to more than 60 countries on five continents in pursuit of a better understanding of diverse cultures. In researching "Walking the Bible," Feiler trekked 10,000 miles of desert, visiting biblical landmarks, such as Mt. Sinai and the Red Sea. The book was hailed as an "instant classic" by the "Washington Post" and "thoughtful, informed, and perceptive" by the "New York Times." The book was named one of the best books of the year by the "Los Angeles Times," spent more than a year on the "New York Times" bestseller list and has been translated into 15 languages.
His latest work, "Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths," recounts his personal search for the shared ancestor of Jews, Christians and Muslims. "Exquisitely written," wrote the "Boston Globe." The book was featured on the cover of "TIME" Magazine, became a runaway "New York Times" bestseller and was named one of the best books of the year by the "St. Louis Post-Dispatch," "Christian Science Monitor," Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, beliefnet.com and "Publishers Weekly." It inspired thousands of grassroots interfaith discussions around the world and will be an upcoming PBS documentary.
"Feiler will bring insights on how to build bridges to other faiths, working from what we have in common and how to use those things to handle our differences," said John Wilson, director of library advancement and special projects. "The topic is timely, and the perspective he brings will be valuable to every one of us."
Proceeds from the lecture will benefit the expansion of library study areas. Lecture sponsors include Babs Baugh, Collen Clark and the "Waco Tribune-Herald" at the Benefactors' level; Ted and Sue Getterman, Bill and Kathy Wardlaw, Baylor University Bookstore, Baylor University department of journalism and Central National Bank at the Patrons' level; and Hilton Waco and Wells Fargo Bank at the Supporters' level.
Tickets are on sale now. Patron tickets are $50 and include reserved seating, a reception and book signing after the lecture. General admission is $15. Baylor faculty and staff tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5. Purchase tickets online at www.baylor.edu/lib/feiler or by calling (254) 710-7249.