BRIDGEPORT, CT— Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the publication of After Auschwitz, the 
University of Bridgeport (UB) will honor its author, President Emeritus and Distinguished Research Professor of Religion Richard L. Rubenstein.
Hailed as a major figure in contemporary religious and social thought, he is renowned for his contribution to Holocaust and genocide studies. Dr. Rubenstein is credited with the creation of Holocaust theology with this book’s first edition in 1966.
Wed., Sept. 7
reception 5:30 pm | event begins 6:00 pm
Arnold Bernhard Arts & Humanities Center | duPont Tower Room
84 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport
The City Bridgeport will present a citation from Mayor Joe Ganim honoring Dr. Rubenstein on the historic anniversary of After Auschwitz.
The genesis of the book “all began with a walk in Düsseldorf,” reminisced Dr. Rubenstein. “The notion that theologians lead uninteresting lives couldn’t be further from the truth.”
The evening features a conversation with Dr. Rubenstein, hosted by UB Provost Dr. Stephen Healey and scholar Dr. Judy Greenberg. “We are honored to host this commemoration of After Auschwitz, a pioneer text in Holocaust studies,” said UB President Neil Salonen who will lead the event with greetings.
Holocaust theology seeks a realistic basis for religious belief after the idea of God as the protector of the Jewish people lost credibility with the extermination of six million Jews of the 11- million people murdered during World War II.
“Dr. Rubenstein’s many books and articles have had a major impact on religious and social thought,” said Dean Thomas Ward of the College of Public and International Affairs (CPIA), which is hosting the event.
Dr. Rubenstein’s other books include Morality and Eros, My Brother Paul, The Cunning of History: Mass Death and the American Future, Age of Triage: Fear and Hope in an Overcrowded World, The Religious Imagination: A Study in Psychoanalysis and Jewish Theology, Dissolving Alliance: The United States and the Future of Europe, Spirit Matters: The Worldwide Impact of Religion on Contemporary Politics, The Politics of Latin American Liberation Theology, Approaches to Auschwitz: The Holocaust and Its Legacy, Jihad and Genocide: Religion, History, and Human Rights.
“I thought no one would even read the book,” said Dr. Rubenstein. “I’m deeply moved my book still has an audience and the university that is most important to me is going to commemorate its 50th anniversary.”
After Auschwitz has already had two celebrations in honor of its anniversary, at Florida State University and Congregation Beth El in Fairfield, CT.
“The administration, faculty and students have all benefited from the period Dr. Rubenstein served as President of the University and from his ongoing role as Distinguished Research Professor of Religion. It’s wonderful he continues to teach and inspire our graduates and undergraduates alike,” said President Salonen.
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The University of Bridgeport’s College of Public and International Affairs (CPIA) is a diverse learning community committed to preparing students for careers in public service and public affairs through the interdisciplinary study of world politics, communications, religion, human security, and the social sciences.
CPIA offers six distinct undergraduate bachelor of arts and four globally-focused master’s programs. For more information, 203-576-4966.