BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Throughout history, flawed interpretations of religion have led to tragedies like the Crusades, the Holocaust, Waco, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. "When Religion Becomes Evil" by Charles Kimball explores this phenomenon in the context of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Kimball, who was featured in a "Time Magazine" cover story on Islam in 2003, is the speaker at the annual lecture sponsored by Campbell University’s Department of Religion Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at Memorial Baptist Church in Buies Creek.

A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Kimball is a professor of religion in the department of religion and professor of world religions in the Divinity School at Wake Forest University, a partner school of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. He holds a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Theology from Harvard University with a specialization in Islamic studies. Kimball is also an ordained Baptist minister.

Prior to joining the Wake Forest faculty, Kimball taught at Furman University, where he also served as the director for International Education. From 1983-1990, he was director of the Middle East Office at the National Council of Churches, based in New York. He has made more than 35 visits to the Middle East and worked closely with Congress, the White House and the State Department. His articles have appeared in a number of publications, including "The Christian Century," "The Christian Science Monitor," and "The Los Angeles Times."

"When Religion Becomes Evil" was named one of the top 10 books on religion for 2002 by "Publishers Weekly" and was voted one of the top 10 books for 2002 by the Association of Parish Clergy.

The Fellowship has published a study guide of Kimball's book to foster dialogue and honest sharing among believers. Created by Kimball; Jeff Rogers, pastor of First Baptist Church, Greenville, S.C.; and Bo Prosser, coordinator of congregational life at the Fellowship; the free study guide is currently available online as a downloadable PDF file located at http://www.thefellowship.info/Church%20Life/Congregational%20Life/Resources/Study%20Guides/kimball.icm

CBF is a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.