Religion often causes wars -- can it also help make peace? Professor Tudor Parfitt will examine the risks and dangers in a lecture at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU.

Parfitt, an expert in both religion and current events, will help us understand how religion -- both Jewish and Islamic -- has affected the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. He will show how some leaders on both sides of the conflict have carefully chosen texts and traditions that fit their purposes.

He will also examine the general role of religion in conflict. Can religion help resolve them? Or does it only make dissensions worse?

Tudor Parfitt is a professor of Sephardic-Mizrahi studies at FIU. He is also a distinguished professor at FIU's School of International and Public Affairs. His talk is part of the university's Mondays at the Museum lecture series.

The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU is at 301 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. All the Monday events are $10 for the public, $5 for museum members, free for students with ID. Series tickets are $150 for the public, $75 for museum members, for the twenty-some programs.

For tickets or information, e-mail the museum at info@jewishmuseum.com or call 786-972-3175.