Between 200 and 300 people of all religions went to see Os Guinness, an author, social critic and former Senior Fellow of the EastWest Institute, speak at Iowa State University on Feb. 17 about the importance of diversity when it comes to religion.

Guinness was born in China and received his undergraduate degree at the University of London and his graduate degree from Oriel College at the University of Oxford.

“Os is a frequent speaker, and tonight he will be addressing soul freedom,” said Ann Smiley-Oyen, faculty moderator and associate professor of kinesiology.

Guinness started off the controversial subject of religious freedom by calling the young generation a “crunch generation.”

He said various aspects of life are converging — aspects like technology, culture, religion, race, global and economics all play a role in convergence.

“The world is facing a crisis of cultural authority,” Guinness said.

A continuous theme at the lecture was asking questions to one’s self. Why is this culture convergence such an urgent issue?

“The issue is a global explosion of diversity,” Guinness said.

One of Guinness’ main points was the “global public square.”

The public square is a place where issues can be discussed with all personal opinions left out. The idea of a town or public square started as a physical place, and then turned into a metaphor that is turning virtual. The public square has been made difficult for people to leave their opinions out of government issues.

Liberty, harmony and diversity are key elements to a successful society, Guinness said.

“One of the mistakes that America is making is forgetting about habits of the heart,” Guinness said.

Guinness also said that America is starting to create a bunch of laws, and with the idea for the common good, America is lacking in habits of the heart. Education and transmission are two ways to teach children positive character, Guinness said.

Guinness explained that a productive way to look at the diversity between religions is to always counter a negative with a positive.

“The key of diversity is to be tolerant of indifference,” Guinness said.

He also said fighting between religions will not get society anywhere. Religions of all kinds are essential to the continuity of survival.

“The idea is to come together and explore the deepest of beliefs and continue the discussion beyond tonight,” said Jacob Banks, a junior in communication studies.

Guinness’ discussion was part of the Veritas Forum, a non-profit organization that works with Christian believers through teaching about philosophy, religions, science and other disciplines.