Toddie Peters, professor of Religious Studies at Elon University, has a lot going for her outside of the classroom. After receiving awards for her first book, Peters has published a second book, titled "Solidarity Ethics: Transformation in a Globalized World."
The information she includes in her book has changed her life for the better, Peters says, and she hopes to teach others these positive practices as well. The book explores the morals and values of the current world and how people should strive to make the world a better place. Peters says these ideals especially ring true for Elon students, who are exceedingly involved in service activities.
The challenges of living in such a fast-paced, globalized world today are overwhelming, but the practices Peters teaches in her book help readers discover the deeper meaning of relationships and combating social injustices. Peters says that by practicing ways to see the world through the eyes of others, people can better change their worldview, making it easier to empathize and understand individuals from all backgrounds.
"It's the kind of book that's accessible," she says, "That students could also be reading it in book study groups or in some of their student organizations and talking about, 'What is this principle of solidarity?' and 'What does it mean for how we engage in service as students at Elon?'"
In her book, Peters uses the term "solidarity" to identify these transformations, which helps readers to recognize problems, honor differences of privilege, recognize the accountability of others and take action in life.
Peters received the Distinguished Scholar Award for the 2012-2013 school year. She also heads the Poverty and Social Justice program, while teaching in other academic areas such as religious studies, environmental studies and women and gender studies.