|
|
The Geneva Lecture Series Presents:
Dr. David Jasper
Prof. of Literature and Theology at the University of Glasgow
Dr. Jasper’s work has been described as “a search for a post post-modern theology”. His work is deeply interdisciplinary, though at the same time thoroughly theological, asking questions in the spaces between disciplines and ideas. The research interests of Dr. Jasper include theology and modern European literature, religious aesthetics, language and liturgy, belief and the critical spirit, and theology and the visual arts. In 2004 he spent a semester as an Ida Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor at U.I. Dr Jasper is the author or editor of ten books, including The Sacred Desert: Religion, Literature, Art, and Culture (2004).
Geneva Lecture: “Asceticism as a Way of Love:
The Life and Loves of a Desert Saint”
Respondent: Prof. Lori Branch, UI English Dept.
This is the story of St. Mary of Egypt. She lived a wanton life as a prostitute, was converted, spent decades in repentant solitude in the desert, was “discovered” by a holy monk, died and was buried in a miraculous way, and has been celebrated in church tradition as a model of repentance. Dr. Jasper, Prof. of Literature and Theology at the University of Glasgow, will contrast the traditional version of the story, written by Sophronius in the seventh century, with a contemporary novel by Michele Roberts that in some ways reverses Mary’s life story. Says Dr. Jasper: “Although they seem to give opposite impressions of this remarkable woman, they tell us the same story, teaching the way of love and the nature of the ascetic life. In the lives of the saints, things are not always what they seem.”
Wednesday, November 15, 7:30 p.m.,
In the Stanley Auditorium (Room 1505) in the lower level of the UI Seamans Center, the building west of the Old Capitol Mall.
Colloquium: “Literature and Religious Studies:
Challenges and Opportunities for New Interdisciplinary Work”
Wednesday, November 29, 4:00 p.m.,
the third floor of UI’s Gilmore Hall
which is along Jefferson St. next to the Pappajohn Business Building.
This will be “a reflection [and discussion] on the problems and possibilities for the study of religion and the arts in the 21st century.” Though it will be geared especially toward grad students in these fields, everyone is certainly welcome and it should be very interesting.
SPONSOR: GENEVA CAMPUS MINISTRY, Dr. Ed Laarman, Director; 319/341-0007; geneva@uiowa.edu; www.uiowa.edu/~geneva
Co-sponsors: First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship, New Life Community Church, Newman Catholic Student Center, Peace Christian Reformed Church, River Community Church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, St. Mary’s Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, Wesley Center
|
For further information contact: