Harry Potter: Moral and Theological Landscapes
J. Gary Brinn
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
There are those within the Christian tradition that have called the Rowling novels un-Christian, prompting a number of theologians and scholars to examine the moral and theological implications of this juvenile fiction series. This two session series will focus first on the constuction of a moral code in the Potter novels and then the parallels between the narrative action and the Christian story. Participants will establish a framework for judging the novels in light of moral and theological concerns.
Contact: the Rev. Johanna Kiefner, w11-035, x3-2325, jkiefner@mit.edu
Harry Potter and Morals
J. Gary Brinn
After an introduction to the construction of a moral code, including attention to the Judeo-Christian system of morals, the group will examine the first six books in the Harry Potter series drawing together a moral code based on Rowling's books. Please bring as many of the texts as you can carry.
Tue Jan 17, 07-08:30pm, 4-257
Harry Potter and Christianity
J. Gary Brinn
Having examined the moral landscape of the Potter series in the first session, the course will proceed with an overview of how Christian themes find their way into the books (and related fantasy series). The group will then look for parallels to the Christian story in the narriative. Please bring the texts, and a Bible if you have one.
Tue Jan 24, 07-08:30pm, 4-257
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Hymn Sing
Johanna Kiefner
Wed Jan 11, 05:15-06:15pm, MIT Chapel
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Do you like to sing? Do you have favorite hymns that you just love and don't often have opportunity to sing? Do you want to know what different Christian communities have in their song books? Want to try some new tunes? If so, this Third Annual LEM Hymn Sing is the place to be. There will be a number of songbooks available for you to choose what you know or want to try for your singing pleasure.
Contact: Johanna Kiefner, W11-035, 253.2325, jkiefner@mit.edu
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Queer and Christian
J. Gary Brinn
Mon Jan 23, 12-02:00pm, W11 Main Dining Room
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Single session event
Prereq: none
The issue of same-sex relationships has become a source of division both within society and within Christianity. Claims have been made by both sides of this debate about the meaning and interpretation of scripture and about the role of tradition in determining standards for Christian conduct. This panel discussion will focus on the experiences of Christians who have integrated their queer identity into their faith. Panelists will address their own approach to scripture and tradtion, the challenges of being queer in a Christian context and of being Christian in a queer context. There will be a moderated opportunity to pose questions to the panelists. Co-sponsor - LBGT@MIT
Contact: J. Gary Brinn, W11-035, x3-2325, jbrinn@hds.harvard.edu
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Why Me? Why Anyone?
Johanna Kiefner, Rabbi Ben Lankton
Wed Feb 1, 06:30-08:00pm, W11 Main Dining Room
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Why is there suffering? Why do good people suffer? Why does anyone suffer? This interfaith panel and dinner discussion explores these questions through the spirituality and wisdom of differing faith tradtions. Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist and Hindu traditions will be represented. Dinner provided for first 45 participants. GSC co-sponsor
Contact: Johanna Kiefner, W11-035, 253-2325, jkiefner@mit.edu
Cosponsor: Hillel
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