All Souls NYC Adult Forum

Kitchen Table Theology with Rev. Dr. Tracy Sprowls Exploring and developing a faith practice is critical to faith formation and spiritual growth and grounding in a chaotic world. And yet, most of us do not take the time to explore the rituals and practices available to us, right in our own kitchens. We’ll talk a little, practice a little, and have plenty of ideas to take home. Rev. Tracy is the Assistant Minister of Lifespan Faith Formation.

Marketing or Manipulation? with Rev. Audette Fulbright Facebook has been in the news lately, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg being called to answer about Facebook's policy to allow political ads with lies to be disseminated. But are you familiar with Facebook's data collection & microtargeting practices? There are entirely new vistas in psycho-sociological profiling and marketing/consumer manipulation. As the holidays approach and you may be shopping more, join Rev. Audette in this conversation about new challenges in the media landscape, and how to have a more peaceful, soul-nurturing holiday season. Rev. Audette Fulbright is the Associate Minister of All Souls.

Bach Against Modernity with Michael Marissen Many scholars and music lovers hold that Johann Sebastian Bach is a "modern" figure, as his music seems to speak directly to the concerns of today’s listeners. These two lectures will suggest that by 18th-century standards of what was considered modern — to exalt reason, to exalt human achievement, to exalt religious tolerance, to exalt cosmopolitanism, and to exalt social progressiveness — Bach actually promoted pre-modern views. We should therefore be on the ethical alert for a kind of cultural narcissism in which we miscast Bach in our own ideological image and put forward that image in support of our own agendas. Michael Marissen is Daniel Underhill Professor Emeritus of Music at Swarthmore College, where he taught from 1989 to 2014. He has also been a visiting professor on the graduate faculties at Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania. His publications include "The Social and Religious Designs of J. S. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos" (Princeton, 1995), "Lutheranism, anti-Judaism, and Bach's St. John Passion" (Oxford, 1998), "Tainted Glory in Handel's Messiah" (Yale, 2014), "Bach & God" (Oxford, 2016), and essays in "Harvard Theological Review," "The Huffington Post," "Lutheran Quarterly," and "The New York Times."

Bach Against Modernity with Michael Marissen Many scholars and music lovers hold that Johann Sebastian Bach is a "modern" figure, as his music seems to speak directly to the concerns of today’s listeners. These two lectures will suggest that by 18th-century standards of what was considered modern — to exalt reason, to exalt human achievement, to exalt religious tolerance, to exalt cosmopolitanism, and to exalt social progressiveness — Bach actually promoted pre-modern views. We should therefore be on the ethical alert for a kind of cultural narcissism in which we miscast Bach in our own ideological image and put forward that image in support of our own agendas. Michael Marissen is Daniel Underhill Professor Emeritus of Music at Swarthmore College, where he taught from 1989 to 2014. He has also been a visiting professor on the graduate faculties at Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania. His publications include "The Social and Religious Designs of J. S. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos" (Princeton, 1995), "Lutheranism, anti-Judaism, and Bach's St. John Passion" (Oxford, 1998), "Tainted Glory in Handel's Messiah" (Yale, 2014), "Bach & God" (Oxford, 2016), and essays in "Harvard Theological Review," "The Huffington Post," "Lutheran Quarterly," and "The New York Times."

"A Curious Life" with Thomas Haines Thomas Haines, in dialogue with Laura Pedersen, about his book, "A Curious Life." It is a “funny, moving, and surprising story of how Thomas Haines—who grew up in the famed Graham School orphanage—became a prominent scientist, social activist, New York City landlord, educator, and founder of the City University of New York Medical School.” Thomas Henry Haines is a visiting professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Rockefeller University. Dr. Haines specializes in the study of lipids and biological membranes. Dr. Haines and his wife, Polly Cleveland, live on Manhattan’s West Side close to Central Park. More about Dr. Haines can be found online at http://thomashaines.org.

A Reading of "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville with Bill Bechman and Lois Coleman In celebration and honor of the Bicentennial of All Souls Unitarian Church in New York City, Lois and Bill offer a reading of excerpts from Herman Melville's opus work, "Moby-Dick." Herman Melville and his wife, Elizabeth rented a pew at All Souls for many years. Lois Coleman has been a member of All Souls since 2009, and is a member of the Bicentennial Committee, co-producing the Bicentennial book, "All Souls at 200," and planning our celebratory events. She is a retired teacher and librarian. Bill Bechman is the co-chair of the Bicentennial Committee. A former Human Resources manager, Bill splits his time between New York and Florida.

"Home at Last - A Journey Toward Higher Consciousness" with Sarada Chiruvolu "Home At Last" takes the reader on a profound journey on the road toward enlightenment based on the author's direct experience of deep meditation. It talks about how an average individual can reach that ultimate state of union with all of life. How an enlightened consciousness navigates and integrates our given life thereafter. That union is the purpose and the ultimate goal of human existence. Sarada Chiruvolu left a pharmaceutical career to pursue a spiritual calling. She set out on a unique journey that has taken her toward attaining realization of Self or Enlightenment through many years of deep meditation. She lives in Princeton, NJ. She travels extensively to other countries and annually to India.

Second Sunday: Social Justice - Families and Prison: Why Everyone Should Care with King Downing Join us as we consider the impact of incarceration on families and communities and the AFJ model of engaging family members and formerly incarcerated people in bringing about change. King Downing is outreach director at the Alliance of Families for Justice. He is also a lawyer and founder of the Human Rights-Racial Justice Center. H2RJ advocates and organizes for criminal and economic justice. Through H2RJ he was part of such projects as the Ferguson Legal Defense Committee, Standing Rock legal support, Nicole Bell’s Sean Bell Justice Project, and Mothers Against Police Brutality. King is also co-host of Waking Up, the WBAI’s morning drive radio show, and an independent news and film producer. King is also a musician, and tries his hand at “sit down” comedy.

On Belonging with Professor Richard Larshan What do we mean by “belonging”? And is there any difference between the accompanying prepositions “to” or “with”? Discussing Walt Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” Adolf Loos’s “Poor Little Rich Man,” and William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” can provide better understanding of both the works themselves and of their larger implications: Belonging as a sense of oneness with others and the universe? Belonging as ownership of property? Belonging as a form of control against the threatening abyss? To have and to have not. Richard Larschan is an English Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. He earned his PhD from UC Berkeley with a dissertation on Jonathan Swift. His academic honors include two Fulbrights and four NEH summer grants. His publications include a critical introduction to "GULLIVER’S TRAVELS" and a co-authored book for cancer patients, along with various scholarly articles. He has also written and produced two videos about Sylvia Plath, was featured in a televised biography of Plath, and is cited in a half-dozen scholarly books on Plath.

On Belonging with Professor Richard Larshan What do we mean by “belonging”? And is there any difference between the accompanying prepositions “to” or “with”? Discussing Walt Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” Adolf Loos’s “Poor Little Rich Man,” and William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” can provide better understanding of both the works themselves and of their larger implications: Belonging as a sense of oneness with others and the universe? Belonging as ownership of property? Belonging as a form of control against the threatening abyss? To have and to have not. Richard Larschan is an English Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. He earned his PhD from UC Berkeley with a dissertation on Jonathan Swift. His academic honors include two Fulbrights and four NEH summer grants. His publications include a critical introduction to "GULLIVER’S TRAVELS" and a co-authored book for cancer patients, along with various scholarly articles. He has also written and produced 2 videos about Sylvia Plath, was featured in a televised biography of Plath, and is cited in a half-dozen scholarly books on Plath.

Existential and Global Threats by Nuclear Weapons and Climate Change with Bruce Knotts We will explore solutions to these threats including our need for inclusive, accountable, and compassionate government and societal structures put in place to face the harsh future ahead. Let us start with this quote from the article, “What if we Stopped Pretending?” in the September 8 issue of The New Yorker: “All-out war on climate change made sense only as long as it was winnable. Once you accept that we’ve lost it, other kinds of action take on greater meaning… In times of increasing chaos, people seek protection in tribalism and armed force, rather than in the rule of law, and our best defense against this kind of dystopia is to maintain functioning democracies, functioning legal systems, functioning communities…” Bruce Knotts retired from the Foreign Service in 2007 and began directing the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO) in 2008. Bruce founded faith-based advocacy for sexual orientation/gender identity human rights at the United Nations and continues to advocate for the rights of women, indigenous peoples and for sustainable development in moral terms of faith and values. Bruce is a trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions and a Commissioner for the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. In 2006, Bruce and Isaac Humphrie were wed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Gender Equity and Violence Against Women with Bruce Knotts Beginning with sharing about six women who have influenced Mr. Knotts and the world, he will then talk about new international threats to sexual orientation/gender identity human rights and the threat that we all face from the rise of ethno-nationalism. Bruce Knotts retired from the Foreign Service in 2007 and began directing the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO) in 2008. Bruce founded faith-based advocacy for sexual orientation/gender identity human rights at the United Nations and continues to advocate for the rights of women, indigenous peoples and for sustainable development in moral terms of faith and values. Bruce is a trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions and a Commissioner for the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. In 2006, Bruce and Isaac Humphrie were wed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Second Sundays: Social Justice Emerging Nuclear Threats and the START Treaty with John Burroughs and Guy Quinlan Our second Sunday programs will be an opportunity to do a little more study together as a justice-making community. Designed for "first step education" (with an intention to move us into common action), we'll do a reading of Robin deAngelo's White Fragility; consider elements of greater trans-awareness and inclusion, consider faithful responses to our immigration crisis/border crisis; become adept at interrupting racism and increase our capacity to serve as allies to one another across difference, and develop spirit-sustaining practices of climate justice awareness and activism. John Burroughs is Executive Director of the New York-based Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy (LCNP) and Director of the United Nations Office of the International Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms (IALANA). Dr. Burroughs is also an Adjunct Professor of International Law at Rutgers Law School, New Jersey. In 1998, he represented the LCNP at negotiations taking place in the International Criminal Court in Rome, and in 1995, he was the Nongovernmental Legal Coordinator at the hearings on nuclear weapons before the International Court of Justice.

Fall Festivals with Rabbi Daniel Polish Fall is a season rich in religious observances. Around the world, and in many faiths, people celebrate major festivals. We will look at the Jewish High Holy Days, the Hindu celebration of Devali, Halloween/All Saints Day, and Thanksgiving. What are they? What meanings do they hold? And what do they have in common? Perhaps our exploration will enrich your experience of this season. Rabbi Daniel F. Polish is an accomplished author and scholar. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University and completed his rabbinical training at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati. He earned his doctoral degree at Harvard University in the History of Religions. A frequent teacher of both Jewish and Christian audiences, he has addressed interfaith gatherings in places such as Warsaw, Seville, Istanbul, New Delhi, and Bangladesh. Last year he delivered the John Courtney Murray lecture of America such as Bringing the Psalms to Life: How to Understand and Use the Book of Psalms. Rabbi Polish has served as a leader of national Jewish organizations and he has served, as a university teacher, and as a congregational rabbi for over thirty years. He is currently spiritual leader of Congregation Shir Chadash, in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Paganism and Unitarian Universalism – Similarities and Differences with Eileen Macholl Many Unitarian Universalist churches have formal affiliations with neo-Pagan spiritualties, typically in the form of having a congregational group called CUUPS, which stands for the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. This session will provide a brief overview of ancient and neo-Paganism and will examine some of the beliefs, principles, and practices that overlap with Unitarian Universalism, and what distinguishes one from the other. There will be time for Q&A. Eileen Macholl has been worshipping within the Reclaiming Tradition of witchcraft for a quarter-century and was initiated as a Priestess over ten years ago. While working at Auburn Seminary, she became interested in exploring the range of traditions and practices under the wider umbrella of Paganism, or earth-based spiritualties, and she helped Auburn expand its definition of “multifaith” in the process. She has served as the Executive Director at All Souls for the past 5 years.

Journey of the Universe: A Story for Our Times with Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grimm "The Journey of the Universe" film and book , written by Brian Thomas Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker, invite us to reflect on our role and responsibility to the flourishing of communities within evolutionary cosmology. How can the life of ecosystems and species be enhanced by humans, not irrevocably damaged? The Journey Conversations explore in what ways humans can contribute to the “great work” of building sustainable cities, resilient food systems, ecological economies, and alternative energies. As planetary citizens we are asking: How can our creativity be aligned with Earth’s creativity? Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim teach at Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and Yale Divinity School. They direct the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, which arose from 10 conferences they organized at Harvard's Center for the Study of World Religions. Grim and Tucker have written a number of books including Ecology and Religion (Island Press, 2014) and edited the Routledge Handbook of Religion and Ecology (2017). They are editors for the series on Ecology and Justice from Orbis Books. They were students of Thomas Berry and collaborated over several decades to edit his books. They also wrote Thomas Berry: A Biography (Columbia, 2019). With Brian Thomas Swimme, Tucker and Grim created Journey of the Universe, a multi-media project that includes a book (Yale, 2011), an Emmy award-winning film, a DVD series of Conversations, and online courses from Yale/Coursera. For the last 30 years, Grim has served as president of the American Teilhard Association and Tucker as Vice President.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION & AMERICAN LEGAL PRACTICE An Open Dialogue between David Robb and Maya Wiley Many Americans are experiencing a growing concern for the present and future of our democracy, as we witness the continuing unprecedented assaults by our President and his administration on several pillars of our democratic traditions. These include freedom of the press, separation of and mutual respect among the three major decision-making powers of government, long-standing legal traditions and precedents, and the integrity of our entire legal system and its institutions. Join us and a distinguished guest for a deeper inquiry into what is happening now and its probable long-term consequences for American democracy and its influence in the world. Maya Wiley currently serves as the Senior Vice President for Social Justice and the Henry Cohen Professor of Public and Urban Policy at The New School’s Milano School of Policy, Management and Environment. Maya is also a Legal Analyst for NBC News and MSNBC and a frequent contributor to leading news outlets including Time Magazine, The Guardian, and Essence.com. Before joining the faculty and administration of the New School, in 2014 she served as Chair of the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board, an independent agency for oversight of the New York Police Department, and as Counsel to New York City Mayor, Bill deBlasio. A long time activist on behalf of racial justice and equity, Ms. Wiley has been a litigator and lobbyist, and was the founder and former President of the Center for Social Inclusion, a policy strategy organization that developed programs to transform structural racism in the United States and South Africa. She has also worked with the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Open Society Institute. She also served as the Mayor's liaison to the Mayor's Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. Ms. Wiley holds a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law and a B.A in psychology from Dartmouth College.

Evolution and Extraterrestrial Life with Frank Ciulla The increased awareness in recent years that life as we understand it is less and less likely to be unique to our planet earth, a tiny speck in the universe, has projected the idea far beyond the imaginary field of science fiction and more and more into the province of scientific investigation. What are the necessary conditions for the evolution of extraterrestrial life, and where are we most likely to find it? What can we know about what it might look like? These sessions will also explore what we mean by “consciousness” and the “biology of consciousness.” Finally, we will also examine the probable effects the discovery of extraterrestrial life would likely have on theology and religion as we know them. Join us for this two-part series by our resident expert on the intriguing and rich interconnection between science and religious imagination. Frank Ciulla, a member of All Souls, graduated from Oberlin College with honors in Chemistry, worked in biological research at the Harvard University School of Medicine, and did graduate study in molecular biology at Columbia University. These sessions are adapted from lectures he recently presented at a Columbia University science class. Frank is the founder and director of Hudson Educational Services, a private tutorial organization. Please note: These this presentation is the final Adult Education programs on Sunday mornings until next September. Thank you for a wonderful programming year.

Please join us for this final talk in this series as we celebrate the achievements of some of the notable women who have been participants in the life of All Souls from its inception in 1819 to the present. The foresight, dedication, wisdom and courage of these key women exemplify the contributions of many women to building this faith community and its multi-faceted ways of impacting our community and our world. These are our role models, our inspiration and our foremothers. Over four sessions we will hear their stories and learn how their spiritual paths as Unitarians and Universalists informed their choices, strengthened their resolve and helped these remarkable women create a more humane and just world. Their fields are diverse; from creating successful philanthropies to crafting enlightening novels, they forged paths and frequently defied conventions. In every sense they represent everything a woman could be and everything a woman should be. The Universalist minister Olympia Brown was the first woman to be ordained by a denomination in the United States in 1862. Nevertheless, the path for women to become UU ministers has faced many challenges over the years. How women found their voices, stood by their faith, and prevailed while finding support by congregations like All Souls is truly inspiring. We honor the women who have served as ministers of this congregation, and the varied, unique gifts they have added to the ministry of All Souls. LAURIE CARTER NOBLE is a writer and independent scholar and was one of the editors of Standing Before Us: Unitarian Universalist Women and Social Reform, 1776-1936. She formerly served as a professor of English at Villanova University and affiliated with Bryn Mawr College. PEGGY MONTGOMERY had a long enjoyable career as a teacher of high school English in Upper Westchester. As a member of All Souls she has served as a Small Group Ministry facilitator and has been active in the Women’s Alliance and the UU United Nations Office. She is currently a Deacon and a member of the team of Lay Pastoral Associates.

Three Recent Leaders Dedicated to Moving All Souls Forward: Marietta Moskin, Phoebe Hoss, and Mary-Ella Holst with Peggy Montgomery Please join us as we celebrate the achievements of some of the notable women who have been participants in the life of All Souls from its inception in 1819 to the present. The foresight, dedication, wisdom and courage of these key women exemplify the contributions of many women to building this faith community and its multi-faceted ways of impacting our community and our world. These are our role models, our inspiration and our foremothers. Over four sessions we will hear their stories and learn how their spiritual paths as Unitarians and Universalists informed their choices, strengthened their resolve and helped these remarkable women create a more humane and just world. Their fields are diverse; from creating successful philanthropies to crafting enlightening novels, they forged paths and frequently defied conventions. In every sense they represent everything a woman could be and everything a woman should be. These three extraordinary women excelled as mothers, published writers, and leaders of organizations that deepened the experiences of many of us at All Souls in recent years. Their powers of example, kindness, generosity and courage continue to inspire us all to the present. PEGGY MONTGOMERY had a long enjoyable career as a teacher of high school English in Upper Westchester. As a member of All Souls she has served as a Small Group Ministry facilitator and has been active in the Women’s Alliance and the UU United Nations Office. She is currently a Deacon and a member of the team of Lay Pastoral Associates.

Catharine Maria Sedgwick, The Rev. William Ellery Channing and the Beginning of All Souls with Laurie Carter Noble Please join us as we celebrate the achievements of some of the notable women who have been participants in the life of All Souls from its inception in 1819 to the present. The foresight, dedication, wisdom and courage of these key women exemplify the contributions of many women to building this faith community and its multi-faceted ways of impacting our community and our world. These are our role models, our inspiration and our foremothers. Over four sessions we will hear their stories and learn how their spiritual paths as Unitarians and Universalists informed their choices, strengthened their resolve and helped these remarkable women create a more humane and just world. Their fields are diverse; from creating successful philanthropies to crafting enlightening novels, they forged paths and frequently defied conventions. In every sense they represent everything a woman could be and everything a woman should be. A noted novelist, Catharine Sedgwick addressed issues such as interracial marriage, class, and privilege. She was also a life long advocate of hospital and prison reform and addressed the plight of children in poverty in early 19th century New York. Due to their friendship with and admiration of the Rev. William Ellery Channing, Catharine and two of her brothers joined All Souls in its first years.

Carrying the Spirit of All Souls to Our Community Moderated by Melinda Beck, Melinda Beck, journalist, formerly on the staff of the 'Wall Street Journal' As part of All Souls’ celebration of its 200th anniversary this year, for the next several weeks, the Adult Forum, in cooperation with the Bicentennial Committee, is presenting a series of programs related to the history and present continuing ministry of this congregation. This panel discussion focuses on current issues and groups within the congregation committed to social justice and action. Panelists: Barbara Hosein, member All Souls AIDS Task Force Robin Bossert, founder and director of Navigators, USA Elizabeth Ames, Peace and Justice Task Force/Immigration Sanctuary Movement

Shakespeare's Tragic Vision in "King Lear": A Religious Perspective with Rev. David Robb William Shakespeare, widely regarded as the greatest English dramatist of all time, is especially noted for his originality and experimental genius in several known genres of dramatic literature: history, comedy, tragedy, and near the end of his career, by creating a new genre unprecedented before him later dubbed “romances.” Among all of his plays, "King Lear" stands out as a monumental work, and is now acknowledged by most modern scholars as his greatest achievement. It is frequently compared to Bach’s achievement in the B Minor Mass, Rembrandt’s paintings, Tolstoy’s "War and Peace," or Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Perhaps "King Lear" appears to rise above many of his other great works, especially in our contemporary situation, because, of all his plays, it appears most able to reflect the spiritual dilemmas of our time. In many ways, "King Lear" is a religious drama—not because Shakespeare presents us with clear dogmatic religious options. He does not. But the play forces us to confront profoundly our own spiritual dilemmas—life and death,power and sacrifice, madness and truth, violence and compassion—in compelling ways. This spring, Glenda Jackson, the great English actress, will bring her interpretation of this role—a first for a female actress—to New York after her highly acclaimed performances this past year in London. It seems then a particularly pertinent time to revisit this very powerful work of one of the most imaginative and insightful dramatists of all time. It will also mark the final series of presentations by David Robb in his role as Director of the Adult Education program at All Souls. March 31: "King Lear," Acts 4 and 5 Rev. David Robb is Assistant Minister for Adult Education and Scholar-In-Residence at All Souls. In addition to his ministry with All Souls, he is also a licensed psychotherapist and pastoral counselor with a practice in New York City, and an Associate of Kenwood Psychological Services. He formerly taught as a part-time member of the Theology Department at Georgetown University, and as an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Connecticut College.

Shakespeare's Tragic Vision in "King Lear": A Religious Perspective with Rev. David Robb William Shakespeare, widely regarded as the greatest English dramatist of all time, is especially noted for his originality and experimental genius in several known genres of dramatic literature: history, comedy, tragedy, and near the end of his career, by creating a new genre unprecedented before him later dubbed “romances.” Among all of his plays, "King Lear" stands out as a monumental work, and is now acknowledged by most modern scholars as his greatest achievement. It is frequently compared to Bach’s achievement in the B Minor Mass, Rembrandt’s paintings, Tolstoy’s "War and Peace," or Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Perhaps "King Lear" appears to rise above many of his other great works, especially in our contemporary situation, because, of all his plays, it appears most able to reflect the spiritual dilemmas of our time. In many ways, "King Lear" is a religious drama—not because Shakespeare presents us with clear dogmatic religious options. He does not. But the play forces us to confront profoundly our own spiritual dilemmas—life and death,power and sacrifice, madness and truth, violence and compassion—in compelling ways. This spring, Glenda Jackson, the great English actress, will bring her interpretation of this role—a first for a female actress—to New York after her highly acclaimed performances this past year in London. It seems then a particularly pertinent time to revisit this very powerful work of one of the most imaginative and insightful dramatists of all time. It will also mark the final series of presentations by David Robb in his role as Director of the Adult Education program at All Souls. March 24: King Lear, Acts 2 and 3 Rev. David Robb is Assistant Minister for Adult Education and Scholar-In-Residence at All Souls. In addition to his ministry with All Souls, he is also a licensed psychotherapist and pastoral counselor with a practice in New York City, and an Associate of Kenwood Psychological Services. He formerly taught as a part-time member of the Theology Department at Georgetown University, and as an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Connecticut College.

Shakespeare's Tragic Vision in "King Lear": A Religious Perspective with Rev. David Robb March 17: King Lear, Act 1 William Shakespeare, widely regarded as the greatest English dramatist of all time, is especially noted for his originality and experimental genius in several known genres of dramatic literature: history, comedy, tragedy, and near the end of his career, by creating a new genre unprecedented before him later dubbed “romances.” Among all of his plays, "King Lear" stands out as a monumental work, and is now acknowledged by most modern scholars as his greatest achievement. It is frequently compared to Bach’s achievement in the B Minor Mass, Rembrandt’s paintings, Tolstoy’s "War and Peace," or Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Perhaps "King Lear" appears to rise above many of his other great works, especially in our contemporary situation, because, of all his plays, it appears most able to reflect the spiritual dilemmas of our time. In many ways, "King Lear" is a religious drama—not because Shakespeare presents us with clear dogmatic religious options. He does not. But the play forces us to confront profoundly our own spiritual dilemmas—life and death,power and sacrifice, madness and truth, violence and compassion—in compelling ways. This spring, Glenda Jackson, the great English actress, will bring her interpretation of this role—a first for a female actress—to New York after her highly acclaimed performances this past year in London. It seems then a particularly pertinent time to revisit this very powerful work of one of the most imaginative and insightful dramatists of all time. It will also mark the final series of presentations by David Robb in his role as Director of the Adult Education program at All Souls. Rev. David Robb is Assistant Minister for Adult Education and Scholar-In-Residence at All Souls. In addition to his ministry with All Souls, he is also a licensed psychotherapist and pastoral counselor with a practice in New York City, and an Associate of Kenwood Psychological Services. He formerly taught as a part-time member of the Theology Department at Georgetown University, and as an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Connecticut College.

Current Issues in Social Ethics and Religion with Gary Dorrien, Ph.D. Professor Dorrien has recently published books that address two issues currently central to the American political dialogue: 1) white supremacy, and 2) the meaning and origins of Social Democracy. In this brief series he will share his thoughts and the perspectives of religious imagination on both of these two critical issues. March 10: Social Democratic Decency: Then and Now In this session, Prof. Dorrien will address the issues he raises in his most recent publication, due to be released this month by Yale University Press. The title of his book: "Social Democracy in the Making: The Political and Religious Roots of European Socialism." Gary Dorrien, Ph.D. is the Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Theology and Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary, and Professor of Religion at Columbia University. His writings and research have ranged across many fields including ethics, social theory, theology, philosophy, politics, economics, and history. Philosopher Cornell West has described Dorrien as “the preeminent social ethicist in North America today,” and Robert Neville has claimed he is “the most rigorous theological historian of our time.” A graduate of Albion College (B.A.) and Union Theological Seminary (M.Div. and Ph.D.), Professor Dorrien taught Religious Studies at Kalamazoo College for 18 years, where he was named the Parfet Distinguished Professor, served as Dean of Stetson Chapel, and directed the Liberal Arts Colloquium, before accepting his current position as a teacher of theology and social ethics at Union Theological Seminary. His book, "The New Abolition," was awarded the Grawemeyer Award in 2017, and his newest publication, "Breaking White Supremacy," just won the Choice Award in January of this year.

Professor Dorrien has recently published books that address two issues currently central to the American political dialogue: 1) white supremacy, and 2) the meaning and origins of Social Democracy. In this brief series he will share his thoughts and the perspectives of religious imagination on both of these two critical issues. In this session, Prof. Dorrien addresses issues of racism in America as developed in two of his recent publications: "The New Abolition: W.E.B. DuBois and the Black Social Gospel," and "Breaking White Supremacy."

Bonhoeffer On Religious Political Resistance with Christopher Ashley The Lutheran pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed in a Nazi prison at the end of World War II as a martyr and exemplar of conscience. The political left and right have both claimed his legacy ever since his death. These presentations will sort through the tensions between his privileged life and abject death, his traditional Lutheran theology and his participation in a secret conspiracy to assassinate Hitler. The latest scholarship, grounded in Bonhoeffer’s own words, shows him to be a complex and fruitful source for today’s anti-fascist coalitions. February 24: The Cost of Resistance: Direct Action in the Crisis Christopher Ashley earned a doctorate in Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary. In New York City and holds degrees from Harvard (B.A. in English), and the Yale Divinity School (M.Div.). He has published articles on a range of topics including liberation theology, television and science fiction, and emergent worship practices. He currently serves as a resident-Chaplainat Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

Bonhoeffer On Religious Political Resistance Part 3 with Christopher Ashley The Lutheran pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed in a Nazi prison at the end of World War II as a martyr and exemplar of conscience. The political left and right have both claimed his legacy ever since his death. These presentations will sort through the tensions between his privileged life and abject death, his traditional Lutheran theology and his participation in a secret conspiracy to assassinate Hitler. The latest scholarship, grounded in Bonhoeffer’s own words, shows him to be a complex and fruitful source for today’s anti-fascist coalitions. March 17: The Gospel as Resistance: Preaching and Teaching in the Crisis (A film was shown as Part 2 of this audio series on March 10)

Bonhoeffer On Religious Political Resistance with Christopher Ashley The Lutheran pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed in a Nazi prison at the end of World War II as a martyr and exemplar of conscience. The political left and right have both claimed his legacy ever since his death. These presentations will sort through the tensions between his privileged life and abject death, his traditional Lutheran theology and his participation in a secret conspiracy to assassinate Hitler. The latest scholarship, grounded in Bonhoeffer’s own words, shows him to be a complex and fruitful source for today’s anti-fascist coalitions. February 3: Prelude to Crisis: The Contradictions of the Lutheran State Christopher Ashley earned a doctorate in Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary. In New York City and holds degrees from Harvard (B.A. in English), and the Yale Divinity School (M.Div.). He has published articles on a range of topics including liberation theology, television and science fiction, and emergent worship practices. He currently serves as a resident-Chaplainat Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

Dante’s "Inferno": A Journey of Imagination with Rebecca Minnich Dante’s "Divine Comedy" is considered one of the most important works of literature from the Middle Ages, yet many have difficulty interpreting the verses on their own. In this series Professor Minnich will unpack and examine Dante’s first book in the trilogy, "The Inferno," from its Greek and Roman symbolic roots to its risky polemic against church corruption. Even those who are new to Dante will discover why this work is considered among the most colorful and imaginative poems ever published. The presentations will be based on the John Ciardi translation. January 27: "The Inferno" as Protest Poetry Rebecca Minnich is an Adjunct Professor at City College of New York where she teaches World Humanities, Literature, and Composition. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing, is a published journalist, essayist, and book reviewer. She has been teaching Dante’s The Inferno to undergraduate students at City College for the past seven years. A member of All souls since 2007, Ms. Minnick was a founding member of the All Souls Writer’s Group.

Dante’s Inferno: A Journey of Imagination with Rebecca Minnich Dante’s "Divine Comedy" is considered one of the most important works of literature from the Middle Ages, yet many have difficulty interpreting the verses on their own. In this series Professor Minnich will unpack and examine Dante’s first book in the trilogy, "The Inferno," from its Greek and Roman symbolic roots to its risky polemic against church corruption. Even those who are new to Dante will discover why this work is considered among the most colorful and imaginative poems ever published. The presentations will be based on the John Ciardi translation. January 20: Compassion and Divine Justice Rebecca Minnich is an Adjunct Professor at City College of New York where she teaches World Humanities, Literature, and Composition. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing, is a published journalist, essayist, and book reviewer. She has been teaching Dante’s "The Inferno" to undergraduate students at City College for the past seven years. A member of All souls since 2007, Ms. Minnick was a founding member of the All Souls Writer’s Group.

Dante’s Inferno: A Journey of Imagination with Rebecca Minnich Dante’s "Divine Comedy" is considered one of the most important works of literature from the Middle Ages, yet many have difficulty interpreting the verses on their own. In this series, Professor Minnich will unpack and examine Dante’s first book in the trilogy, "The Inferno," from its Greek and Roman symbolic roots to its risky polemic against church corruption. Even those who are new to Dante will discover why this work is considered among the most colorful and imaginative poems ever published. The presentations will be based on the John Ciardi translation. January 13: Dante’s Voice & Tropes of the Middle Ages Rebecca Minnich is an Adjunct Professor at City College of New York where she teaches World Humanities, Literature, and Composition. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing, is a published journalist, essayist, and book reviewer. She has been teaching Dante’s "The Inferno" to undergraduate students at City College for the past seven years. A member of All souls since 2007, Ms. Minnick was a founding member of the All Souls Writer’s Group.

Richard M. Rorty and our Current Political Crisis with David McClean Richard M. Rorty was one of the most interesting American philosophers of modern times. In his book, Achieving Our Country: Leftist Thought in Twentieth-Century America (1998), Rorty warned that the time might soon come when “something will crack,” and disaffected Americans, those left behind by “the bond salesmen” and “postmodern professors,” will elect a champion to press their interests. This presentation will explore Rorty’s warning, what might have been done to prevent the outcome about which he forewarned the country, and how the left might rethink its mission so that the truly marginalized do not need to resort in desperation to extreme political solutions and demagogues. David McClean is a member of All Souls, an ordained minister, and has been active with the Adult Education Committee and the Racial Justice Initiative of this congregation. He is a graduate of Hunter College (B.A. in Religious Studies), NYU (M.A. in Liberal Studies), and the New School (Ph.D. in Philosophy), where he wrote his dissertation on American philosopher, Richard Rorty. He is the founder and Director of DMA Consulting Group that has provided consulting services to financial institutions since 1992, and teaches Philosophy and Ethics & Business at Rutgers University.

The Christmas event has, for many centuries, stimulated the imagination of so many of our greatest artists, including composers, painters, novelists, and poets. In this two-part series, Rev. Robb will lead a discussion on some of these reflections by some of our greatest poets: Christina Rossetti, John Milton, Thomas Hardy, e.e.cummings, T.S. Eliot, and W.H. Auden, among others. Rev. David Robb is Assistant minister for Adult Education and Scholar-In Residence at All Souls, and a professional psychotherapist and pastoral counselor. He formerly taught as a member of the Theology Department at Georgetown University and in the Religious Studies Department at Connecticut College where he served as Chaplain for 14 years.

In these two presentations, Professor Marissen, an acclaimed Bach scholar, will explore Bach's various theological approaches in his magnificent choral music for the Advent-Christmas season. His presentation on December 9 will center on Bach's Magnificat, to be performed as part of the All Souls Christmas Eve services this year, and how its musical setting helps to interpret the great Canticle of Mary, the expecting mother as she prepares herself for the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Michael Marissen is the Daniel Underhill Professor of Music Emeritus at Swarthmore College, and has also served as a visiting professor on the graduate faculties at Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania. His many books include The Social and Religious Designs of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos (Princeton, 1995), Lutheranism, Anti-Judaism and Bach's St. John Passion (Oxford, 1998), Tainted Glory in Handel's Messiah (Yale, 2014), and Bach and God (Oxford, 2016). His essays have appeared in the Harvard Theological Review, The Huffington Post, and The New York Times. Commenting on Marissen's most recent book, New Yorker magazine observed, "Bach and God... brings to mind two approximately equal figures in a complicated dialogue, like Jefferson and Adams, or Siskel and Ebert."

n these two presentations, Professor Marissen, an acclaimed Bach scholar, will explore Bach's various theological approaches in his magnificent choral music for the Advent-Christmas season. On December 2 he will focus on Bach's Christmas Oratorio, last performed by the All Souls Choir at the Christmas Eve services last year, and how its musical setting interprets the accounts of the birth of Jesus in the New Testament Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Michael Marissen is the Daniel Underhill Professor of Music Emeritus at Swarthmore College, and has also served as a visiting professor on the graduate faculties at Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania. His many books include 'The Social and Religious Designs of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos' (Princeton, 1995), 'Lutheranism, Anti-Judaism and Bach's St. John Passion' (Oxford, 1998), 'Tainted Glory in Handel's Messiah' (Yale, 2014), and 'Bach and God' (Oxford, 2016). His essays have appeared in the Harvard Theological Review, The Huffington Post, and The New York Times. Commenting on Marissen's most recent book, New Yorker magazine observed, "Bach and God... brings to mind two approximately equal figures in a complicated dialogue, like Jefferson and Adams, or Siskel and Ebert."

Climate Change From the Perspective of Religious Traditions with Karenna Gore and and staff of the Center for Earth Ethics The majority of US citizens do not need to be convinced that climate change is real and a present and future threat to our fragile ecological systems. We are frequent witnesses to its reality and vast toll in every part of our nation. It is our leaders and lawmakers, and those of other countries, who seem to be unconvinced and unmotivated to address the issue forthrightly. We were recently reminded of the severity of this crisis by a report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued by 91 scientists from 40 countries. It summarized what has become a virtual consensus by all leading worldwide climatologists: without emergency efforts to cut greenhouse emissions to half of current levels by 2030 we may no longer have the ability to control the slow deterioration of our planet, our island home. Resources that we have underutilized in this struggle toward a more conscious awareness are the insights contained within our religious traditions that have long stressed our human responsibility for the care of the earth and its resources. Join us for this series of thought-provoking explorations of the valuable perspectives provided by religious traditions that may help motivate us to address this issue as a serious moral crisis requiring our most creative and imaginative capacities to address. TODAY: “Indigenous American Religious Traditions and a Wholistic Ecological Vision”

Climate Change From the Perspective of Religious Traditions with Karenna Gore and and staff of the Center for Earth Ethics The majority of US citizens do not need to be convinced that climate change is real and a present and future threat to our fragile ecological systems. We are frequent witnesses to its reality and vast toll in every part of our nation. It is our leaders and lawmakers, and those of other countries, who seem to be unconvinced and unmotivated to address the issue forthrightly. We were recently reminded of the severity of this crisis by a report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued by 91 scientists from 40 countries. It summarized what has become a virtual consensus by all leading worldwide climatologists: without emergency efforts to cut greenhouse emissions to half of current levels by 2030 we may no longer have the ability to control the slow deterioration of our planet, our island home. Resources that we have underutilized in this struggle toward a more conscious awareness are the insights contained within our religious traditions that have long stressed our human responsibility for the care of the earth and its resources. Join us for this series of thought-provoking explorations of the valuable perspectives provided by religious traditions that may help motivate us to address this issue as a serious moral crisis requiring our most creative and imaginative capacities to address. November 11: “Christian Traditions and the Care of the Earth”

The Trouble with Darwin with Laura Pedersen Sunday, October 21, 2018 Charles Darwin is arguably the most influential writer of the past 150 years. Publication of his theory of evolution through natural selection in 1859 revolutionized the world in ways that we are still building on and also reeling from. The interconnectedness of all living things presented enormous implications and complications for religion, science, politics (especially slavery) and even the arts. This was in addition to conflicts within Darwin himself and his own family. Darwin (1809-1882) had a Unitarian background and married Emma Wedgewood, an enthusiastic supporter of his work, who also had a Unitarian upbringing. No prior knowledge of Darwin’s theory is necessary. Laura Pedersen is a bestselling author, playwright, and former columnist for the 'New York Times.' She was the youngest person to hold a seat on the American Stock Exchange, and in 1994, President Bill Clinton honored her as one of ten outstanding young Americans. She had a TV show on the Oxygen Network, and has appeared on 'Oprah,' 'David Letterman,' 'Good Morning America,' 'Primetime Live,' 'The Today Show,' 'CBS This Morning' and other national programs. She has performed standup comedy at The Improv and writes for several well-known comedians. Pedersen was voted one of the ten best speakers in the US by Meeting Planners International and has headlined at the Bakersfield Business Conference, ATHENA Awards, F. Scott Fitzgerald Society, and the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan. Her most recent book, Life in New York, won the Seven Sisters Award for best nonfiction. Laura is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, an ordained Interfaith minister, and a longstanding member of All Souls who has frequently presented sermons and adult education programs here.

The Trouble with Darwin with Laura Pedersen Charles Darwin is arguably the most influential writer of the past 150 years. Publication of his theory of evolution through natural selection in 1859 revolutionized the world in ways that we are still building on and also reeling from. The interconnectedness of all living things presented enormous implications and complications for religion, science, politics (especially slavery) and even the arts. This was in addition to conflicts within Darwin himself and his own family. Darwin (1809-1882) had a Unitarian background and married Emma Wedgewood, an enthusiastic supporter of his work, who also had a Unitarian upbringing. No prior knowledge of Darwin’s theory is necessary. Laura Pedersen is a bestselling author, playwright, and former columnist for the New York Times. She was the youngest person to hold a seat on the American Stock Exchange, and in 1994, President Bill Clinton honored her as one of ten outstanding young Americans. She had a TV show on the Oxygen Network, and has appeared on Oprah, David Letterman, Good Morning America, Primetime Live, The Today Show, CBS This Morning and other national programs. She has performed standup comedy at The Improv and writes for several well-known comedians. Pedersen was voted one of the ten best speakers in the US by Meeting Planners International and has headlined at the Bakersfield Business Conference, ATHENA Awards, F. Scott Fitzgerald Society, and the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan. Her most recent book, Life in New York, won the Seven Sisters Award for best nonfiction. Laura is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, an ordained Interfaith minister, and a longstanding member of All Souls who has frequently presented sermons and adult education programs here.

Luther at 500: The Reformation for our Times With Richard R. John, Ph.D Join Columbia University history professor Richard R. John for a three-part series of presentations on the life and legacy of one of the world’s most remarkable rebels, Martin Luther. Last October marked the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation that was ignited when Luther posted his now-famous 95 Theses on the door of the University Church in Wittenberg, Germany to contest what he considered false teaching of Roman Catholic tradition and practice. Professor John’s presentations will focus on Luther’s challenge to authority, his message, and his legacy. Each lecture will be illustrated by images of Luther’s world. Those wishing to learn more can refer to one of the two resources from which Professor John will draw: Lyndal Rober’s "Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet", and Andrew Pettegree’s "Brand Luther".

Luther at 500: The Reformation for our Times with Richard R. John, Ph.D. Join Columbia University history professor Richard R. John for a three-part series of presentations on the life and legacy of one of the world’s most remarkable rebels, Martin Luther. Last October marked the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation that was ignited when Luther posted his now-famous 95 Theses on the door of the University Church in Wittenberg, Germany to contest what he considered false teaching of Roman Catholic tradition and practice. Professor John’s presentations will focus on Luther’s challenge to authority, his message, and his legacy. Each lecture will be illustrated by images of Luther’s world. Those wishing to learn more can refer to one of the two resources from which Professor John will draw: Lyndal Rober’s Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet, and Andrew Pettegree’s Brand Luther. Richard R. John is professor of history and communications at Columbia University, where he teaches courses on American cultural history, the history of capitalism, and the history of communications. A graduate of Harvard University (B.A., M.A., Ph.D.) where he specialized in the history of American civilization, he has published extensively on topics related to American cultural history (including the separation of church and state), and is the author of two books on the history of American communication.

Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his doctoral dissertation on the theology of Paul Tillich, who barely escaped Nazi Germany to New York’s Union Theological Seminary in the years just prior to World War II, and whose books the Nazis had burned. This joint recommendation points us to perhaps the most creative edge of Tillich’s work: his doctrine of “theonomy,” the creativity of the divine in history, and its counterpoint, the “demonic,” that destroys as it creates. This series of presentations begins with the young Tillich in the context of Weimar Germany, and the ferment of revolution in ideas and politics that led him to his early theological breakthroughs. It will then follow him on his flight to America, just before being arrested by the S.S., and his reflection on faithful politics in a country that swung, in his lifetime, from utopian expectation to despair. We will explore the political implications of Tillich’s creative theological engagement with depth psychology, and seek to retrieve lessons for the turbulent present from Tillich’s social and economic transformation. Today: Tillich in Times of Chaos

Continuing the exploration of faith, justice and immigration begun in January, social ethicist Sarah Azaransky will address special issues related to current policies of the United States related specifically to our border with Mexico, based on first-hand experiences during her residency in southern California. Today: Focus on citizenship as a moral category, together with a case study of the experiences of a San Diego church’s robust efforts at outreach to the immigrant community in the light of two central moral perspectives of citizenship: human dignity and the interdependence of the created world.

Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his doctoral dissertation on the theology of Paul Tillich, who barely escaped Nazi Germany to New York’s Union Theological Seminary in the years just prior to World War II, and whose books the Nazis had burned. This joint recommendation points us to perhaps the most creative edge of Tillich's work: his doctrine of “theonomy,” the creativity of the divine in history, and its counterpoint, the “demonic,” that destroys as it creates. This series of presentations begins with the young Tillich in the context of Weimar Germany, and the ferment of revolution in ideas and politics that led him to his early theological breakthroughs. It will then follow him on his flight to America, just before being arrested by the S.S., and his reflection on faithful politics in a country that swung, in his lifetime, from utopian expectation to despair. We will explore the political implications of Tillich’s creative theological engagement with depth psychology, and seek to retrieve lessons for the turbulent present from Tillich’s social and economic transformation. May 20: The Political in Psyche and Art

Continuing the exploration of faith, justice and immigration begun in January, social ethicist Sarah Azaransky will address special issues related to current policies of the United States related specifically to our border with Mexico, based on first-hand experiences during her residency in southern California. May 20: Professor Azaransky will present an overview of vocabulary about the US-Mexican border from a range of disciplines, including geography, history, and biblical studies. She will then explore the issues from the perspective of the principles of social ethical commitments, (e.g. solidarity, hospitality, and justice) in light of recent events and policies that have led to the increase of deaths at the border and prolonged separations of families.

Hope in a Time of Political Crisis: Paul Tillich’s Political Theology with Christopher Ashley, Ph.D. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his doctoral dissertation on the theology of Paul Tillich, who barely escaped Nazi Germany to New York’s Union Theological Seminary in the years just prior to World War II, and whose books the Nazis had burned. This joint recommendation points us to perhaps the most creative edge of Tillich’s work: his doctrine of “theonomy,” the creativity of the divine in history, and its counterpoint, the “demonic,” that destroys as it creates. This series of presentations begins with the young Tillich in the context of Weimar Germany, and the ferment of revolution in ideas and politics that led him to his early theological breakthroughs. It will then follow him on his flight to America, just before being arrested by the S.S., and his reflection on faithful politics in a country that swung, in his lifetime, from utopian expectation to despair. We will explore the political implications of Tillich’s creative theological engagement with depth psychology, and seek to retrieve lessons for the turbulent present from Tillich’s social and economic transformation. Today: Tillich in Cold War America

The Founders, Religious Liberty, and the Separation of Church and State with Richard R. John, Ph.D. Why did the founders of our country feel so strongly about religious liberty? How did their life experiences shape their ideas about the relation of church and state? What did they believe about God? Join Columbia University historian Richard R. John as he explores these questions, based loosely on Steven Waldman’s "Founding Faith," an acclaimed history of the founders’ ideas about religion. Professor John will focus especially on the topics of the founders’ thoughts about a Christian America, on the contributions of Jefferson and Madison to our understanding of religious liberty, and on the First Amendment and its legacy.

Hope in a Time of Political Crisis: Paul Tillich’s Political Theology with Christopher Ashley, Ph.D. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his doctoral dissertation on the theology of Paul Tillich, who barely escaped Nazi Germany to New York’s Union Theological Seminary in the years just prior to World War II, and whose books the Nazis had burned. This joint recommendation points us to perhaps the most creative edge of Tillich’s work: his doctrine of “theonomy,” the creativity of the divine in history, and its counterpoint, the “demonic,” that destroys as it creates. This series of presentations begins with the young Tillich in the context of Weimar Germany, and the ferment of revolution in ideas and politics that led him to his early theological breakthroughs. It will then follow him on his flight to America, just before being arrested by the S.S., and his reflection on faithful politics in a country that swung, in his lifetime, from utopian expectation to despair. We will explore the political implications of Tillich’s creative theological engagement with depth psychology, and seek to retrieve lessons for the turbulent present from Tillich’s social and economic transformation. Today: Tillich in Weimar Germany

The Founders, Religious Liberty, and the Separation of Church and State with Richard R. John, Ph.D. Why did the founders of our country feel so strongly about religious liberty? How did their life experiences shape their ideas about the relation of church and state? What did they believe about God? Join Columbia University historian Richard R. John as he explores these questions, based loosely on Steven Waldman’s Founding Faith, an acclaimed history of the founders’ ideas about religion. Professor John will focus especially on the topics of the founders’ thoughts about a Christian America, on the contributions of Jefferson and Madison to our understanding of religious liberty, and on the First Amendment and its legacy.