Dr. Robin Jensen Will Give Free Lecture On Images And Texts From Christian Tradition
Dr. Robin M. Jensen, the Patrick O’Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, will present the annual Thomas Lecture on Philosophy and Theology at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad.
The lecture will be held at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday March 8 in St. Bede Theater. This year’s lecture is titled, “The Cross as the Tree of Life: Images and Texts from Christian Tradition.”
Trained in both the history of art and the history of Christian doctrine and liturgy, Jensen’s teaching and research explores the intersections among Christian theology, liturgical practice and material/visual culture. She is particularly attentive to the interpretation of Christian art and architecture in light of its ritual function and religious significance.
Her numerous books, articles, and essays in collected works reflect these interests, including her most recent volume, “Christianity in Roman Africa: The Development of Its Practices and Beliefs” (2014), which was co-written with her husband, J. Patout Burns, and examines the lived practice of ancient Christianity as reflected in both material and documentary evidence.
Currently, she is completing “The Cross: History, Art, and Controversy” for Harvard University Press (anticipated 2016) and is editing two other books – “The Routledge Companion to Early Christian Art” and “The Cambridge History of Late Antique Archaeology.”
In her March 8 presentation, Jensen will explore the links between the Cross and the Tree of Life in Paradise. As the instrument of Christ’s crucifixion, the Cross played a role in restoring life to all humanity, just as its counterpart, the Tree of Knowledge, participated in Adam and Eve’s fall and the consequent death of their descendants.
Through the ages, artists, storytellers, theologians and poets have explored the juxtaposition of these two trees. These imaginative links illuminate the divinely ordained connection between creation and redemption, and envision the cross not only as a symbol of Christ’s sacrificial death, but as a long-awaited and verdant symbol of resurrection hope.
The Thomas Lecture is made possible by an endowment established in honor of the late George and Mary Thomas and the late Benedictine Father. Kieran Conley. The lecture provides an opportunity for students and faculty at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology to explore issues in philosophy and theology.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the St. Bede, Guest House and student parking lots. For more information, call Mary Jeanne Schumacher at (812) 357-6501 during business hours.
