The similarities and differences between Jewish and Christian theologies will be the topic explored at this year's daylong conference featured by the West Shore Committee for Jewish/Christian Dialogue together with the West Michigan Consortium of Academic Institutions. The public is welcome, free of charge, to join the discussions with prominent theologians, local clergy, and members of area communities.
"Jewish and Christian Mysticism: Convergences and Divergences" will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 10, at Grand Valley State University's Eberhard Center, 301 W. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids.
Keynote speakers are religious historians Arthur Green, professor of Jewish Thought at Brandeis University, and Bernard McGinn, professor of Historical Theology and History of Christianity at the University of Chicago Divinity School. The theologians will examine aspects of Biblical history and interpretation, with time set aside for responses from each other and for audience questions. A panel discussion with area scholars and practitioners begins at 3:30 p.m. The conference will conclude with a conversation with both men on "The Song of Songs," from 7-9 p.m. For a complete schedule, see www.jewishchristiandialogue.org.
Arthur Green, professor of Jewish Thought at Brandeis University, is both a historian of Jewish religion and a theologian. He has taught Jewish mysticism, Hasidism, and theology to several generations of students. Dr. Green is well known for his translations and interpretations of Hasidic teachings, and writings of the mystical tradition that appeal to today's religious seekers, as in Seek My Face, Speak My Name: A Contemporary Jewish Theology. His discussion on "Hasidic Biblical Exegsis" will be held from 1:15-3:15 p.m.
Bernard McGinn, professor of Historical Theology and History of Christianity at the University of Chicago Divinity School, is widely known as a teacher and an expert on Christian mysticism in the ancient and medieval periods. His recent books include Early Christian Mystics: The Divine Vision of the Spiritual Masters and The Doctors of the Church: Thirty-Three Men and Women who Shaped Christianity. He will lead a discussion on "How Jewish and Christian Mystics Read the Bible" from 10 a.m.-noon.
This is the third academic conference sponsored by the West Michigan Consortium of Academic Institutions, an ongoing collaboration among Aquinas College, Calvin College, Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Valley State University, Hope College, and Western Theological Seminary. It is co-sponsored by the West Shore Committee for Jewish/Christian Dialogue, which formed with the mission to promote better interfaith understanding and mutual acceptance.
The public is encouraged to attend this insightful conference. Admission is free. Free parking is available in the GVSU Fulton Lot, across Fulton Street from Eberhard Center. For more information or to register, see www.jewishchristiandialogue.org or call (616) 331-2119.
