In our next series, we revisit our popular “Theology and Pop Culture: The Gospel according to…” theme which features:
The Gospel according to the Internet
May 29, 2007
Mr. Taylor Siegrist
The Gospel according to Buffy the Vampire Slayer
June 5, 2007
Ms. Suzanne Miller
Vampires and demons and witches—oh my! “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” began as a movie in 1992 and was resurrected as a seven-season television series from 1997 to 2004. Although God is only mentioned in one episode, theological themes flow throughout the 144 episodes, including most obviously the battle between good and evil to the more subtly shown idea of redemption.
Suzanne Miller graduated from Messiah College with a degree in journalism and later went on to receive a master’s degree in international relations and international communications from Boston University. She currently works as the assistant director of public relations at Tufts University and has attended Church of the Advent since February 2004. In the future she hopes to work in the field of religious communications, either in ordained or lay ministry.
The Gospel according to Star Wars
June 12, 2007
Mr. Lee McCracken
“May the Force be with you! And also with you!” From it’s original release in 1977 “Star Wars” and its sequels (and prequels) have worn their religious and metaphysical baggage on their collective sleeve. While some have detected Christian themes in the Star Wars series, others have identified Lucas’ vision with a kind of Eastern mysticism, or even gnosticism. Lucas himself has expressed his indebtedness to Joseph Campbell’s “Hero with a Thousand Faces.” This discussion will try to get at the spiritual and religious core of the Star Wars saga, with a particular focus on fall, redemption, sacrificial love, and friendship.
Lee McCracken works for a higher education publishing company as a project manager developing new media products. He received his BA from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and his MA from Purdue University, both in philosophy. He lives (for now!) in Somerville with his wife Abby and their two cats.
The Gospel according to Dante
June 19, 2007
Mr. Dave Larson
In anticipation of the next weeks Tarantino talk, this week the discussion will focus on Dante’s Comedy and the transition between Inferno and Purgatorio. What is the difference between eternal damnation and the path to blessedness?
David Larson studies the philosophy of religion at Boston University.
The Gospel according to Quentin Tarantino
June 26, 2007
Dr. Jeff Hanson
Jeff Hanson teaches philosophy at Boston College. He was film department editor for Regeneration Quarterly magazine, and his film criticism has appeared in a variety of publications. He argues that Quentin Tarantino is an idiot savant whose films transplant Dante’s spiritual terrain of sin and redemption to the world of pulp fiction.
The series will take place Tuesdays at 7PM, starting on May 29th, at The Hampshire House, 84 Beacon Street, Boston (above Cheers Bar). And it’s free!
Eat good food, drink great beer, meet excellent people, think deep thoughts. What more could you ask for on a Tuesday night? Invite anyone that might be interested and hope to see you there!
bostontheologyontap.com 