Interfaith Council Fall 2007 Programs
Chanting the Scriptures
August 26th, 6 p.m.
Interfaith Center
One way to meditate upon a verse of scripture, to truly bring it into your heart, is to chant it. Chants are simple songs repeated over and over as an individual spiritual practice or as part of worship, like in Taize services. Dr. Johnson will share what she learned in a national workshop this summer called "Chanting: A Door to the Divine.? Learn more about this ancient form of prayer. The presentation will include time for singing or listening to chants, as you choose. It will be the first in a series of presentations on chant this year, and an opportunity to learn more about a chanting group that will be forming at Berry.
Personal Expression in Prayer
Wednesday, September 26th, 7 p.m.
Interfaith Center
Prayer is a way of connection with G-d, self and others. The practices we
develop and use support us in this connection. In this workshop we will
explore and develop our grounding in movement, voice and rhythm using
elements of group, partnered and solo exercises, improvisation, structured
work, experiential learning, witnessing and intention. If you have ever been
at services and wanted to move your body from inspiration, to use your voice
with more connection your experience, or if you want to discover new ways
of relating to these tools, this workshop will give you the opportunity and
guidance for finding this with yourself and in a group context.
Medicine & Magic in Miami: Afro-Cuban Healing and Revenge Sorcery in Suburban South Florida
October 8th, 5 p.m.
Interfaith Center
For practitioners of Afro-Cuban religious traditions human misfortunes are
viewed as afflictions caused either by the harmful imbalance of cosmic
forces or the direct effect of spiritual attacks. Often these forces are
attributed to actual or appropriated and mythologized ancestors, usually
belonging to historically oppressed categories such as African slaves or
Amerindians. Three distinct yet related Afro-Cuban spiritual traditions in
Miami offer different forms of magical solutions for "curing" afflictions
that range from directly negotiating with ancestor and divine spirits in
Santería and Espiritismo to the hostile enslavement of the dead for use in
revenge magic and spiritual warfare in Palo Monte.
Religious Resources for Peace in the Middle East
Thursday, November 1st, 5 p.m.
Science Auditorium
Speakers:
Dr. Sam Fleischacker, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Illinois in Chicago and the founder of their Jewish/Muslim Studies Initiative
Dr. Ibrahim Abu-Rabi, Professor of Islamic Studies and Co-Director of the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford Theological Seminary
Their presentations will be followed by a panel discussion (no prepared remarks, just comments and
questions)
Culture of Peace Exhibit
Wednesday, October 24th, 5:30 p.m.
Memorial Library
Please join us for the opening of the "Culture of Peace" exhibit at Berry College's Memorial Library. Our guest speaker will be Richard Brown, Clayton County Associate Magistrate Judge and SGI-USA South Zone Vice Men's Leader, speaking about the "Culture of Peace" exhibit, and how each of us can contribute to peace in the world through our own actions.
November 8th, at 7 p.m.
The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 has provided us, not only with our earliest Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament by far, but also with a deeper understanding of the great diversity of Judaism, as it was practiced and lived during the period spanning Jesus’ time and a century or so earlier. The archaeological site of Qumran, excavated shortly after the discovery of the scrolls, also enriches our knowledge of this period. In this lecture I discuss the site, the scrolls, and what scholars have posited about the people responsible for both, with the aid of numerous PowerPoint slides containing photographs, maps, and plans.
Ongoing Classes
Tuesdays, 11p.m.
Interfaith Center
Tai Chi Chuan, which means the ‘Discipline of the Supreme Ultimate’ is a flowing set of movements that combine aspects of yoga and meditation with practical combat techniques. Although the origins of the tradition are shrouded in the mystique of legend and mythic lore, we have evidence of a fully formed tradition dating back no later than 14th century China. This weekly class will train students in the basics of ‘energy circulation’ (chi qong) as well as the 108 movements of the ‘slow set’ of Yang style Tai Chi.
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Interfaith Center
Classical instruction based on the eight limbs of Yoga: Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Please bring a yoga mat (or large towel) and a thin cushion to sit upon for meditation. A backjack seat or stadium seat will be helpful to those with a weak back. You may also wish to bring a light shawl or small blanket to use during savasana.
Tuedays, 3:30 p.m.
Interfaith Center
Join the Berry Chant Group for singing prayers, praise, and meditation. Come one time or come every week. Songs are taught each time, so no experience is necessary. If you can talk, you can sing! This is not just for people with "good" voices, but for anyone who wants to experience the peace and joy that come from group devotional singing.
Zazen
Thurdays, 7 p.m.
Interfaith Center
Come experience the ancient Japanese practice of sitting meditation, with alternating periods of walking meditation. For more information contact jdirnberger@berry.edu or nkimbro@berry.edu.
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