ReligiousLife@MU

RNA Annual Conference

While in DC later this week for the Religion Newswriters Association Annual Conference I will be live blogging, recording video, doing interviews, taking pictures throughout the course of the week and uploading them to a Web site dedicated just to covering the conference. In preparation for the trip and to get some material onto the blog I have recently published some new posts.

The conference should prove to provide insight into where the religion beat is headed in these very interesting times for the world of journalism.

Be sure to check out the RNA Annual Conference 2008 blog for plenty of updates throughout the week.

(Cross posted from God, Media and More)

 

CSA members receive national press

For the first week of June four Mizzou students and their campus minister from the Catholic Student Association all traveled to Philadelphia to participate in the Campus Ministry Leadership Institute.

Catholic News Service, the leading wire service in Catholic press ran a story about the institute. In the article, many of the Mizzou students and campus minister, Angelle Hall, who attended the event, were quoted in the article.

Since CNS is a wire service and only publishes a small portion of their articles to their public site, it is up to their client publications to publish the article on the web.

So far The Georgia Bulletin, has published a brief version of the article. Many of the CNS client publications only publish biweekly during the summer, so look for the full version to be online soon.

Got art? Cairns to speak again on role of religion and art

Tomorrow, Scott Cairns, professor of English at MU will be speaking to the Christian Scholars Forum on the role of art and religion. His talk will take place in 136 Mumford Hall, and will start at noon and last for approximately one hour. Of note: The talk is in Mumford Hall, and not the usual Memorial Union meeting location. Cairns participated in the panel discussion at the Cherry Street Artisan recently. As previously mentioned, CSF, focuses on one particular focus or topic each month. This month the topic is the role of art in religion. Cairns offered many great insights into the role religion has played in his work as a poet at the Artisan.

My Papal Pilgrimage to New York

A few months ago I received an email from a friend back home in New Jersey inviting me to attend the Papal Youth Rally, which was held last Saturday at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, New York. I immediately accepted said invitation with the mindset, “who can turn down an invitation to the Pope?”

At the time I was honored, but I wasn’t thinking about it constantly as I had a few months and many things to do in between. However, as April 19 approached, the anticipation began to build. As I began reading various reports from various news outlets, both mainstream or secular and those with religious affiliations, there was one constant thought running through my mind was, “you will be there, you will be there.” As the anticipation began to build it became to a point where it was almost overwhelming in a way. The night before, I could not sleep.

On the day of the event, I woke up on my own, gathered my multitude of religious artifacts and hit the road. Then there was an hour plus bus ride to the racetrack in Yonkers. Where we then boarded another bus that would take us to the seminary grounds. Once leaving the shuttle bus, there was the mandatory and understandably necessary security check, but then I was free to soak in the wonderful day.

For the majority of the day there was a massive concert. A wide variety of performers took the stage. Many of them would be classified as Christian bands, but there were also some mainstream pop singers, most notably, Kelly Clarkson. Included in the group were two Catholic priests who rapped. As the day went on, the buzz from the entire crowd continued to grow.

After the concert was concluded there was approximately a half hour of time until the Pope arrived. During this half hour many of the Bishops present went out into the crowd and greeted those in attendance. During this time, everyone seemed to be on edge, knowing that the Pope could arrive at any moment. Knowing that the months of waiting would soon come to an end.

Then it happened, well sort of happened. The Pope first appeared on the big screens on the stage, in his limo, where he first entered the main seminary chapel. Where upon he blessed a group of children. Then it happened, suddenly the famous Popemobile came out and carried the Pope to the stage. When he first came out onto the stage, the crowd erupted. It reminded me of a major sporting event. This general cheering would go on for minutes, and then would pick up again in random, but appropriate moments throughout the rest of the rally.

Once the Pope was settled and the cheering died down, the program continued. The program first began with a few very eloquent words given by Cardinal Egan of the Archdiocese of New York, welcoming the Pope to the seminary and rally.

Following the Cardinal’s welcome, numerous children each took turns presenting gifts to the Pope in honor of his 81st birthday and 3rd anniversary of being installed as Pope. His birthday was actually earlier in the week, but Saturday was the actual anniversary. The gifts included a variety of breads as well as a series of paintings of the various Saints, Blesseds and Venerables, who all served in the Archdiocese of New York. What was particularly moving about this part of the program was the moment after the youth gave their speeches detailing the lives of those Saints, Blesseds, and Venerables. After speaking, each youth approached and greeted the Pope and received a rosary. Witnessing this moment was quite moving on it’s own.

Next the crowd was honored with being able to sing three songs for the Pope. The first, Happy Birthday, but it was sung in Benedict’s native language, German. The next song, America the Beautiful, which was a powerful moment, as always. Lastly a hymn, Pan De Vida, which translates to bread of life in English. What was interesting to watch during these songs was how that energy and enthusiasm that had been present a few minutes earlier seemed to be directly translated into an enthusiasm for singing. One of the other cool parts of this experience is that now, not only will I be able to say I have seen the Pope, but that I have sung Happy Birthday to the Pope, makes for a nice, random anecdote.

Finally, we get to what was definitely the second best moment of the day for me personally, but was the best part for others who I talked to afterwards. It was time for Pope Benedict XVI to address the crowd. He gave a phenomenal speech. The speech opened up with a discussion of Benedict’s own experiences as a youth under the Nazi Regime in Germany. He then transitioned into a discussion of truth in freedom. Where he ultimately stated that truth was Jesus Christ.

His Holiness next discussed four ways for one to live out their faith. First, there was personal prayer. In this he also discussed the need for silent contemplation. Secondly, liturgical prayer, which can be found in the sacraments and mass. Next, spoke of charity in action. This is the commonly known idea of serving those in need. Lastly, he spoke on vocations. Not only did he discuss the vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, but also the vocation of marriage. His discussion of the vocation to the priesthood drew quite the roar from the crowd which included seminarians from all across the country. Pope Benedict XVI ended his speech by encouraging all those present to go out and be courageous in living their faith.

Earlier I mentioned that the speech was my second favorite part of the entire day, which leaves the question, what was my favorite part of the day? Well, that came directly after the speech. At that time, the entire crowd, choir, cantor, Bishops, Cardinals and His Holiness himself all joined in praying the Litany of the saints. Personally, when everyone was praying this beautiful prayer, there was a certain feeling in the air. Everyone I could see was truly into the prayer, the idea of 23,000 people praying together with the Pope and Cardinals was quite spiritually overwhelming. As the prayer was going on, I almost didn’t want it to ever end. That prayer turned out to be by far one of the most powerful moments in my life and spiritual or faith journey.

Editor’s Note:

Many apologies for the lack of posting and delay for this story. The experience was so intense and great that I wanted to make sure I did the experience justice. I still don’t believe I have done that, but I gave it my best shot.

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI's Address to the youth at the Papal Youth Rally can be found here.

Prayer vigil to be held on Carnahan quad

Tomorrow will be the one year anniversary of the Virginia Tech Tragedy. Three Christian groups on campus have banded together to plan a prayer vigil. The vigil is titled, “Virginia Tech Vigil: A Call to Peace.” The vigil will take place on the South or Carnahan Quad at 6:30 pm. In the event of rain, it will take place in Tate Auditorium. The prayer service will last for approximately half an hour. It will be comprised of a series of readings and songs, as well as other prayers written by the planning team. The prayer service does have a Christian perspective, however, all are invited to attend.

This event has begun to get some buzz on campus. Yesterday, I fielded three interviews, all regarding the prayer service. Students are wearing orange ribbons on campus to help promote the event.

Look for much more coverage tomorrow and Thursday, not only on the ReligiousLife@MU blog, but on all of the media outlets in the Mid-Missouri area.

Live from Sacred Expressions at the Cherry Street Artisan

This afternoon at the Cherry Street Artisan, the Center on Religion & the Professions will be holding a special presentation entitled, “Sacred Expressions: Journeys in Faith & Art.”

The event is set to begin with a panel discussion lasting until 5:30, followed by a reception, and ending with performances. As the title suggests, the event will discuss how religion and art work together.

I will be blogging live from the Artisan all afternoon. Feel free to leave comments on the site or email religiouslife@missouri.edu

4:00

Panel Moderator David Clark opened the panel by asking the panelists to discuss their role of art in their spiritual journeys. Religious studies scholar and musician Justin Arft first discussed the role of a spiritual community.

The second question asked “Is art religion?” MU English professor Scott Cairns stated that it the question of whether not religion is art, is similar to the question, “is poetry prayer?” While they very similar, still differ. Justin Arft cited his working definition of religion that involves “human transformation” as a key component. He then went on to say, “In that sense, art can be that human transformation... if art is the ultimate goal.” Arft also stated, “By that definition, religion could be an art, but it still lacks a higher being.”

The discussion then shifted to the idea of an artist’s relationship with his or her medium. The key issue at stake, whether an artist chooses his or her medium, or if the medium chooses the artist. The panelists expressed views on both sides of the spectrum. They also discussed the fact that some mediums might come more naturally to one, but at the same time they must continue to practice and work at developing their ability to work with that medium.

The next question dealt with the idea of art as a vocation or art as a choice. Cairns first suggested the idea that art is a vocation. Michael Marcum, a local sculptor, believed that for him, it could not be a vocation because there was no community to support art as a vocation. Arft spoke about his role in the planning of the True/False Festival, in that there was a community that worked together to plan the event.

4:15

After the discussion of art as a vocation, there was  a pause to open the floor to questions from the audience.

The questions led to a return to the idea of art as an ultimacy. Cairns spoke about the idea that art was not quite the end. While Arft, whose art, is music spoke about the role time plays in music. Suggesting that when one is playing music they are wholly devoted to that moment and the music. Continuing that idea of a moment individually, Arft took it to another level when discussing the same feeling in a community environment, playing music with others. Another audience member wondered if one can have a similar experience when listening or viewing art. Arft described it as a “sense of art.” Cairns jokingly said, “ I know I’m at a good reading when I keep reaching into my pocket.” Which led to the idea of getting inspiration from previous work. Which holds especially true for authors. Cairns claimed that he begins writing by reading and waiting until he reads something that initiates a response within him.

Moderator David Clark then asked the artists whether or not their view their work as truth. Cairns reflected on the idea that we, “mistake what we know as truth.” Or that people both religious and non-religious place things that they think they know in the place of truth. Arft described the difference of viewing art before and after having that same piece explained.

4:30

The panelists then discussed the importance of whether or not those who view their work get the same ideas and messages that the artist intended. The panelists all agreed that the audience did not have to get the intended or same meaning as the artist.

The panelists then discussed the experience of revisiting their work. They also discussed whether or not art is static. Cairns suggested that the actual art may not be static, but when one rereads something the way they view the art may change.

4:45

A question from the audience asked the panelists to discuss the religion’s view of art, as opposed to art’s view of religion, which had been the primary focus so far in the panel.

Moderator David Clark cited the New Testament where craftsmen were honored, he also discussed the idea of God creating all. Arft discussed the experiences of individuals who believe they belong to a religion primarily and artist second, where the art expresses religion. He also discussed the differences in how art is viewed by a variety of different world religions.

5:00

Another audience member questioned whether or not when an artists was creating their art if they felt they were in connection with some sort of higher being. Michael recalled instances where he would find himself in a rut and then something would happen where all of a sudden he was able to make progress without really knowing how that happened.

I then proposed the question asked below by reader Joseph Montgomery, Cairns responded, “God would be better at it.” He believes the idea of God working through human beings, to be a very unlikely proposition. The panelists continued to elaborate on the idea of inspiration. They referred back to the previously discussed model in which one is in a dialogue with a higher being, which they find better than the idea of having a higher being working through the artist.

Another audience member asked about the relationship of one’s artistic and religious or spiritual journey. Cairns returned to the idea of vocations of different mediums within the “realm of art.” Cairns described the journey as a devotion and effort into developing the craft. Arft compared the similarities of the journeys of Buddha and Jesus. In terms of how they both put the same energy and attention to their mission.

5:15

An audience member asked the panelists to role of evil interplayed between art, spirituality and ethics. Arft cited a recent incident involving someone hanging a dog and allowing the dog to starve. He suggested that he shouldn’t allow art to hurt anyone or anything.

The next question: “is it ethically easier to be an atheist?” which was then modified as to whether an artist has a ethical or prophetic responsibility to the community. When discussing ethics the main issue discussed was the feelings within the artist. In continuation there was extensive discussion about whether or not artists have a higher standard of ethics in comparison with the rest of the community.

5:30

The last question dealt with the issue that if faithful believe unconditionally and do not doubt their religion, how can artists be faithful and at the same time bring up questions through their work. Arft suggested that the “pushing” is done rather by the viewers than by the artists. The panel also questioned the notion that faith accepted their beliefs unconditionally.

God Exposed: Sex and Partying

April 12th, 7:07pm, Middle Bush Auditorium.

If you've ever been part of the "party" crowd, you've seen the pointed fingers; the judgmental, dirty grimaces on the faces of bible-thumpers. You've probably rolled your eyes, and wondered precisely what authority was handed down to them from on high to express their distaste. You probably called them a hypocrite, and their calls to "repent," or whatever it was they were screaming from their high horse, certainly didn't leave you with any passionate desire to abandon the life you were leading. Doesn't God have more important things to look after???

Starting this Saturday, The Rock, lead by Pastor John Drage will be starting a two-week miniseries about  what our God has to say on the subject of two "hot topics" of modern morality-- sex, and partying.
Want to hear more? Come and check it out, and watch the "teaser trailer" here:

CORP hosts breakfast with Beliefnet

As previously announced, the Center on Religion & the Professions hosted a free breakfast with Rebecca Phillips Wednesday morning. The event was anything but formal. Rebecca or anyone from CORP did not give some sort of formal speech. However, all who attended had ample opportunity to meet and talk one-on-one with Phillips. Visitors also had the chance to learn more about CORP from its numerous representatives who were present at the breakfast.

Phillips talked at length about her work within the field of religion reporting. She particularly focused on her work with Beliefnet. Beliefnet launched their community or social networking component late last year. As the Vice President of Social Networking, Phillips is very involved in the continued growth and expansion of this component of Beliefnet. Phillips also discussed the many other services and features of Beliefnet.

The attendees of the breakfast represented a range of backgrounds. There were a few adult community members. There were also both graduate and undergraduate students from both the Religious Studies Department as well as the School of Journalism. There were also many individuals from CORP, who themselves represent a wide variety of backgrounds.

Beliefnet’s community component certainly has a lot of potential. It could do wonders to bring people of all faiths and walks of life together. It can also help to teach journalists about faith and covering religion as a beat.

Finding holiness

This past weekend I attended a retreat hosted by the Catholic Students Association called In Search of Holiness. "I guarantee you'll come back holy," promised Joe Albin, the retreat coordinator.

Lofty promises aside, he was right--I certainly came back closer to holiness than I had been in quite some time. But how can I describe it to you? How can I tell you how amazing it is when I'm still amazed by it myself? I suppose all I can do is describe what I learned.

For the very first time I met a student in a wheelchair. Since I had never really known a handicapped person before, I tried to treat him the way political correctness dictated. So it came as a great shock when he said quite casually, "Please don't be shocked when I call myself a cripple. I make jokes about it all the time and I really don't mind." Throughout the whole weekend, Evan showed me how to be comfortable with oneself. He made jokes about his condition--when he got on the bus, he swung into one of the seats and said loudly, "Ah. I finally get to sit down." When we were going to mass on the first day, he fell out of his chair, but he quickly picked himself up and plopped back in his chair and went to mass acting as if it hadn't happened at all.

It was incredible and so awe-inspiring to meet someone who didn't have anything to hide when it came to who he was. He was unashamed and I learned so much from Evan.

In addition, I learned how to start a fire. I learned that the smell of cedar is one of the richest in the world. I learned how to come up with a song on the spot. I learned that the Bible is "chock full of scripture." (Thank you, Fr. Scott)

I learned that holiness is not an end--instead, it's a constant practice. I learned that I am NOT God, no matter how much I try. I learned that prayer doesn't have to end with the sign of the cross--the simple act of living your day for God could be considered a constant prayer.

But most importantly, I learned that everyone is called to holiness. And I learned how to be holy.

Large turn out for lecture by Dr. Michael Lindsey

Last Thursday approximately 100 people came out to see Dr. Michael Lindsey and hear his talk about his popular book “Faith in the Halls of Power.” Lindsey first talked about some of his experiences and the work that went into the writing of his book. He then talked about the role Evangelical Christians play in many areas of society including: politics, higher education, Hollywood, and business. He also answered many questions at the end of his talk regarding the current presidential race.

Lindsey pointed out that despite common notions, there are of members of the Evangelical communities in both the Republican Party and Democratic Party. On a similar note offered by Lindsey, during the presidential primary season, exit polls only asked GOP voters if they were Evangelical Christians. But he did suggest that a majority of the Evangelical community associated themselves with the Republican Party. He also noted that from WWII until the time Jimmy Carter was elected president, Evangelicals were fairly quiet in the political world.

From politics, Lindsey moved on to a discussion about higher education. Lindsey noted the rising populations of Evangelical Christians on Ivy League campuses. In addition to the rise of Evangelical populations on Ivy League campuses, there are more and more Christian colleges across the country, including some that are getting serious academic recognition. He also discussed the “sleep in effect.” The “sleep in effect” is the notion that once children arrive in college they will sleep in on Sunday, and will not be forced by their parents to attend church, and for this reason the students will tend to distance themselves from the church. Lindsey suggested that Evangelical students are the least likely to suffer from the “sleep in effect.”

In Hollywood, Lindsey believes that Christianity is making a major comeback. He cited a few production companies including World Wide Pictures and  the Act One training program for screenwriters. He also compared the reactions of The Last Temptation of Christ with, The Passion of Christ. The former came out in 1988, and was protested, while the later came out in 2004, and was very successful.

Lastly, Lindsey discussed the success of Evangelicals in the business world. Many big business leaders identify themselves as Evangelical Christians. All of them donate money to Christian causes, the average of the people interviewed by Dr. Lindsey was 1.1 million dollars a year. He explained that many of such business leaders also try to use subtle messages to allow their religion into their work. Perhaps the best example of this was Jockey Underwear. The CEO, Debra S. Waller, is an Evangelical and decided that all models will wear a wedding ban during photo shoots with a man and women present to help promote the Christian ideal of fidelity.

Dr. Michael Lindsey’s lecture and subsequent Q & A proved to be quite insightful. He was able to clarify the role that Evangelical Christians play in America’s society today.