Eden Welcomes Dr. Robin Jensen as the Speaker for the Schmiechen Lectures October 5
Please join us for the 29th Annual Schmiechen Lectures on Eden’s campus Wednesday, October 5. Dr. Robin Jensen, the Patrick O‘Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, will share two lectures: “The Cross as Icon: The Emergence of the Cross in Early Christian Art” and “The Cross as the Tree of Life: Reimagining the Cross in Christian Tradition.”
Dr. Jensen’s teaching and research explores the intersections among Christian theology, liturgical practice, and material/visual culture. She is trained in both the history of art and the history of Christian doctrine and liturgy, having received her B.A. from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, her M.A. from Columbia University/Union Theological Seminary, and her Ph.D. from Columbia University in New York City.
A major focus for Dr. Jensen is the interpretation of Christian art and architecture in light of its ritual function and religious significance. Dr. Jensen has written numerous books, articles, and essays, most recently 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 in 2016).
Dr. Jensen has served as the President of the North American Patristics Society and the Society for the Arts in Visual and Religious Studies. Currently she serves as Vice President of the International Catacomb Society. She is a member of several editorial boards and has received numerous awards and grants for her work including a national Endowment for the Humanities Collaborative Grant, a Henry Luce III Fellowship, and a grant from the Lilly Endowment for theological research.
The Schmiechen Lectures were inaugurated in 1988 by Marie Schmiechen in memory of her husband, Samuel John Schmiechen a member of Eden’s class of 1932. Each fall the annual lectures provide an opportunity for a noted theologian, scholar, or clergy to address the Eden community regarding the cutting edge of his or her scholarship. In endowing this significant lectureship, Marie Schmiechen indicated her desire to hold in high esteem the importance of ministry and to provide recognition for the critical nature of the preparation of men and women for ministry.
The day begins with worship at 9:30 am in Wehrli Chapel followed by the morning lecture at 10:00 am. Lunch takes place at 11:30 am followed by the afternoon lecture at 1:00 pm. Lunch tickets may be purchased for the price of $7 in the Eden Bookstore.
All are welcome to attend! Register for the Schmiechen Lectures by clicking here.