Dr. Robin Jensen, who is the Patrick O鈥橞rien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, will present the 鈥淭he Cross and the Crucifix: The Emergence and Evolution of a Christian Image鈥� as the 2024-25 Danforth Lecture at Hope College on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. in Winants Auditorium of Graves Hall.
The public is invited. Admission is free.
As described in the presentation鈥檚 abstract, 鈥淭his illustrated lecture will address the relatively late emergence of depictions of the cross and Christ's crucifixion in Christian art. It will focus on how these subjects were depicted and developed from their first appearance in the late fourth century to their elaboration in the western Middle Ages. Among the themes considered are the appearance of the suffering Christ, the Cross as the Tree of Life, and the significance of the discovery of the relics of the cross for the visual art and devotional practices of medieval Christians.鈥�
In addition to her appointment in Notre Dame鈥檚 Department of Theology, Jensen is affiliated with the university鈥檚 Department of Art, Art History and Design, and with its Medieval Institute. She is the author of several books on the history of Christian art and architecture, and her teaching and research integrate historical theology and liturgical practices with the visual arts and built environments for Christian worship through time and across space.
Her published essays and books contend that, in addition to interpreting sacred texts, visual images enhance liturgical settings, reflect the nature and content of devotional piety, and explicate ritual practices. She teaches courses on the character of late antique Christian and Jewish art, the history and evolution of Christian architecture, the iconography of the cross and crucifix, depictions of Christ and the Virgin Mary, and the place and controversies over images and idols in ancient and early medieval Christianity. Additionally, she has researched the practices, distinctive character, and material evidence of Christianity in ancient Roman North Africa.
Jensen鈥檚 current project, tentatively titled "From Idols to Icons" and under contract with the University of California Press, examines the emergence of a Christian material piety in the fourth and fifth centuries. This work discusses the perceived danger of visual representations of divine beings, early controversies over the miraculous power of saints' shrines and relics, the sacralization of structures and geographical places, and the belief that images may facilitate the presence of holy persons in their absence.
The Danforth Lecture is sponsored by the 麻豆视频 Department of Religion with support from an endowment established by the Danforth Foundation of St. Louis, Missouri. The program was established by the foundation 鈥渢o deepen and enlarge the religious dimension of the campus family through speakers who can reflect on the broad, interdenominational and yet positive sense of the Judeo-Christian perspectives of life and existence.鈥�
Some of the many distinguished scholars who have visited the campus through the program in the past include Dr. Lewis B. Smedes of Fuller Theological Seminary; Dr. Martin E. Marty of the University of Chicago Divinity School; Dr. Nicholas Wolterstorff of Yale Divinity School; Dr. Oliver O鈥橠onovan of the University of Edinburgh; Dr. John Stratton Hawley of Barnard College; Dr. Timothy George of Samford University鈥檚 Beeson Divinity School; Dr. Ellen F. Davis of the Divinity School at Duke University; Dr. Dale C. Allison Jr. of Princeton Theological Seminary; Dr. Sarah Coakley of St. Andrews University and Australian Catholic University; and Father Frank Clooney of Harvard University; and Dr. Larry Rasmussen of Union Theological Seminary.
To inquire about accessibility or if you need accommodations to fully participate in the event, please email accommodations@hope.edu. Updates related to events are posted when available in the individual listings at hope.edu/calendar.
Graves Hall is located at 263 College Ave., between 10th and 12th streets.