Robert A. Rees
FRIDAY | DECEMBER 14, 2018 | 7:30-9:30 pm
In this discussion, we will explore the vital role Mary, the mother of Jesus, played not only in the birth of Christ but in his preparation to be fully human and divine.
GATHERING AT:
Home of Ed and Kristen Iversen
3582 Oak Rim Way Salt Lake City, UT 84109
If there is no parking to be found near the home you can also park in the “park & ride” lot on the NW corner of 3900 South and Wasatch Blvd. Oak Rim Way is just east of the intersection on the north side.
You’re invited to bring some finger food to share
THE DISCUSSION:
Here is how Bob opens his essay on this topic:
“I believe that women may see the Messiah and the expansive conceptualizations of a Messiah through a different lens than men do. That lens is made particularly powerful because of Mary’s experience of carrying the messiah in her womb, giving birth to him, nurturing him during his childhood and adolescence, and being a loving mother through all of his heart-breaking trials and tribulations, including kneeling at the foot of the cross. Holding him in her arms that star-lit night, she couldn’t have imagined that something which began so innocently and joyfully could end so tragically for her and her son.”
Bob will share some thoughts along these lines, a little poetry, and then we will break into small groups to discuss, coming back to the larger group to share.
As will all our gatherings, there is no pressure in small groups or large to share. And what is shared remains confidential per individuals identities. But also know that what makes Faith Again work is not just who presents but who is present and engaged.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are times when I feel even more gratitude for this group and what we share. I deeply value and appreciate our friendship and conversations.
ABOUT BOB:
Robert A. “Bob” Rees, Ph.D., is a scholar, teacher, and humanitarian. He has taught at UCLA, UC Santa Cruz and and UC Berkeley and currently teaches at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, where he serves as Director of Mormon Studies. For a dozen years (1996-2008), Rees was Director of Education and Humanities at the Institute of HeartMath, a research and education center in the Santa Cruz Mountains focusing on the heart. He is the author/co-author of numerous studies in religion, education, psychology, politics, cultural studies and the arts and humanities. He is the co-author of “New Perspectives On the Role of the Heart in Positive Emotions, Intuition, and Social Coherence” (The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd Edition, 2017). His book of poetry, Waiting for Morning, has just been published (Zarahemla Press, 2017).
STUFF TO STUDY:
New Testament: Search under Mary, mother of Jesus. You might find it refreshing to read about her in The Message Bible. Even if you just read the first several chapters of Luke. I’ve just recently discovered this translation.
Expanding Mary’s narrative: Apocryphal influences in Picturing Mary
The Great Courses: What Can The Apocrypha Teach Us About Mary?
Mary & The Marys – Part 1: Advent and the Christmas Season
I couldn’t find a part 2 or 3 for this
