Upcoming on Zoom! Dr. Sharon L. Baker Putt on CHRISTOMIMESIS Feb. 23rd, 7:30-9:00PM EST.

REGISTER HERE for this free, virtual event with Dr. Sharon L. Baker Putt! Thursday, February 23 rd, 7:30-9:00PM EST. #TheologyAndPeace #MimeticTheory

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Upcoming on Zoom! Dr. Brian D. Robinette on May 18th, 7:30-9:00PM EST.

Register to receive Zoom link.

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The Path Forward: A Recap of the Theology & Peace Gathering

The Theology and Peace Gathering was held at the Scarritt Bennet Center in Nashville, Tennessee from November 14th through 17th, 2022. Participants attended in-person and via Zoom. The Conference provided an opportunity for renewal and restoration among the participants, anchored in the history of the Conference while looking towards the future of Theology and Peace.

We continued to engage ideas about mimetic theory and non-violence. Anthony Bartlett led a discussion of his new book Anthony Bartlett “Signs of Change: The Bible’s Evolution of Divine Nonviolence” (2022) in which he reconciles biblical stories of a violent humanity with the narrative seam that reveals a nonviolent God. Rebecca Adams and Paul Nuechterlein discussed the impact of Raymund Schwager’s idea on Girardian theory that human beings have a glimpse of God’s love before the fall of humanity. Julia Robinson Moore’s article, “The Frontier of Race in Mimetic Theory, American Lynchings and Racial Violence” noted the scarce attention Girardians’ have given to the intersection of race and violence, and explored mimetic theory within the context of the African American experience of lynching.

The Gathering engaged new perspectives on mimetic theory that offered hope the mimetic construct can forge a path towards healing and reconciliation. Maura Junius described the mission of the newly established non-profit unRival Network whose mission is to provide “Hope in the Heart of Conflict.” The unRival Network will accompany peacebuilders to “inspire collaboration and overcome destructive rivalries.

Andrew McRae offered a fascinating reimagining of the mimetic triangle in his presentation “Loving from Love for Another: When Lynne Cox met Something Large and Wild” that may be accessed HERE.

Karen Kepner brought insights from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s beautiful book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants (Milkweed Editions, 2013) that encouraged us to embrace creation as a source of learning to nurture, cooperate and flourish.

Ellen Corcella, adopting a trauma-informed care approach to her work as a chaplain in a critical care urban hospital, illustrated ways we can model and mediate empathy, compassion and love in the midst of tragic human circumstances. Her website provides resources for pastors, chaplains, counselors, theologians and others about building resilience, adopting a trauma-informed lens and coping with grief, PTSD, suicide and loss.

Pastors shared their stories of putting “Boots on the Ground” to build communities grounded in a loving mimesis. Tim Seitz-Brown and Wesley Dunbar work with the Poor People Campaigns in their states. Rick Waldrop and Ken Archer shared their work for peace and non-violence within the Pentecostal community.

Our visioning session confirmed reports of the death of the Theology and Peace Conference are highly exaggerated. We are deeply grateful for the Conference founders, to Susan Wright for herculean efforts that kept us connected during COVID and got us to Nashville and to our sponsor The Raven Foundation for its generous encouragement and support.

Our next visioning meeting is December 5, 2022 at 5:00 pm EST. Ideas offered to re-invigorate the ongoing work and mission of Theology and Peace included:

Reframe the Annual Meeting as the Pinnacle of our work, but continue to meet in various ways throughout the year –
o Mimesis at the Movies
o Quarterly Engagements
o Active Social Media Presence

Holding the Conference in late September-Early October and returning to Chicago as the site of the conference.

Working to provide CEU’s for attendees.

Recognizing the Assets within the Conference
o Encouraging participants to share their work;
o Encouraging and supporting each other as we face difficult challenges in a divisive world;
o Continue Community Building with enhanced use of social media.

Volunteer Staffing – the need for active administration of the Conference in terms of communication, fund raising, event planning and advertising.
o Karen Kepner and Ellen Corcella have agreed to help with event planning and communications within the Conference;
o Maura Junius will help with developing a social media strategy.

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REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

2022 THEOLOGY & PEACE GATHERING

AT THE FRONTIERS OF MIMESIS & SPIRIT

NOVEMBER 14-17, SCARRITT BENNETT CENTER, NASHVILLE

Sessions and topics include:

  • REUNION DINNER, Monday night at Scarritt Bennett.
  • CINEMA DIVINA: RED JOAN (2018).
  • A discussion of JULIA ROBINSON MOORE’s “The Frontier of Race in Mimetic Theory: American Lynchings and Racial Violence.
  • A discussion of ANTHONY BARTLETT’S, Signs of Change: The Bible’s Evolution of Divine Nonviolence (2022).
  • REBECCA ADAMS’ reflection on RAYMUND SCHWAGER.
  • VISIT to THISTLE FARMS.
  • A FIELD TRIP to one of the historic sites in DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE.
  • An evening out at the HONKY TONKS on Broadway!
  • A session for sharing our individual and collective endeavors during the pandemic years.
  • WORSHIP SERVICE commemorating what we have lost and all we have yet to hope for.
  • A VISION SESSION: How do we, THEOLOGY & PEACE, being informed by RENÉ GIRARD‘s MIMETIC THEORY and inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT, envision our role amidst the crises of contagion gripping our planet?
  • MIND & BODY EXERCISE for relaxation and restoration.
  • DAILY CENTERING PRAYER.
  • ALL MEALS, Monday dinner through Thursday morning breakfast (except for dinner Wednesday night during our Honky Tonk excursion).

ALL SESSIONS & MEALS at SCARRITT BENNETT (online or in person): FREE! Made possible by a generous grant from RAVEN FOUNDATION.

OVERNIGHT LODGING at SCARRITT BENNET: $255 PAYABLE TO THEOLOGY & PEACE. Includes three nights in a private room that shares a bathroom with one adjoining room. (SEE PAYPAL BUTTON BELOW)

Those who would like to request a discount for lodging, please indicate this when you register below. Discounts will be awarded from the portion of the RAVEN grant that remains unused (only if a surplus remains).

The THEOLOGY & PEACE GATHERING starts with dinner Monday evening and concludes Thursday at noon.

REGISTER HERE!

OVERNIGHT LODGING

$255.00

QUESTIONS? Email Sue Wright at swright14620@yahoo.com

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Registration Opens September 10th!

IT’S TIME TO GATHER AGAIN! We’re calling all our friends, old and new, to join us for the THEOLOGY & PEACE SUMMIT, NOVEMBER 14-17 in NASHVILLE at the Scarritt Bennett Center–to meet face to face, to share our joys and our concerns, and, in the context of the current world crises, to renew our hopes and ours dreams for the future.

Over the last fifteen years, articulating a theology grounded in René Girard‘s Mimetic Theory, we’ve held conferences in multiple cities and contexts across the United States. In Chicago, we addressed the systemic nature of mass incarceration and the contagion of gun violence involving people and police. In Raleigh, we looked at the history of lynching, and prayed with the organizers of the first Moral Monday occurring on the steps of North Carolina’s capital. In Baltimore we made lasting friendships with Newborn Community, who, inspired by the teachings of René Girard and Gordon Cosby, built multiple ministries in the midst of a neighborhood ravaged by discrimination, poverty, and drugs. In Nashville, we spent two years at American Baptist College, a historically black college, where focused on systemic racism, sex-trafficking, and the life-sentencing of minors, we witnessed first hand what it means to practice solidarity with the victim.

Staying true to our original mission, we have stored up pearls of theological wisdom, we have plumbed the depths of our collective good, and grappled with the reality of our social evils. Understanding that all of us, regardless of our differences, are inherently connected, we attempt to live lives of Ubuntu and Beloved Community. With so many challenges confronting the world and future generations, this work has never been more important. JOIN US as we continue to tap the wellspring of inspiration rising out of René Girard’s understanding of what it means to be human beings constructed by our shared desires. Who knows where the Spirit will lead us next

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2022 THEOLOGY & PEACE SUMMIT!

NOVEMBER 14-17th at the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The 2022 Theology & Peace Summit is sponsored by THE RAVEN FOUNDATION.

This gathering will be a significant event! Given the war in Ukraine, the political polarization in the United States, and the environmental threat to all life on the planet, the work of THEOLOGY & PEACE has never been more important. PLEASE STAY TUNED! We hope to gather as many folks as we can! We wholeheartedly encourage our COV&R friends to participate!

We’ll do serious work during the day, then relax and enjoy each others’ company in the evenings!

PLEASE JOIN US! https://theologyandpeace.com

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JOIN the THEOLOGY & PEACE SOCIAL HOUR FOR “MIMESIS AT THE MOVIES” every other Thursday at 4PM ET on Zoom!

Jenny Brizard in “Sinking Ship”

August 12: SINKING SHIP 2021 short film by Sasha Leigh Henry A couple’s night out turns into a frank conversation about the state of their relationship. It’s clear the ship is sinking and it’s every man for himself. Former T&P board member and conference presenter, Sereta Richardson, who also recommended this film, will join us for this discussion.

“Sinking Ship” is the winner of the 2021 Staff Pick Award at Aspen Shortsfest. Read Vimeo’s Q&A with director Sasha Leigh Henry here: vimeo.com/blog/post/sinking-ship-sasha-leigh-henry-staff-pick-award

View it on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/535667880?fbclid=IwAR3k59vWPVboWkeP7n2FuhPAzVFy_6209-iqb8phX1gEJ5MEx4xtShwExM0

August 26: “The Perfect Mate,” STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION S5 E21 (April 25,1992) Ferengi machinations unleash a diplomatic gift aboard the Enterprise – the rare, empathic perfect mate, ready to bond with any male around her. This episode helped to inspire Rebecca Adams’ model of “loving mimesis.”

For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708818/ Available on Prime Video.

Join us for a casual online discussion every other Thursday at 4:00 PM ET. For a Zoom link, please RSVP Sue Wright at swright14620@yahoo.com or go to our Facebook Discussion Page.

We welcome suggestions of films or topics for future discussions!

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Revised Schedule for Discussion Series “Mimesis at the Movies”

Every other Thursday at 4:00 EST we will gather for our regular social time. At 4:30 we will discuss one of the films we’ve chosen. We recommend you watch it in advance. Scroll down for revised scheduled.

OUR UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

June 17th: Postcards From Babylon A long-form documentary featuring author and pastor, Brian Zahnd, as he investigates possibly the most important question for the church in North America today: How does the church stay faithful to the way of Jesus while situated in one of the most divisive political climates in our nation’s history? The film argues that Christians seeking proximity to power has led to a hyperpartisan Nationalistic posture that is demonstrably hindering the witness of Christ. For more info: https://www.postcardsdoc.com

July 1st: Ridley Scott’s Bladerunner, which is loosely based on Philip K. Dick‘s 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? The film is set in a dystopian future Los Angeles of 2019, in which synthetic humans known as replicants are bio-engineered by the powerful Tyrell Corporation to work at space colonies. When a fugitive group of advanced replicants led by Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) escapes back to Earth, burnt-out cop Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) reluctantly agrees to hunt them down.

July 15th: Two Distinct Strangers A 2020 American short science-fiction drama film written by Travon Free and directed by Free and Martin Desmond Roe. The film examines the deaths of black Americans during encounters with police through the eyes of a character trapped in a time loop that keeps ending in his death. Oscar Winner for Best Live Action Short. For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13472984/

July 29th: The Present A 2020 short film directed by Farah Nabulsi and co-written by Nabulsi and Hind Shoufani, about a father and daughter in the Palestinian enclaves of the Israeli-occupied West Bank trying to buy a wedding anniversary gift. The cast is led by Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. For more info: https://www.nativeliberty.org/production/the-present

For a Zoom link, please RSVP Sue Wright at swright14620@yahoo.com or go to our Facebook Discussion Page.

We welcome suggestions of films or topics for future discussions!

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REGISTER FOR THE COV&R CONFERENCE!

Theology & Peace will not host a conference this year, but we have another opportunity to gather. If you enjoyed last year’s COLLABORATORS’ CONFERENCE, I recommend this year’s COV&R ONLINE CONFERENCE, “Desiring Machines: Robots, Mimesis, and Violence in the Age of AI,” July 7-10, hosted by Purdue University. This is a chance to see your Theology & Peace friends while also participating in an international community dedicated to the application of Mimetic Theory across a wide range of fields and disciplines. I promise, there is something for everyone! REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Welcome to the 31st annual meeting of the Colloquium on Violence and Religion. Founded in 1990, COV&R is an international association of scholars and practitioners devoted to exploring, critiquing, and developing the mimetic theory of René Girard. Girard’s ideas regarding imitative desire, sacrifice, scapegoating, and violence have been elaborated in literary studies, anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, economics, film studies, political science, religious studies, Biblical studies, and, in general, all fields of the humanities and social sciences. In our conference this year, we would like to expand that body of thinking to examine aspects of the field of artificial intelligence and, in particular, robotics and self-awareness. We invite papers from all fields in which Girard’s insights have proved seminal but especially those that would explore some of the newer challenges posed by recent and ongoing technological innovations.

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Join Theology & Peace Social Hour for “Mimesis at the Movies”

Every other Thursday at 4:00 EST, we will gather for our regular social time. At 4:30 we will discuss one of the films we’ve chosen. We recommend you watch it in advance.

OUR UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

May 20th: Promising Young Woman Traumatized by recent events, including the death of her best friend, Cassie seeks justice. Is this a straight up revenge fantasy? To what extent does she succeed in exposing the mechanisms underpinning systemic misogyny? Written and directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Carrie Mulligan. Oscar winner for best screen play. [Warning: the film contains graphic content.] For more info: https://www.focusfeatures.com/promising-young-woman/

June 3rd: Postcards From Babylon A long-form documentary featuring author and pastor, Brian Zahnd, as he investigates possibly the most important question for the church in North America today: How does the church stay faithful to the way of Jesus while situated in one of the most divisive political climates in our nation’s history? The film argues that Christians seeking proximity to power has led to a hyperpartisan Nationalistic posture that is demonstrably hindering the witness of Christ. For more info: https://www.postcardsdoc.com

June 17th: Two Distinct Strangers A 2020 American short science-fiction drama film written by Travon Free and directed by Free and Martin Desmond Roe. The film examines the deaths of black Americans during encounters with police through the eyes of a character trapped in a time loop that keeps ending in his death. Oscar Winner for Best Live Action Short. For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13472984/

July 1st: The Present A 2020 short film directed by Farah Nabulsi and co-written by Nabulsi and Hind Shoufani, about a father and daughter in the Palestinian enclaves of the Israeli-occupied West Bank trying to buy a wedding anniversary gift. The cast is led by Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. For more info: https://www.nativeliberty.org/production/the-present

For a Zoom link, please RSVP Sue Wright at swright14620@yahoo.com or go to our Facebook Discussion Page.

We welcome suggestions of films or topics for future discussions!

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