PLTS Founders' Day Lecture

Wednesday, September 20th 2017, 10:30am to 12:00pm
Jesuit School of Theology of SCU, 1735 LeRoy Avenue Berkeley, CA 94709

PLTS presents Founders' Day Lecture, "Spirituality and Reformation," by Sandra Schneiders, JST-SCU, followed by panel discussion, "Faithful Conversations" moderated by Dr. Kirsi Sjerna (Lutheran), Dr. Valerie Miles-Tribble (Baptist), Dr. Deena Aranoff (Jewish), Dr. Ali Ataie (Muslim), and Dr. Peter Carlson (Anglican). Please note that the event will be held at Jesuit School of Theology, 1735 Leroy Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709--not at PLTS as was listed previously. See below for additional details and registration infomation.

Topic: Reformation and Spirituality

The year 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant reformation. Luther inspired an avalanche of religious reforms when he presented his 95 theses on October 31, 1517 in Wittenberg, Germany. At its core, Luther’s reformation was about spirituality, sources, and hermeneutics. He sought to offer a way of interpreting the Scriptures that would foster healthy spirituality and ethically-sound living – freedom in faith, and servitude of our neighbors in love. This Luther anniversary invites us to come together as an inter-faith and ecumenical community to explore and learn together: how do we understand spirituality and the opportunities for reform today?

Speaker: Dr. Sandra M. Scheiders

Dr. Schneiders is Professor Emerita of New Testament Studies and Christian Spirituality at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. Dr. Schneiders specializes in New Testament literature, biblical hermeneutics, and Christian spirituality. Her research and teaching interests include: spirituality, feminism, Jesus and the Gospel of John, Biblical Hermeneutics, New Testament, and Contemporary Catholic Women’s Religious Life in the U.S.

Dr. Schneider has written numerous books, including her latest, Jesus Risen in Our Midst: Essays on the Resurrection of Jesus in the Fourth Gospel. She has taught at the Graduate Theological Union since 1976. Her awards include: the Barry University Yves Congar Award for Theological Excellence (2014), the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities Monika K. Hellwig Award for Outstanding Contribution to Catholic Intellectual Life (2013), and the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (2012). 

Panel:

Following the lecture there will be a panel featuring:

  • Ali Ataie, Faculty member at Zaytuna College
  • Deena Aranoff, Director of Richard S. Dinner Center for Jewish Studies and Senior Lecturer in Medieval Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union
  • Peter Carlson, Assistant Professor of Religion from California Lutheran University
  • Valerie Miles-Tribble, Associate Professor of Ministerial Leadership and Practical Theology from the American Baptist Seminary of the West
  • Kirsi Stjerna, Moderator, Professor of Lutheran History and Theology from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Schedule of Events:

9:00am - Gathering Time

9:30am - Welcome and Alum Awards

10:00-11:30am - Lecture and Panel on "Faithful Conversation: The Reforming Spirit in our Respective Traditions"

12:00pm - Worship with lunch following

The fee is $20 (advance), $30 (at the door), and free (PLTS & GTU students, if registered in advance).

Register here