Interdisciplinary Studies Conference
Bringing all the disciplines of study together.
The theme for this fall's IS conference is inspired by the Invisibly Dignity Art Exhibit. Featuring artists from across Canada, the exhibit portrays people who are often overlooked and marginalized to the extent that their inherent dignity as image bearers of God is rendered invisible. One of the most radical things that Christians believe is that all human beings bear the image of God. The implications are staggering. Human dignity, rights, self-respect, love for others - all stem from that basic and essential belief.
Through lectures and through art, we will be reminded of the intrinsic dignity of each human being. This is made possible by a common Christian commitment shared across the disciplinary spectrum. One of the focal points of this is the Interdisciplinary Studies Conferences which take place at the beginning of each semester. IS conferences bring faculty and students together around common topics of relevance to scholarship and public life. Previous IS Conferences have had food, just peacemaking, sex, worship and justice, AIDS, and popular media as topics. Speakers have included Senator Douglas Roche, South African playwright Peter Krummeck, eco-theologian Steven Bouma-Prediger, and historian Lauren Winner.
September 2008 Invisible Dignity
The Invisible Dignity Project consists of portraits of people, commonly marginalized in society, artistically rendered in such a way as to remind us of their intrinsic dignity - a dignity which is often concealed when they become invisible to us. The theme of invisible dignity will be approached in our conference in various ways.
For a full Conference schedule click here.
For a full Breakout session schedule click here.
Dennis Edney, the lawyer for Omar Khadr will speak about how his client, a young muslim who has, without trial, been branded a terrorist and who remains the only citizen of a US ally in Guantanamo prison, has become essentially invisible to the Canadian government and citizens. His lecture will take place in the gym Wednesday morning Sept 17th at 10:30 am. 9125 - 50 Street Edmonton.
Richard Middleton, theologian and author, will speak about what it means to be made in the image of God. What does that mean for human rights? for human calling? for relationships? He will also address the question of how human suffering, violence, and broken relationships render the dignity of the human being invisible.
Gerald Folkerts, a King's board member and one of the artists behind the invisible dignity project will speak about the power of artistic imagination in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.
Ed Wilson of the International Justice Mission will speak about violence as a violation of human dignity and the role of IJM.
Senior ICS member, art historian Dr Calvin Seerveld will explore and celebrate the function of artisitic imagination in turning human dignity upside down to make it right side up again!
Listen Online
Each of the Plenary Sessions are available online below.
"Why are We Here? Being Human as Sacred Calling" - by Dr. Richard Middleton
"Is Omar Khadr Invisible?" - by Dennis Edney
"Created in the Image of a Violent God" - by Dr. Richard Middleton
"Confronting Violence and Affirming Human Dignity" - by Ed Wilson
"Does God Come to Praise Job or to Bury Him?" - by Dr. Richard Middleton
"Turning Human Dignity Upside Down" - by Dr. Calvin Seerveld
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