Journal combines art and theology

By Mary Fowles

A “maturing understanding of theology” is at the heart of the third edition of Word in the World, Theological Studies’ annual graduate journal, according to Pamela Bright, chair of the department.

“The role of theology is changing,” Bright said in an interview. “We live in a cosmopolitan world, so one of the best things we can do is grow in understanding, not just by tolerating but by listening to each other.”

With the theme Image in the World, the articles in this edition touch on “the art of being human,” the meaning of icons in the Christian tradition, Zen Buddhist aesthetics and the work of Spanish artist and architect Antonio Gaudi.

Scholarly essays, works of reflection and poetry are published with art by students and faculty members. Sara Terreault, a PhD candidate in Theology, is the editor.

“This issue looks at the links between theology, art and creativity,” she said. “We are not exclusively Christian, but are also interested in a conversation with other traditions.”

Jewish theology courses are now offered in the department, and a course on Islamic theology will be offered in the winter semester.

Bright’s own fine pen drawings, inspired by Gaudi’s Temple de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, are reproduced in the journal.

Gaudi temple

“I have always had an interest in Gaudi, and I am interested in the fact that [the Sagrada Familia church] is unfinished,” she said.

“It is an organic, extraordinary structure, attentive to tradition but creative enough to turn tradition on its head — very much as we are as a department. We have a space for unfinished conversation, growth, change and paradox.”

Terreault said the journal is an excellent way for students of the department to share their work with a wider audience. She encourages anyone, including the public at large, to submit poetry, scholarly work, reflections or art.

Richness

“There is such a richness of ideas. The journal gives students the chance to start publishing, which is very important in academia, and to share valuable ideas,” Terreault said.

The theme for next year’s journal is Scripture in the World. It is planned to coincide with a conference hosted by the department next spring titled Reception of Scripture in the Christian Tradition.

The due date for submissions to that issue is Dec. 30, 2005. Word in the World can be purchased for $15 ($12 for students) in the Department of Theological Studies, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Room HB-306. Submissions and queries can be sent to witw@alcor.concordia.ca.

For more information, call 848-2424, ext. 2475.