"Scriptures In Three Dimensions" by Jim Watts, Ph.D. - Exploration of Sacred Text Series

Religious Studies Scholar Jim Watts from Syracuse University is the first lecturer this fall in the Exploration of Sacred Text Series at The College of St. Scholastica.

"Scriptures in Three Dimensions" is the topic of his discussion at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, in the Mitchell Auditorium on campus.

Watts examined the forms and uses of text in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including: their structure, recitation, song and drama, as well as the iconic dimension manifested in calligraphy, coverings, bindings, and their use in ritual. This talk will be followed by a joint presentation from a group of local clergy on interpretation of text in their own congregations.

Watts teaches Hebrew Bible and ancient Near Eastern textual traditions at Syracuse University in New York. His expertise is in rhetoric, ritual and scriptures, primarily in Near Eastern and later Jewish and Christian contexts.

His work on the Iconic Books Project has recently provided a vehicle for considering the functions of scriptures from trans-cultural and trans-historical perspectives. The project - the first investigation of its kind - involves a comprehensive survey of tracing the development and influence of iconic books and texts from ancient to modern times and comparing their roles in multiple cultures and religious traditions.

He is the author of "Ritual and Rhetoric in Leviticus: From Sacrifice to Scripture," (2007), "Reading Law: The Rhetorical Shaping of the Pentateuch,"(1999), and "Psalm and Story: Inset Hymns in Hebrew Narrative," (1992). His courses range from biblical studies to the religions and literatures of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Ugarit, and Israel, including Second Temple Judaism.

The Oreck-Alpern Interreligious Forum at The College of St. Scholastica is sponsoring the series. The Forum promotes understanding, respect and peace among the diversity of faith communities in the Northland through sustained cross-cultural discussion, shared study, and collaborative projects and events.

Upcoming topics in this series are listed below. They are free and open to the public. All lectures are on campus. Specific times and locations will be announced closer to the date of each event not specified.

7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, Somers Lounge
"Ancient Texts, Modern Life"
A panel of local Jewish, Christian, and Muslim clergy will address interpretation of text in their own congregations.

Wednesday, March 30 - Friday, April 1, 2011
"Sacred Language: Writing the Book (part 1)"
The College will host an artist-in-residence: an Islamic calligrapher. The artist will work, answer questions, give informal talks, visit classes, and offer workshops.

Wednesday, April 6 - Friday, April 8, 2011
"Sacred Language: Writing the Book (part 2)"
The College will host an artist-in-residence: Torah scriber Julie Seltzer of San Francisco. Seltzer will work, answer questions, give informal talks, visit classes, and offer workshops.

7 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2011, Mitchell Auditorium
"After the Book: Sacred Text in a Postmodern World"
The closing talk of the series will be given by Mark Taylor, chair of the Department of Religion at Columbia University in New York City. A leading figure in debates about post-modernism, Taylor will speak on the future of religious texts, including considerations around art, postmodernism, community, and technology.

For more information contact the Spotlight Box Office at (218) 723-7000 or visit spotlight.css.edu.

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