HUMAN EXISTENCE AND THE SACRED TO BE EXPLORED
Philosophy Pioneer Dr. Elizabeth Castelli to Speak

Photos from the April 26, 2003 Conference

Dr. Elizabeth Castelli, a pioneer in the field of contemporary religious thought presents “Beyond Sacrifice and Certainty: Religion as a Critical Theory of Suffering”

Attendees were joined by Ferrum Alumni Mr. M. Dana Hunt '49 and his wife Hazel '50, who traveled from Danville for the Conference

  
Dr. Elizabeth Castelli with Mrs. Hazel Hunt '50 and Conference organizer Assistant Professor of Philosophy Dr. James Luchte, respectively

Students who presented papers included: Jason Bryant, Jim Dillon, David York, Martha Carter, and Jacob Graham

March 31, 2003

     Ferrum College will be the host of the philosophy conference “Philosophy, Existence and the Sacred,” to be held on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the audiovisual auditorium in Stanley Library. The conference, which is open to the public, will feature Dr. Elizabeth Castelli, a pioneer in the field of contemporary religious thought.

     The conference will provide an opportunity to investigate the relation between philosophy, as the pursuit of truth, and the sacred. Participants will explore the relevance of the holy in the context of contemporary existence – in a world that increasingly seems in a state of confusion or denial with respect to the sacred.

     Castelli brings current philosophical ideas and methods, such as post-structuralism, post-modernism, and feminism, to the age-old questions of religion. Her presentation, “Beyond Sacrifice and Certainty: Religion as a Critical Theory of Suffering,” will be held at 1 p.m. She is an assistant professor of religion at Barnard College, Columbia University.

     Forum organizer and Assistant Professor of Philosophy Dr. James Luchte explains that “seeing the excellent quality and the depth of the work by Ferrum philosophy students naturally led to the idea of a conference.”

     “ Those attending the conference will have the opportunity to not only hear what the young generation thinks about philosophy, existence and the sacred, but will have the chance to reflect on these issues for themselves. Those who attend are encouraged to participate by asking questions or giving their thoughts.”

     In addition to lively discussion, there will be complimentary refreshments and food available. No fee will be charged in order to encourage a wide range of participants.

     For more information, please contact Dr. James Luchte at (540) 365-4234 or jluchte@ferrum.edu. To read earlier papers, please visit http://www.ferrum.edu/philosophy/philjourn.htm.

     Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. For more information on Ferrum, visit www.ferrum.edu. # # #