Sacred Space, Sacred Thread

Seminary professor to present at USC religious conference

Image courtesy of the John A. Widtsoe Foundation.

From Gothic cathedrals to the temples, synagogues, chapels and mosques of modern times, do the sacred spaces of the world’s faith traditions still hold meaning in an ever increasing secular world? Is there tolerance for religious clothing or does it too often evoke derision and misunderstanding? Scholars and theologians from around the country and overseas–including Roy Gane, professor of Hebrew Bible and ancient near Eastern langauges in the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University–will discuss these topics at a two-day conference Nov. 3 & 4 at University of Southern California (Los Angeles).

The “Sacred Space, Sacred Thread” conference is hosted by the John A. Widtsoe Foundation and USC’s Office of Religious Life (Full list of sponsors below). Attendance is free but conference-goers are encouraged to register at Eventbrite.com. For conference information and updates go to www.widtsoefoundation.org/sacred-space-sacred-thread.

During the first day’s proceedings, the keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Margaret Barker, a prolific author and British theologian, who has spoken and written widely about the connection between early Jewish temples and modern Christianity as well as Hellenistic and synagogue cultures.  Prof. Roy Gane will discuss “Theology Enshrined in the Israelite Sanctuary” during the Friday, Nov. 4 session from 9:00-10:30 a.m. He will discuss the layout, architecture and furnishings of the Israelite sanctuary and the deeper religious meanings. Prof. Gane is Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University.

Throughout the two-day colloquium, presenters from more than a dozen faith traditions will share their perspectives about the physical and conceptual aspects of sacred spaces and sacred clothing, concluding with a final session about the “constructive tensions” that occur in sacred spaces and sacred clothing.

To maximize audience participation and presenter involvement, the colloquium is designed to elicit dialogue between panels of speakers as well as conference-goers. Proceedings will be carried real-time to points around the globe through live streaming capabilities.

“The historic threads of many faith traditions will be brought together to help the scholars and audience understand the mosaic that religious life creates in the community,” said Dr. Larry Eastland, Chairman & President of the John A. Widtsoe Foundation. “Taken together, they are a force for good, compassion and support not just to their members, but to the community as a whole.  We invite people from all religious traditions and academic perspectives to join us.”

Dr. Varun Soni, Dean of Religious Life at USC, said, “It's a great honor to host this conference on sacred space and sacred clothing at the University of Southern California. There's no better place to bring together scholars and religious leaders to discuss our shared and aspirational beliefs and practices than the city of Los Angeles, the most religiously diverse city in the world. "

In conjunction with Dr. Barker’s visit, she will share a 13-panel exhibit on the history of sacred clothing and its relationship to Biblical references, colors, customs, and temple worship.  The exhibit will be displayed Oct. 8-22 at the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center, and the Fishbowl on the USC campus Oct. 24-Nov. 1.

Other conference sponsors include the Academy for Temple Studies, Our Savior Parish USC Caruso Catholic Center, California Missionary Baptist State Convention, Los Angeles Greek Orthodox Community and the Los Angeles Institutes of Religion.

Related Links

• Register for the conference (FREE)
• More about the John A. Widtsoe Foundation
• USC's Office of Religious Life
• Andrews University Seminary