The Study of Christian Themes and Symbols in Southern Literature: Led by The Rev. Dr. Allen Robinson, Rector

In an era of religious and cultural pluralism in America, the study of southern writers continue to grow with a renewed sense of intrigue and discovery. In this class, we will study the works of three southern Christian writers in an effort to discover the power and use of Christian symbols in literature. We will seek to understand the presence or seemingly absence of God, the role and purpose Christ and the unifying work of the Holy Spirit as experienced through these important pieces of literature. What role, if any, does the faith of the writer play in each work? For instance, Flannery O’Connor was a devout Roman Catholic and used her numinous religious experiences as the cornerstone for many of her books and letters. So, then why does many of O’Connor’s writings reflect an existential understanding of the Holy? Lastly, it is my hope that each participant will be able to experience the presence of the Holy in new ways as a result of having read these profoundly spiritually-insightful writings.

This course will take place each Wednesday evening during the month of October from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. October 3rd’s class will meet in the North Room, and classes thereafter in the Hope Library. I would encourage participants to read each book ahead of class as we will launch into discussions at the beginning of each class.

October 3: Flannery O’Connor, Wise Blood (Chapters 1-7)
October 10: O’Connor, Wise Blood (Chapters 8-14)
October 17: Walker Percy, The Moviegoer (Chapters 1-3)
October 24: Percy, The Moviegoer (Chapters 4-Epilogue)
October 31: Ernest J. Gaines, A Lesson Before Dying

If you have any questions or wish to register for the course, please contact the Church Office at (718) 624-1850, ext. 10.