In an effort to learn more about intersecting areas of faith and culture, Park Street will host a series of lectures led by various Christian professionals. Please join us to hear more about the following topics:
[lecture #1] music, religion and culture Friday June 5, 7–9 pm, sanctuary
"THE LOST IVES: An Artist's Message Lost in an Unchurched Society" with Charles Peltz, Director of Wind Ensembles, New England Conservatory and Music Director, Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra
The rich, religious meanings behind masterpieces of art are often lost to the modern audience. So it often is with the old hymns still sung by worshipers today. Muddled by the syntax and context of an era gone by, the significance of the language is overlooked.
The American master composer Charles Ives includes quotations from orthodox, protestant and revival hymns in his works. However, the spiritual depth of these passages is often skimmed over by unaware listeners.
During this talk, we will listen to Ives’ music and consider his personal life.
Ives grew up in a family of individuals who were of the New England Congregationalist or Unitarian-Universalist persuasion. We will see how the understanding of his music is greatly decreased as society abandons the shared tradition of singing hymns.
We will also explore the question: Does the Church today suffer a loss by making traditional hymnody an option, as opposed to a foundation, for singing in the Church?
Light refreshments will be served at this event. All are welcome.
[lecture #2] disability and faith Sunday July 12, 12:30 pm
"JOY IN THE JOURNEY: Disability and Faith" with Park Streeters affected by disability
Joni Eareckson Tada will share her story at Park Street Church on Sunday, July 12, as part of the Bicentennial Guest Speaker Series. Following the 11 am service (12:30 pm), please join us for a luncheon and panel discussion on living with disabilities through the lens of faith in Christ. Hear people of all ages with all sorts of disabilities share their individual journeys, and consider what it means to be made in God’s image.
[lecture #3] park street church history Saturday October 10, 2–4 pm, Welcome Center
"PARK STREET'S REVIVAL HERITAGE" with Dr. Crosby Englizian, author of Brimstone Corner and Dr. Garth Rosell, author of Boston's Historic Park Street Church
Dr. Englizian and Dr. Rosell will share their knowledge of Park Street Church’s rich history and the important role the church has played in Boston, Massachusetts and the nation at large. Did you know that American revivals began in New England? Park Street Church was at the center of the action on a regular basis! Come and hear the stories, get the historical context, and find out about the church’s ongoing relationship with its revival heritage. This exciting and informative presentation will captivate you as you discover how Park Street Church became what it is today.
[lecture #4] science and religion Friday December 4, 7:30pm, MIT (W20, Rm 306)
"SCIENCE AND RELIGION: Conflict or Complement?" with Dr. Robert Fay, professor emeritus at Cornell University
Dr. Fay will discuss the ways that science and religion have interacted since the scientific revolution of the 17th century. The beginnings of modern science were nourished by the Christian faith of its leaders, who derived their scientific presuppositions from the biblical doctrine of creation. The Galileo affair and debates over evolution reflect tensions between science and religion, but not the warfare envisioned by Draper and White.
“I’ve argued that science and religion are not the polar opposites of public perception, but rather complementary avenues to truth about different aspects of our world,” says Fay.
Dr. Fay is professor emeritus at Cornell University. He has been the recipient of several awards and fellowships from the National Science Foundation, the Science and Engineering Research Council, and NATO/Heineman. His textbook, Chemistry, is currently available in its fifth edition. Dr. Fay is also the author of the article “Science and Christian Faith: Conflict or Cooperation?”In addition, he maintains a lively interest in biblical studies and in the relationship between science and religion and is a founding member of the board of Chesterton House, a Center for Christian Studies at Cornell.
