(Cancelled) Reading Scripture Together: Tales of Two Cities

Due to the Coronavirus, this event has been cancelled. See our official statement here.

This conversational one-day course series will re-read selected sacred texts in detail and consider the ways they have been interpreted, both in the written word and in art, and on their relevance and meaning to us today.

From Jewish and Christian perspectives, we will delve into two deeply problematic, misused, and misunderstood texts: the tale of the city of Sodom in Genesis 19 and the tale of the city of Gibeah in Judges 19. We will read these two stories of hostility and hospitality, noticing the voices heard and unheard.

This day will consider these two stories which might be perceived to be familiar texts and to go deeper, exploring the ways this text can be understood in more helpful ways. If these texts are about sexuality, the issue is about consent rather than same-sex attraction; but, more importantly, the primary issue is about hospitality and how strangers are (un)cared for in these two cities. Judges 19 assumes the reader knows the Genesis 19 text, so what does that mean? What were the customs of welcoming a stranger at the city gates and how essential is the practice of hospitality to the telling of these stories? Whose voices are heard and unheard in these two cities? Who gets sacrificed by our practice of hospitality or expressions of hostility? This day will be structured around conversation, and will also include discussion on themes of violence and sexual abuse.

Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries
aogden@sarum.ac.uk  |  01722 424826  |  01722 424800 (main reception)