A Visit to the Bremen Museum: An Artistic, Religious, and Cultural Dialogue

Tucked away in the cultural district of Atlanta is an educational and edifying museum on Anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, and Jewish culture and spirituality known as the Bremen Museum. It is of manageable size, and the more graphic and intense sections of the museum which detail Anti-Semitism in the twentieth century and beyond are presented in a sensitive, instructive, and reflective manner.

On staff is Rabbi Joe, the engaging resident expert on the Tanak for those interested in that aspect of Judaism. My brief conversation with him was very enlightening, and left me wanting more.

Christians as a whole need to be much more conversant with Jewish perspectives on the Tanak, or what Christians refer to as the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. Scholars and the Vatican in particular recognize this, but unfortunately sensitivity to this neglected aspect of biblical catechesis tends to elude most Christians.

The background a rabbi or Tanak or Talmudic scholar can bring to the biblical text is invaluable for arriving at a proper literal / contextual understanding. I take every available opportunity to engage in inter-religious biblical dialogue, and reference a Jewish biblical commentary in my daily reading of the Catholic lectionary cycle, which is essentially an offshoot of the Jewish liturgical readings.

I was able to view an exhibit on a recent book of Robert Weingarten that used imaginative and interpretive collages to present a portrait of famous persons. It was very aesthetically and intellectually pleasing because of its spacious layout and the informative descriptions that accompanied the artwork. The book is entitled “The Portrait Unbound: Photographs by Robert Weingarten”, and was published by the High Museum of Atlanta, which likewise featured an exhibit on the work.

I also attended a Sunday lecture program featuring the artist and Smithsonian curator Shannon Perich, which was likewise very enlightening. The artist’s reflections tend to be the highlight of such programs because the curator naturally will tend towards a more technical presentation that might border on the dry for persons not well informed on the subject. However, the audience for the program was obviously interested in the artistic details, and thus the contrast between the two talks was stimulating.

For persons such as myself who have not directly experienced or witnessed anti-Semitism, I found the chronicle of such educational and convicting on a number of levels. We live in a world where religious and ethnic discrimination and persecution continues to exist, and often beyond the radar of the mainstream media, so it is necessary to take stock of what happens and continues to proliferate in various forms.

Other groups and religions were likewise persecuted during the Shoah, and thus it is incumbent upon persons of every religious tradition or belief system, as well as those who identify themselves as independent of such, to reflect on the hatred and violence that we are tempted to project and act upon when confronted with those different from us, whose diversity we should celebrate rather than resent.

High on the High

The High Museum in Atlanta occupies an interesting place among America museums. While it has a lower profile than familiar landmarks such as the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago, it remains a top tier museum with a diverse collection and its share of well-known treasures. I went on a tour with a new docent and was edified by her delight when I explained to her that the Bellini Madonna and Child painting she had discussed admiringly but somewhat methodically was a recognized masterpiece by an artist renowned for this type of painting. The next room likewise had exquisite works by well-known Renaissance masters that were laid out in a coherent manner.
The collection is aesthetically presented in a way that is not overwhelming, and just walking through the three buildings and checking out the surrounding sites was an experience. Every floor and building had something different, with the climax being the Samurai exhibit filled with gawking and picture-happy patrons. Whether you were interested in the subject or not, the abundance and diversity of the pieces kept your attention.
Another cool aspect of the High is its location. It is one of the few big city museums accessible to free albeit limited on-street neighborhood parking. Just walking around the area was a pleasant experience.
In summary, the High has something for persons across the spectrum of artistic interest, and its architecture and layout make for a pleasant visit.

A Zoo for You Too

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a family-friendly zoo with a diversity of animals and activities that stands out for a city of its size. It is really three facilities in one: zoo, aquarium, and botanical gardens, each worthy of a visit in itself. However, there is also a short nature trail that winds by the river as well as a small learning center highlighting Columbia’s mill history. I found the trail to be a nice diversion from the zoo and a pleasant complement to the tram ride.  

Zoos can be tiring, especially when monitoring rambunctious children, and a short trail of at most moderate difficulty can be a way to release energies and recharge batteries, particularly by sitting and watching the white-water portion of the Saluda river near the remains of the Saluda mill. It is a peaceful yet stimulating respite and an interesting backdrop to the zoo setting.

A number of attractions include an upcharge for a more in-depth experience. Signs indicate when the “Explorer pass” option is available.  I found this to be primarily applicable to children, so adults can probably be satisfied with the standard fare.

While zoo employees were easy to find when assistance or directions were needed, they were not intrusive. If you have questions, the staff will provide answers, or direct you to the appropriate person.

Zoos are generally a family-oriented activity, and Riverbanks is no exception. My advice is to sample all it has to offer, both in terms of animal shows and the aforementioned gardens, aquarium, and trail. I felt refreshed rather than tired after almost a day-long visit, and I have a feeling you will feel similarly, particularly if you take advantage of the diversity that Riverbanks has to offer. Parking is also easily accessible.

The Forty Parables of Jesus

The Liturgical Press has been publishing works on biblical spirituality by Gerhard Lohfink for several years now, and the titles just keep getting better. Their most recent publication, “The Forty Parables of Jesus”, is an insightful and well-organized exposition of the parables that integrates exegetical acuity with pastoral sensitivity.

This book would appeal to persons across a broad range of biblical literacy, and it avoids ideological bias. The author is a first rate biblical scholar who is able to convey the depths of the text in a way applicable to contemporary life. The book is never dry or academic. The author has the uncommon gift of writing accessibly without oversimplifying or engaging in distracting digressions. The book is concise, to the point, and stimulating. It is enjoyable as well as enlightening.

Aesthetically, the book is well-presented, and sturdy, which is important given its likely status as a popular reference work on the parables. The parables are not always immediately comprehensible, and this book helps to remedy the riddle. Highly recommended, and available at litpress.org.

A Mystical Portrait of Jesus: New Perspectives on John’s Gospel by Demetrius Dumm OSB

You really can’t go wrong with anything written by the late biblical scholar Fr. Demetrius Dumm. He is one of the few elite scholars who writes not only in an accessible and understandable manner, but also captures the spiritual meaning of Scripture. Perhaps this is partly due to his Benedictine background.

Given Fr. Dumm’s track record, one can justifiably anticipate his reflections on John’s Gospel, which departs so much from the Synoptics. Fr. Dumm does not disappoint at all.

A Mystical Portrait of Jesus is distinctive for its broad audience. Scholar to neophyte can find it fruitful, for it goes beyond the historical critical method, without downplaying or ignoring it, in an effort to plumb the depths of John’s insights.

This book, like Fr. Dumm’s other works, have the unusual quality of imparting an innovative approach to personal biblical appropriation. It puts John in context, identifies his tendencies, and helps the reader to derive proper and in some cases unconventional interpretations and applications.

John’s Gospel is particularly ripe for such an approach, and thus this makes a fitting cap to Fr. Dumm’s writing career. The book holds your interest from beginning to end, and most important eovkes thought and reflection. It will help you appreciate both the historical critical method and the contemplative, Ignatian and Benedictine approaches to Scripture on a deeper level. Highly recommended.

The book is available from The Liturgical Press, whose website is litpress.org. Their phone number is 1-800-858-5450. Published in 2001, the book retails at $29.95

Easter Fire: Fire Starters for the Easter Weekday Homily by Fr. Joseph Juknialis and Bishop Richard J. Sklba

If you watch or attend daily mass, or read the lectionary readings, Easter Fire should not be an optional purchase. Call it essentially mandatory. A sequel to the previous volumes on Ordinary time readings, it exhibits many of the same qualities: sound exegesis, concise conclusions, and accessible explanations and applications. The addition of Fr. Juknialis is barely noticeable, which is a good thing. Their work is seamless and helpful.

Bishop Sklba is a highly respected biblical scholar and has been a prominent proponent of lay biblical spirituality within the American Church. He has identified disconcerting popularization trends at the grass roots level, and is a deft proponent of the historical critical method used in accordance with magisterial guidelines. He was instrumental in the revisions of the New American Bible translation. This book is interesting to read as well as insightful, and thus is well worth the investment. It is available from The Liturgical Press at a cost of $24.95.  Their website is litpress.org., and their phone number is 1-800-858-5450.

Moral Reflections on the Book of Job: Volume 5 (Translated by Brian Kerns, OCSO)

Cistercian Press continues their updated translation and release of a spiritual classic with the publication of Volume 5 of Gregory the Great’s “Moral Reflections on the Book of Job.”  The translator is Brother Brian Kerns, who has lived primarily at the Abbey at Gethsemani in Kentucky, and at the Abbey of the Genesee in New York.

 

I have reviewed previous volumes of this translation, so I will confine myself to particularities of this volume. Please reference the aforementioned for background information on the book itself and Gregory, as well as my own work with the book of Job.

This volume is particularly noteworthy for its excellent introduction. It discusses the uniqueness of this particular section of the Moralia, and how the reader might fruitfully approach it. It also underscores the enduring value and significance of the work in a way that draws the reader in and evokes anticipation.

This is a volume that is ripe for lectio divina, as well as learning how to be responsibly creative in accommodating the text to personal needs. In the mode of patristic biblical expositions, and by insightfully, even encyclopedia-like,  referencing related biblical passages, Gregory provides abundant food for thought for the serious reader. Perhaps most importantly, the reader can then appropriate Gregory’s approach to make the Scriptures come alive, up-close, and personal.

 

Volume 5 includes books 23-27 of the Moralia, covering Job 32-37, which contain the speeches of Elihu, a mysterious young intruder into the drama who is dissatisfied with the observations of both Job and his friends.  Exegetes believe it may be the work of a later editor of the book, and are divided as to its purpose and meaning.

Gregory’s creative and allegorical reflections can inspire us to not flinch when encountering a difficult biblical text, but to instead try to get at the essence of the passage and apply it to today with a reasonable degree of literary license, as the Fathers of the Church did in their commentaries. This can have an eisegetical dimension (that is, reading into the passage,  and projecting one’s personal bias and perspective into the mix, as opposed to exegesis  proper (literal interpretation).

Gregory shows us that eisegesis and accommodation have their place in biblical interpretation and applications as long as these are acknowledged and not substituted for exegesis. His biblical cross-referencing (what the medieval monks referred to as reminiscince) reminds us of the Bible’s internal unity and the importance of contextual interpretation.

As in previous volumes, the book jacket is very helpful for setting the stage for the book and its particular vantage point on the book of Job.

Volume 5 is priced at $39.95. The book is available from The Liturgical Press, whose website is litpress.org. Their phone number is 1-800-858-5450.

 

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, Texas

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a landmark museum in downtown Dallas, walking distance from the Dallas Museum of Art. The Perot Museum is a delightful excursion for both children and adults because of the variety of its exhibits and the helpfulness of its staff. Be prepared for a bit of walking, however, as the museum occupies five floors and offers a breadth of perspectives on both nature and science. Fortunately, elevators and escalators are centrally located and volunteers are everywhere, so if you need to find something you won’t have to go far to get help.

The museum also features a very nice theatre and assortment of films when a break from touring is called for.

Despite its size, the museum is in no way overwhelming. Its exhibits are tasteful and accessible, and well laid out. It strikes a nice balance between technical explanations and popular consumption.

Whether one is a serious science and nature buff, or simply looking for an enjoyable excursion, the Perot Museum is an outstanding choice for those living in or visiting Dallas. It also offers nice views of downtown Dallas from its stairwells. Very highly recommended for both children and adults.

Paul VI: The First Modern Pope by Peter Hebblethwaite

In 1993, Paulist Press published Paul VI: The First Modern Pope, a definitive biography of Pope Paul VI by veteran Vatican correspondent Peter Hebblethwaite. It received very good reviews but went out of print after a few years.

In conjunction with Paul’s canonization in 2018, Paulist Press reprinted the book with a new introduction by Massimo Faggioli. The book remains as much a must read today as on its initial release. It offers a balanced and thought-provoking commentary on his life, diplomatic career, and papacy, as well as the state and challenges of the Church at the time. The reader is left with a very human portrait of perhaps the most influential and vilified Catholic leader of the twentieth century. The Introduction offers new perspectives that will be of particular interest to St. Paul VI aficionados.

The book retails for $49.95. It is published by Paulist Press and can be ordered through their website, paulistpress.com.

Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction by Fr. Lawrence Boadt, CSP (Second Revised Edition).

Fr. Lawrence Boadt’s Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction has been the standard Catholic introduction for the last three decades. In the wake of his death in 2010, Paulist Press selected two prominent Catholic biblical scholars, Fr. Richard Clifford, SJ, and Fr. Daniel Harrington, SJ, to update the book in light of recent scholarly advances.

The revised edition retains the stimulating quality of the original edition and brings the book into the second decade of the new millennia. Fr. Boadt wrote the book at the age of 42, which is quite impressive for a work of this scope. As expected, there is nothing to find fault with given the original work and its revisers. It actually makes a nice companion purchase with Fr. Ska’s A Basic Guide to the Old Testament, also by Paulist Press. There is little overlap and the style of writing and narrative differs significantly.

The reader interested in a comprehensive introduction to the Old Testament need look no further, period. The careers of the three scholars is such that one can just be glad for this collaboration. The book is up-to-date, readable, engaging, and cohesive. A must read for any student of the Old Testament.

This revised edition was published in 2012 and retails for $26.95. It is published by Paulist Press and can be ordered through their website, paulistpress.com. Reading