September 26-30, 2006 ScheduleLinks for Bonhöffer
The Evangel University Artist Series will present Ann Gebuhr’s opera, Bonhoeffer, late in September of 2006. The subject of the opera is the life and sacrifice of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an outspoken Lutheran minister and theologian who was executed by the Nazis for his resistance to Hitler. Given the powerful spiritual and social struggles that this opera presents, Bonhoeffer provides our campus with an opportunity to integrate faith and learning with the arts and various disciplines in a very concrete way.
We would like to seize the opportunity that this performance creates to challenge and inform our students and community with the themes Bonhoeffer represents, with special emphasis on “The Cost of Discipleship.” This theme will be presented during Spiritual Emphasis week, which precedes the performance of Gebuhr’s Bonhoeffer. The life and work of Bonhoeffer can be a vivid and inspiring example of self-sacrifice.
A “theological” study of Bonhoeffer provides more than just an opportunity for spiritual growth; this can be an excellent opportunity for faculty and students to engage in interdisciplinary studies. The subject matter that will be presented requires understanding of theological, historical, political, economic and social elements. We are asking for some faculty members of various disciplines to assist us in creating an academic environment which will engage the students in thoughtful discussion and productive activities related to “Bonhoeffer’s Call to Discipleship.” There will be additional artistic activities related to the opera, such as dance and music recitals, dramatic performances, film screenings, poetry and creative writing, and visual art exhibits, as well as panel discussions and lecture-presentations on this topic. Any classroom activities related to your courses/disciplines that could enhance the students’ understanding of Bonhoeffer’s life, times, work, and struggles is greatly encouraged and appreciated. We want to maximize this opportunity to reach our students in a meaningful, creative way.