Church of Ireland Queen’s University Theological Lectures
Imagine there’s no heaven…
Barry Forde the C of I chaplain at Queen’s University introduces this year’s Theological Lectures. He writes:
John Lennon urged us all to try, claiming it was easy to do and leaving us better off in the process. The atheist bus campaign in London declared ‘There’s probably no God now stop worrying and enjoy your life’. The writings and views of Hawking, Dawkins and Hitchens have transcended their own individual fields of expertise to popularise the view that, really when you think about it, God doesn’t exist.
CS Lewis imagined a different world, enthralling generations with The Chronicles of Narnia and reasoning his way through a robust commitment to the Christian faith. One man who has spent many years researching and writing about the works of Lewis is Rev Dr Michael Ward who on 21st and 22nd February will be the visiting lecturer for the annual Church of Ireland Theological Lectures in Queen’s University, Belfast.
Dr Ward is currently the Chaplain of St Peter’s College, Oxford and in recent years has come to prominence for his published works The Narnia Code and Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of CS Lewis. He has lectured across the world and in October 2009 introduced an hour long documentary, The Narnia Code, on the BBC. Dr Ward believes that The Chronicles are more than simply children’s tales, they are a portrayal of the cosmos centred on Jesus Christ.
Ward highlights how the theological and cosmological imagination of Lewis shaped his construction of the world of Narnia and the many beloved characters that we all grew up with. Over time The Chronicles have evolved from 1950’s paperback to 21st century cinematic 3-D, and yet they still capture something within us that yearns for meaning and purpose beyond the bland and vacuous claims of a purely material universe. For all who love Lewis, Narnia, who long to be inspired and have their imaginations awoken, and who think upon matters of life and faith in an era that seeks to divorce one from the other – these lectures are for you.
Monday 21st February at 6pm
Imagine there’s no heaven – What sort of cosmological models did Lewis wrestle with in his writings and is the universe made richer or poorer by the absence of God?
Tuesday 22nd February at 6pm
Above us only sky? An introduction to the theological imagination of Lewis that inspired the world of Narnia along with his robust commitment to the Christian faith.
Parking available for both evening lectures in the Ashby Building Car Park, Stranmillis Road. There will be a tea and coffee reception in The Hub (formerly the Oasis) on 22 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast from 4pm on both days.
There will also be an opportunity to meet with Dr Michael Ward in The Hub at 1230 on Tuesday 22nd February as we Converse with the Dawn Treader over matters concerning life, theology, Narnia and Lewis.
All are welcome and for further information please see www.thehubbelfast.org or contact Tanya Johnston on 02890 667754 (email: cosic@dnet.co.uk). Further information on Dr Michael Ward and his work on The Narnia Code can be found at www.michaelward.net and www.narniacode.com
Church of Ireland Queen’s University Theological Lectures
Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd February 2011 at 6pm
(David Keir Building, Lecture Room LG 115, Stranmillis Road)