A lecture about the future of Catholicism, yoga for
beginners and a round of Celestial Jeopardy are some of the
highlights of "Open Hands Open Hearts: Exploring Diverse
Faith Traditions," the university's second annual religious
awareness days. Events began on Sunday and will continue
through Tuesday, March 4, on the Homewood campus.
Presented by the Religious Awareness Days Steering
Committee, "Open Hands Open Hearts" aims to raise awareness
about the wide diversity of faith backgrounds, both locally
and globally, while pursuing a broad range of issues facing
faith communities in the modern era.
"Open Hands Open Hearts" is produced under the
auspices of Campus Ministries and is the result of a
collaborative effort of the Interfaith Council, Campus
Ministries and student representatives from a variety of
Johns Hopkins faith organizations. The program allows for
public open discussion of matters concerning faith, an idea
that has excited the Interfaith Council since its
inception. Organizers say that after the tragedy of Sept.
11, the idea took on new meaning and a newfound importance,
and that the need to foster mutual understanding and
cooperation among different faiths is vital in the work of
recovery.
"During 'Open Hands Open Hearts,' we invite you to
explore the questions of faith, and to engage with an
openness the diverse dimensions of self and of mind," says
Sharon Kugler, university chaplain. "We hope to provide
participants with the opportunity to learn about various
religious walks of life from numerous perspectives, and to
stimulate deeper thought about one's own tradition and the
relationships among different faith traditions.
"We hope you will listen," she said, "not just with
your ears but also with your eyes, with your feet, with
your hands and with your heart. We hope you will choose to
join us in this ultimately life-affirming journey."
This year's schedule features lectures and panel
discussions that address various issues such as the
traditions of nonviolence and a roundtable discussion of
interreligious families. Students' creative contributions
will be showcased in a digital media presentation. There
will be an Indian dance performance and an opportunity to
walk through a meditative labyrinth.
Events are open only to the Johns Hopkins community
unless otherwise noted. For more information, call the
Bunting-Meyerhoff Interfaith Center at 410-261-1880 or go
to www.jhu.edu/~chaplain.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
7 p.m., Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
"Mortally Wounded or Recovering? The Future of
Catholicism," a lecture by Chester Gillis, chair of the
Theology Department at Georgetown University
What do Catholics think of their church? What do
others think of Catholics? Does the church command respect
and authority among contemporary Catholics? Chester Gillis,
author of Roman Catholicism in America and Catholic Faith
in America, discusses these issues and others, and the
possible challenges and visions for the future. Open to the
public. Reception to follow.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
9 a.m., Ralph S. O'Connor Recreation Center
Beginners Yoga Class
Learn why this ancient spiritual discipline has gained
widespread popularity in modern times. Breathe deeply,
reconnect your body-mind and join yoga instructor Christi
for this introductory class. Wear comfortable,
loose-fitting clothing. Johns Hopkins ID required.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ralph S. O'Connor Recreation
Center
The Labyrinth: A Walking Meditation
The labyrinth has long stood as a metaphor for life's
journey, combining the senses of unity and purposeful
wandering into a complicated and beautiful symbol.
Labyrinths were first constructed in ancient Greece and
have passed since from culture to culture.
5 to 6:30 p.m., Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
"Motions of the Heart: Nonviolence Across Religious
Traditions"
Can different religious traditions, each claiming to
be the true faith, come together and work toward a greater
peace? How do various faiths make peace with one another?
Clergy from the Homewood campus will address these and
other questions. Light dinner will be served. Dietary laws
observed.
7 p.m., Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
Buddhist Meditation
An introduction to Buddhist meditation and a short
service called the Heart Sutra, led by Hoji Scott, minister
of the Johns Hopkins University Buddhist Society.
9 to 11 p.m., Ralph S. O'Connor Recreation Center
Indian Dance
Join JOSH, Johns Hopkins' all-women Indian dance team,
and the Interfaith Council for a lesson in Raas, a
traditional Indian folk dance. Raas has its roots in the
stories of Lord Krishna, who as a young man performed this
intricate dance with the village girls. Raas involves a
pair of wooden sticks called dandiya, and is done each fall
all over the state of Gujarat, India, to live music. The
Hindu Students Council hosts the annual Diwali Dhamaaka,
where everyone is invited to dance Raas. No dancing
experience is necessary for this workshop. Wear comfortable
clothing.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Noon, 160 Mattin Center
Interreligious Families: A Roundtable Discussion
An informal roundtable discussion about issues and
concerns surrounding interfaith relationships and families.
A taco-bar lunch will be served.
3 to 6 p.m., 210 Hodson Hall
Digital Media Presentations
A series of student-presented media projects exploring
diverse faith traditions and religion in modern times.
Friday, Feb. 28
1:15 p.m., Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
Muslim Juma'h Prayer Service
The weekly 45-minute Juma'h service offers Muslims a
reminder of the ultimate goal in life: worshiping and
obeying God.
5:30 p.m., various locations
Jewish Services
Prayers, discussion, meditation, singing and dancing.
Orthodox services will be held in the Kosher Dining Hall,
AMR 1 basement; Conservative, basement of the Interfaith
Center; Reform, chapel of the Interfaith Center.
6:30 p.m., Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
Chinese Shabbat Dinner
There are more kosher Chinese restaurants in the world
than any other type of kosher restaurant. Come to Chinese
Shabbat and find out why. All faiths are encouraged to join
this interdenominational event.
9 p.m., Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
Coffee House
Sponsored by the Hopkins Christian Fellowship, the
event offers hot drinks and other refreshments as well as
live entertainment provided by members of the fellowship.
Performances will follow both Christian and secular themes.
Karaoke will follow if time permits.
Saturday, March 1
8 p.m., AMR Multipurpose Room
Karaoke Night
Join the Interfaith Council in a celebration of voice,
spirit, song and karaoke. Junk food provided.
Sunday, March 2
11 a.m., Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
Hindu Aarti
Join the Hindu Student Council for its weekly prayer
called Aarti. It includes fire, which represents purity,
and also singing of a traditional hymn. The service lasts
approximately 20 minutes and will be followed by a
discussion of Hindu philosophy.
11 a.m., Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
Roman Catholic Mass
Learn about the Catholic tradition with the Rev.
Thomas Ryan and members of the Catholic community, who will
be ready to explain the symbolism and ritual of the
2,000-year-old liturgy. Doughnuts will be served after
mass.
6 p.m., Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
Taize Services
The Taize service is a contemplative Christian service
of prayer, chanting and silent meditation with a focus on
peace and reconciliation.
8 p.m., University Baptist Church, 3501 N. Charles
St.
The Gathering
The Gathering is a contemporary, student-led college
worship service that takes place Sunday nights in the
chapel at University Baptist Church. College pastor Jamie
Sipsma gives a message, and the music team leads singing
and worship. Celebrants use music, art, poetry and
multimedia.
Monday, March 3
5 p.m., Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
Institute for Christian & Jewish Studies Text Study
After centuries marked by intolerance and often
violence, Jews and Christians in recent decades have begun
to learn to appreciate the many points of convergence
between the two traditions while also celebrating the
distinctive character of each. In the second of four study
sessions with scholars from the Institute for Christian &
Jewish Studies, texts from the Hebrew Bible (Old
Testament), the New Testament and rabbinic literature will
be studied. Dinner will be served. Dietary laws
observed.
Tuesday, March 4
7 p.m., Bunting Meyerhoff Interfaith Center
Celestial Jeopardy and Dessert Night
Campus religious leaders compete in a lighthearted
game show format where they will test their knowledge of
each other's traditions. The game will be followed by a
smorgasbord of sweets and desserts.
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