Blog entry, Research Centre update, CBS

CBS in the Time of Corona. As the unprecedented circumstances of the global pandemic become somewhat more precedented, the Centre for Biblical Studies has settled into some new routines... Further information.

Public lecture, Church of England

Religion and race relations. A conversation with Dr Andy Boakye on race, religion and the Church. The online session is entitled 'No Longer Jew or Greek: The Church, The Gospel and the Question of Race' and is open to clergy and laity. The aim is to reflect theologically on the issues raised by the recent resurgence of Black Lives Matter and facilitate dialogue about racial harmony. 19:30 on 30 November 2020, Diocese of Manchester. To register, see further information.

Social responsibility, OxNet

Widening participation. The OxNet programme, which partners the Department of Religions & Theology with Oxford University, is designed to attract A-level students located in the North of the UK, selected by Pembroke College, Oxford. It aims to encourage the study of religions and theology at university, among other areas in the humanities. This year's seminar programme theme, designed by Michael Hoelzl, is on 'How to Change the World with Words' with sessions led by Michael Hoelzl, Katja Stuerzenhofecker, Clare Radford, Stefania Silvestri, Holly Morse and Scott Midson. The live online series will take place fortnightly February to March 2021. It is organised by Felix Slade (Pembroke College, Oxford) and Sonja Bernhard (University of Manchester). Contact: sonja.bernhard@manchester.ac.uk. More information to follow.

Roger Ballard, 1943-2020

The Department was sad to learn that Dr Roger Ballard died on 30 September 2020. Roger was a lively and very visible member of this Department from 1989-2003 as Senior Lecturer in Comparative Religion. Born in York on 20 April 1943, Roger was by training a social scientist (BA in Social Anthropology Cambridge 1966, PhD in Sociology University of Delhi 1970). As two of the (then) few specialists in non-biblical religions at the University of Manchester, he and I found a camaraderie and became firm friends. He enthusiastically set up the joint degree in Comparative Religion and Social Anthropology, the teaching of Urdu, and the Centre for Applied South Asian Studies, of which he was Director. After his retirement, he did valuable work for the civil, criminal and family courts as an expert witness, preparing over 400 reports, and was recognised as one of Britain’s leading experts in the field. Very much of the generation of Prof. Sir Edmund Leach’s teaching at Cambridge, Roger had conducted extensive ethnographic fieldwork in both India and Pakistan, and also with members of the South Asian diaspora in the UK. In 2012 Roger was awarded the Lucy Mair Medal for Applied Anthropology.
     Here at the University of Manchester, as before at the University of Leeds in Race Relations, Roger inspired many students, who got a real kick out of being taught by someone who had actually worked in the field. We knew he was never quite at home in a textual theological setting, and he was certainly a positive influence on the transformation from the former Faculty of Theology into the new Department of Religions and Theology. He was indeed jolly Roger, always good-humoured, laughing, larger-than-life, blunt and ebullient, never shy of a heated debate, with a passionate commitment to issues of ethnicity and gender long before they became fashionable.
     He is survived by his wife Tahirah and their two sons Zafar and Akbar, and Mark and Joe by a previous marriage. He is missed by many and, with colleagues in the field who worked with him, I am currently putting together a collection about his life and work for publication in the journal South Asia Research, and will post a link here when this happens. 

Alan Williams, Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Religion

Paper, University of Edinburgh

Biblical Studies. Andy Boakye on 'A Justification of Life: Abraham, the Resurrection and a New(wish) Perspective on Romans 5–8' at the Biblical Studies Seminar, School of Divinity, Edinburgh University, 8 Oct 2020. Watch again.

Event programme, Nazarene Theological College

Christian theology. The Nazarene Theological College is one of our partner institutions and is located in nearby Didsbury. Associated with the Church of the Nazarene, which emerged in the nineteenth-century, NTC belongs to the World Methodist Council. See their programme of activities, including The Didsbury Lectures 'Moving beyond the Empire of Illusion: What do we do about the problem of evil?' with John Swinton (26-29 Oct 2020). Further information.

Event programme, Luther King House

Christian theology. Luther King House is one of our partner institutions and is located in nearby Fallowfield. It represents Baptist, Methodist, United Reformed and Unitarian traditions. See their programme of activities, including public events such as the Ken Leech Memorial Lecture entitled 'The Eye of the Storm' with Paul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool (3 Nov 2020). Further information.

Reading Group

Hannah Arendt's The Life of the Mind. All meetings will take place on Wednesdays, at 5pm (to 5.30) via zoom. Please contact Professor Alex Samely (alex.samely@manchester.ac.uk) for a zoom invite. Schedule of all Semester 1 meetings: 30 Sept, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Nov, 9 Dec, 16 Dec. Further information.

Online course, Women in the Bible

Biblical Studies and Gender. This Women in the Bible online short course is for those who want to gain a deeper insight into the stories of women in the Bible. We'll be looking in depth at some of the female characters from the Old and New Testaments and how their stories can better inform understandings of contemporary life. We'll also be hearing afresh the voices of historical and contemporary women. The course is delivered by Dr Kirsi Cobb (Cliff College) and Dr Holly Morse (Manchester).  Note that there will be a fee.  Further information.

Student Union's buddy scheme

Student well-being. Recognising that this is a difficult time for many of our students, the Students’ Union have recently launched a Buddy Scheme for students who are isolating, based off-campus, or simply want someone to chat to. This scheme is similar to the Check-In and Chat scheme which is part of the University's Student Well-being Support resources, but its distinguishing feature is that it is peer-led rather than offered by University staff. Students will be matched with another student (a ‘peer buddy’) based on hobbies, interests or course for weekly phone or video catchups, providing some social contact and the chance to make a new friend. Students can sign up to the scheme using this online form. For students who are interested in volunteering as a peer buddy, they can apply through the Volunteer Hub. More information can be found about the scheme on the SU website.

Social Responsibility, College Trustee

Christan Studies. Peter Oakes is becoming a trustee of London School of Theology, the college where Oakes studied as a Theology undergraduate. From January 2021 he is due to be chair of the trustees’ Academic Advisory Committee, in succession to Professor Hugh Williamson, FBA.

Religions & Theology Research Seminar

Christian Studies. Dr Charles S. Pemberton (University of Durham) “Food Banks and Theology” 16:00 - 17:30 26 November 2020. Further information.

Ehrhardt Seminar

Biblical Studies. Dr Walter Houston (University of Manchester) ‘One God, One People: Reflections on a Reconciled and Reconciling Pentateuch’ 14:00 - 16:00 26 November 2020. Further information.

New publication

Biblical Studies. Peter Oakes, ‘Revelation 17.1–19.10: A Prophetic Vision of the Destruction of Rome’, in The Future of Rome: Roman, Greek, Jewish and Christian Visions, Jonathan J. Price and Katell Berthelot, eds. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2020), 206-226. This book is one of the outputs of a major European project for which Oakes was a member of the comité scientifique. Further information.

New publication

Biblical Studies. Peter Oakes, Empire, Economics, and the New Testament (Eerdmans, 2020). The book provides both a collection of Oakes’s key work in drawing together these fields, and a new piece, ‘A House Church Account of Economics and Empire’. Further information.

Virtual panel discussion, Toronto School of Theology

Christian Studies. Scott Midson contributed to a discussion of 'Posthuman and Transhuman as Theological Challenges' as part of the Virtual Forum Series 'Doing Theology during epochal shifts: fears and hopes', co-hosted by Trinity College Faculty of Divinity and Regis College of the Toronto School of Theology. Fri 23 Oct 2020. Further information.

Teaching excellence

Faculty nominations for teaching awards. Congratulations to Andy Boakye and Rosie Jackson for having been nominated for Teaching Excellence awards and Maria Calderhead for having been nominated for a Professional Services Award. These awards are a way of recognising those members of staff who make an outstanding contribution to teaching and learning. Students were asked to nominate those teachers who consistently provided a well-organised course that was taught effectively, supported through high-quality assessment/feedback and inspired and challenged them to learn. For other examples of local teaching success, see this year's remarkable NSS score, and last year's awards and nominations and student evaluations.

Screen & Talk event

Jewish Studies. Sponsored by the Centre for Jewish Studies, the screening of 'Transkids'. Tuesday 17 November 2020 7.30pm, online. Early booking is highly recommended. This screening is part of the UK Jewish Film Festival taking place on 5-19 November 2020. Further information.

New publication

Dead Sea Scrolls. Hon. Research Fellow in the Centre for Biblical Studies Helen R. Jacobus, "Function and Creativity in the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Cryptic Calendars from Qumran," in Dead Sea Scrolls, Revise and Repeat: New Methods and Perspectives, eds. Carmen Palmer, Andrew R. Krause, Eileen Schuller, and John Screnock (Atlanta: SBL Press, 2020), 199-249. Further information.

Online resource, Pop-Up Beit Midrash

Jewish Studies. Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe Post-Doctoral Fellow, Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz, runs a Pop-Up Beit Midrash, which aims to provide the highest quality Jewish study and education, with events and courses online, taught by the very best teachers and open to anyone who would like to learn. Note that there will be a fee. Further information.

Religious societies, University of Manchester

Why not find out more about the Hindu Society? Namaste and welcome! We are a student society motivated by the aim of creating a ‘home away from home’ environment for students. Each year our calendar is filled with enticing events, including a multitude of weekly, monthly and termly activities featuring sport, culture, education and socialising – not to mention THE Chandni Ball. This enables us to have a positive impact on the local Manchester community, including the wider Hindu and non-Hindu community, as well as raising awareness of Hindu beliefs and festivals – Diwali, Navratri, Holi... Further information.

New publication

Biblical Studies. George J. Brooke, 'Isaiah in the Qumran Scrolls' in The Oxford Handbook of Isaiah, edited by Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer (Oxford University Press, 2021), 429-450. Further information.

Religious societies, University of Manchester

Why not find out more about the Sikh society? Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh! This is a society formed to unify the Sikh community and spread the message of Sikhism - love, compassion and humility being at its forefront. Events range from socials to Gurdwara trips to talks and workshops - so there's a vast range of activities to get involved with and it gives you a chance to meet like-minded individuals! Membership is FREE so it is definitely worth signing up - we'll be able to add you to our mailing list and keep you updated with the latest events and socials! Further information.

Religious societies, University of Manchester

Why not find out more about the Islamic Society?  A student run welfare organization. It is responsible for providing services for students (both Muslims and Non-Muslims) and aids to improve the image of Islamic cohesion on campus. The Islamic Society is dedicated in helping Muslims and Non Muslims on campus to develop academically, spiritually and socially. The Islamic Society provides the social psychology and wherewithal for students to benefit themselves, the community, both nationally and globally in every sphere in life. Furthermore, the Islamic Society is there to help promote a true understanding of Islam and Muslims on campus and in the wider community. This is achieved by creating an environment that would facilitate dialogue, mutual understanding and respect. The Islamic Society endeavours to facilitate for the spiritual needs of all Muslim Students on Campus. Further information.

Reporting live...

Worship in the age of COVID. The coronavirus and the lockdown that followed have created considerable challenges for how religious communities conduct their worship. Here is a brief report on how CJS honorary research fellow Rabbi Dr Reuven Silverman (Manchester Reform Synagogue) has coped with the challenges for religious leadership in the age of Covid-19: When lockdown struck we began broadcasting our services on our community Facebook Page followed by Zoom and Facebook. Some rabbinical authorities in Israel permitted the use of this technology despite strictures against electricity on Sabbath and festivals, provided the computers were turned on beforehand and left on all day. As Progressive Jews we welcomed this means of communication for overcoming our social and spiritual isolation. Passover Seder was observed in homes around the world with families in lockdown yet connecting with many more than they would usually have at their table.  I, together with many other colleagues, broadcast services weekly from my home with a virtual background of the synagogue sanctuary or, during the most recent festival of  Succot (Tabernacles),  my home Succah booth. Screensharing of texts, online liturgy, and videos enhance the broadcasts, and the greatest boon is showing the reading from the Torah scroll by webcam, making it accessible to many more than usual. We are becoming ever more interactive with our Zoom audiences, maintaining a curious blend of home comfort and community intimacy.  The Facebook audience is enormous, including people following from abroad. The idea of muting Jewish people, however, though often necessary, is absolute anathema!

Religious societies, University of Manchester

Why not find out more about the Jewish Society? The aims of the Society are: To provide a quality Jewish experience for every Jewish student on campus, regardless of affiliation. To provide social, educational, cultural and religious events and activities throughout the year. To be proactive and lead the way in volunteering and raising money for a variety of different charities.  To help students combat anti-semitism on campus.  To give students the chance to lead a society themselves and play a large part in the running of their Jewish society. Further information.

Religions & Theology Research Seminar

Jewish Studies. Rob Kanter (University of Manchester) “Interactions between British Converts to Islam and Anglo-Jewry, c.1900-39” 16:00 - 17:30 12 November 2020. Further information.

Ehrhardt Seminar

Biblical Studies. Prof. Richard Burridge (King’s College, London) ‘Is “NT Ethics” A Genre Mistake? Methodological Reflections in debate with Gustafson and Hays’ 14:00 - 16:00 12 November 2020. Further information.

Reading group, Jewish-Muslim

Jewish Muslim Research Network. The next session of the JMRN reading group is on 15 October 2020, 4-5pm. Facilitated by Zoë Roth (King's College London). Readings: Derrick A. Bell’s “Who’s Afraid of Critical Race Theory?” (1995), Kimberlé Crenshaw’s “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics” (1989), and W. J. T. Mitchell’s “The Moment of Theory: Race as Myth and Medium in Seeing Through Race” (2012). Further information.

Religious societies, University of Manchester

Why not find out more about the Christian Union? We are a group of Christian students at the University of Manchester with one aim: to give every student an opportunity to hear and respond to the message of Jesus Christ. We meet regularly on Tuesday evenings and hold events where the Christian message is explained from the Bible in a simple and approachable way. Hall groups meet every Friday all across campus and there are regular prayer meetings throughout term. Further information.

East Asian Studies webinar, Folk Daoism

East Asian religion. 'Taiwanese Concepts of Animation: The Intersection of Pili Puppetry and Folk Daoism' (Teri Silvio, Academia Sinica, Taiwan). 4pm GMT,  Wed 14 Oct 2020. Further information.

Religious societies, University of Manchester

Why not find out more about the Buddhist Society? Its aim is to provide an opportunity for those who wish to learn about Buddhism, however much or however little they already know. The Society is not confined to any particular school, and is interested in theoretical and practical aspects of Buddhism. Whatever the interest everyone is very welcome! Further information.

Your daily poem, 50 Jewish Objects Project

Jewish Studies. Manchester Poet (and R&T alumnus) Leo Mercer presents 'Scroll', a new sequence of animated Twitter poems. This series of one-a-day poems was specially commissioned for the Centre for Jewish Studies' 50 Jewish Objects Project, which draws on the collections of Manchester University's Rylands Library, amongst others. Read the CJS tweets or watch and listen to the twelve poems.

Ehrhardt Seminar

Dead Sea Scrolls. Prof. Charlotte Hempel (University of Birmingham) ‘The Community Rules: Florilegia from a Forthcoming Commentary’ 14:00 - 16:00 05 November 2020. Further information.

Social responsibility

Widening participation. PhD student and Secondary History teacher Rob Kanter has been appointed as a University Widening Participation Fellow. In addition to writing his thesis on 'A History of Jewish-Muslim relations in the UK, c.1900-1999', his new WP duties will include preparing and delivering materials (that highlight the relevance and value of university-based research) for groups of under-represented high school students. Further information.