Minster and a Movie

Wednesday night, I went together with our group went to Evensong at the Minster. After the service was a book reception hosted in the main room/sanctuary/hall(?). This book was the result of last year's Ebor Lectures, hosted annually (I believe) at the Minster. Free juice and wine! After some brief (or not so brief) words by various people involved with the book or the lectures or what-have-you, we sat down for the introductory session of this year's Ebor Lectures, featuring a lecture by sociologist Grace Davie, entitled "Patterns of Religion in Modern Europe: A Global Perspective."

Much of the talk, both during the book reception and in Davie's lecture, was related to the recent controversy here about some remarks made by the Archbishop of Canterbury regarding the relationship between British government and religious traditions, specifically one example he cited of Islamic sharia law. Of course, the press here had just as much of a heyday with the Archbishop's remarks as the US would have with any controversial remark made by, say, a Presidential candidate. Beyond just this recent British hubbub, though, are the growing tensions in Europe over immigration from Southwest Asia. Compared to all the commotion in the US over illegal immigration from Mexico, things here in uber-enlightened Europe can get just as nasty--an interesting contrast of perspectives, especially in the context of Davie's lecture.

To begin with, she offered two general observations: 1) Europe is relatively "secular," but the rest of the world is decidedly not, and 2) the rest of the world is arriving in Europe. She then considered the status of religion in contemporary Europe along five subjects: 1) the almost overwhelming presence of religion, specifically, Christianity, in Europe's cultural heritage, 2) the "vicarious" practice of religion by minority groups on behalf of whole communities, countries or cultures, 3) the shift from obligation to consumption (personal choice) as the motivating factors for holding religious commitments, 4) the presence of new arrivals (and their religious and cultural heritage) in Europe as a primarily economic phenomenon, although with great implications for religion, and finally 5) the question of what's going to religion in Europe.

One thing that interested me was her observation that religion has shifted from a compulsory status to one in which there is a growing space for personal, meaningful choices and commitments regarding religion. Although I would definitely object to her language of "consumerism" and even "free choice" to describe one's faith, I think the growing possibility of meaningful decisions is valuable. Other than this, I especially noticed her predictions for the future, which included, 1) the presence of Islam in Europe not being something that can be ignored, and furthermore not just another option on the spiritual market, but a catalyst for a sea change in the whole religious landscape, the relationship between church and state, and the definitions of liberal democracy, 2) the "increased salience of religion in public life," and 3) the fact that in the future, Europe will for once be drastically influenced by the rest of the world, and not vice versa.

Then on Friday, we had another movie night at the Smiths', this time to see Miss Potter, the new(er) movie based on the life and career of children's author/illustrator Beatrix Potter. On one hand, it was really just one of those typical historical biographies for families, a handful of which are released every year--sentimental, cheesy symphonic score, etc. But more than that, I actually really enjoyed it! It was honest, although with a dramatic and happy-ending twist, to the tragedy and solitude that were a backdrop to such characters and stories as Peter Rabbit or the Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck. The movie should also be applauded for dealing (somewhat seriously) with the variety of social issues surrounding her life and career as well as her conservation efforts in later life. These sorts of things were what made her ultimate personal and commercial success (and this movie's resolution) more than just another typical happy ending.



| left: John and I in front of the North doors of the Minster (compliments of Brad)
| right: Brad's first attempt with the camera didn't work out so well, but the result was still pretty nice looking, I think