Between 6 and 10 March 2017, the Department of Theology and Religion and the Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion were delighted to welcome Professor Candida Moss, University of Notre Dame, to speak on ‘Heavenly Bodies: Resurrecting Perfection in the New Testament and Early Church’.
Professor Candida Moss delivering the first of the 2017 Cadbury Lectures at Birmingham Cathedral
In the series of four lectures, Candida explored what the New Testament actually has to say about the resurrection of the body, one of the foundational statements of Christian theology. Most discussions of what the resurrection will be like are grounded in assumptions about the kinds of earthly bodies that are more desirable. Candida’s illuminating lectures reassessed what the New Testament has to say about the resurrection of the body, and showed how failing to recognise reading our cultural assumptions into the text of the Bible can marginalise members of our own communities.
For the first time, two of the four lectures were held in Birmingham city centre: the first at Birmingham Cathedral, the last at Birmingham City Council House. These fantastic venues highlighted the significance of the topic in the wider Birmingham community and strengthened the connection between the University and the city. The insightful and engaging lectures drew large audiences, and stimulated varied and thought-provoking conversations following the lectures.
Candida also delivered a workshop for sixth form students on the same theme, which was very well received.