The Seminary Explores

Lutherans and Catholics “On the Way” to Unity

After almost 500 years since the Reformation, Donald McCoid, Bishop Emeritus, Southwest Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA, and staff member on the “Declaration” Commission discusses, Declaration on the Way: Church, Ministry, Eucharist offers an unprecedented series of 32 “statements of agreement” between Roman Catholics and Lutherans. The culmination of 50 years of dialogues, they signal that Catholics and Lutherans are “on the way” to full, visible unity. Approved 931-9 by the ELCA Church-wide Assembly, the full document is available free on-line. A study guide for congregations will soon be released.

After Custer’s Defeat: The Fate of Native Americans in the U.S. and Canada

“They won the battle, but lost the war” summarizes Mr. Hutchinson’s approach to the Battle of the Little Big Horn and the route of Custer’s troops. The U.S. persisted in a relentless military campaign to drive the natives into reservations under their control, while the remnant under Sitting Bull found that the Canadian “Mounties” who were both policemen and magistrates stressed cooperation, provided they observe Canadian law.

Top Stories in Religion for 2016

Dr. Donnella, Chaplain of the College at Gettysburg College, shared his thoughts on Black Lives Matter, Immigration, Inter-religious dialogue, and Pope Francis. While he expressed his hopes in light of these topics, he also was saddened by the lack of religious and civil tolerance during the recent political issues in the United States.

Ageless Wisdom

Dr. Christopher M. Bellitto, Professor of History at Kean University and author of Ageless Wisdom: Lifetime Lessons from the Bible asks what lessons we can learn about wisdom and growing older from the Bible. He draws lessons from famous, and not so famous, Biblical stories to learn how we can gather wisdom and appreciate its gifts: blessings and burdens, patience and laughter, and reaping and sowing.

Out of the Depths

Johnstown, Pennsylvania based artist Sally Stewart talks about her sculpture created in response to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center “Out of the Depths I Cry Unto Thee, O Lord.” The wood and mixed-media piece was on display at a special September 14, 2016 Eucharist service honoring first responders during the attacks. Stewart is a longtime friend of Gettysburg Seminary who has had a solo exhibit here through the Fine Arts Council and work featured on the Fall 2012 cover of Seminary Ridge Review. 

Standing on Hallowed Ground

A singer-songwriter from Ohio and a photographer-videographer from Alaska come to Gettysburg via Seattle. Michela Miller-Ferree and George Ferree, the latest artists-in-residence at the Gettysburg National Military Park, have covered lots of territory. They bring a shared sense of adventure and respect for Gettysburg’s history to their month-long residency. They stopped by the Seminary campus for a conversation with Katy Giebenhain from Seminary Ridge Review. Hear Michela perform in a fireside concert at the Visitor Center Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 1:00pm in the Refreshment Saloon. The event is free and open to the public.

Ferreedom Adventure Vlogs

https://ferreedom.wordpress.com/

Black Lives Matter?

Dr. Strobert sits down with Dr. Richard Stewart, retired Associate Professor of Church Administration and Practical Theology, Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and Dr. Joseph Donnella, Chaplain of the College and adjunct Professor of Religious Studies, Gettysburg College to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement.

This wide ranging discussion explores the realities of being a member of a minority in the United States. Some topics covered include how people of color (even retired pastors) are often perceived as a threat; living a life in tension; ambivalence vs. practicality; theology beyond traditions; laws may be passed but they don’t change attitudes; and the lessons that Black parents must teach their son’s when encountering police. 

Laughing and Crying in Silence: A Chaplain’s Story of 9/11

Father Recla, then a pastor in New York, took on the role of chaplain in one of the morgues where remains were sent during recovery operations after 9/11, often accompanying body bags to their final destination--sometimes with police or fire escorts. Little was said during these sad journeys, but Recla sensed there was both laughing and crying in the silence.

Happy 100th Birthday to Our National Parks

Ed W. Clark, Superintendent, Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site talks with Dr. Christianson about the business of running a national park.  As the National Park Service celebrates its centenary with the theme “Find Your Park” to encourage us to visit these treasurers of our heritage whether near or far, it prepares to face new challenges. They include maintaining the Gettysburg Battlefield’s 1863 appearance, a maintenance backlog, new land acquisitions, and raising questions of interpretation beyond the battle itself, such as slavery the impact on civilians.  

The Art and Experience of Wet Plate Photography

Photographer Robert Beech discusses the process, challengesand rewards of wet plate photography. During his tenure as Artist in Residence at the Gettysburg NationalMilitary Park, Robert recreated some of the most famous photographs of thebattle using the same technology used by the photographers of the time.

 

Read Robert Beech's Blog