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The 2026 Davis Family Lecture in the Study of Christianity will feature Dr. Robin Jensen, Professor Emeritus of Liturgical Studies at the University of Notre Dame. A reception will follow. Scholars have offered varying explanations for the survival of the Greco-Roman deities into and beyond the fourth century’s assumed triumph of Christianity. For some this phenomenon is simply evidence for mixed or vacillating religious affiliations in individuals or among families. Still others suggest that it reveals the pragmatic toleration practiced by the religious and state authorities despite apparent efforts to endorse or legislate the images’ destruction. A third hypothesis is that Christians simply absorbed and transformed the visual vocabulary of their mythical heroes and gods to convey certain characteristics of their savior figure or elements of their religious teachings. This lecture will consider these different theories and suggest that while each has merit, the survival of the gods reflects the evolutionary assimilation of a former culture into a new one.
This event is free, open to the public and welcoming to all. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religion and the Humanities Institute.
For more information, follow the ticket link to the event page. Tickets are not necessary for this event.
Parking Information
The Tuttle Park Place Garage (3–5 minute walk) is the closest public parking. The Ohio Union South Garage on N. High Street (5–7 minute walk) is just across the Oval. Please note that the physically closest lot, the Neil Avenue Garage (2-minute walk), does not open to visitors until exactly 4 pm. Standard hourly parking rates apply at all locations, payable by cash or card upon exit.
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Event venue
Thompson Library, 1858 Neil Ave,Columbus,OH,United States
Tickets
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