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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 29 2009, 7:53 PM EDT (current) | KarenWenell | 3 words added, 1 word deleted |
| Jul 29 2009, 7:50 PM EDT | KarenWenell | 6 words added, 3 words deleted |
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Beginning with beginnings for our first presentation of the day, Susan Roll, author of Toward the Origins of Christmas, spoke about debates over the origins of Christmas as a feast, and highlighted some of the dualisms brought out in the controversies, such as pagan/Christian, world/spirit. Though it may be easy for preachers to condemn the ‘commercialisation’ of Christmas and to rely on such dualisms to dissociate from a considered reflection on themselves and the society they live in, there may also be hope in employing the Christmas story to transcend simple and often discriminatory dualisms.
Sustainability and community were strong themes in Justin Carter’s presentation on his commissioned Public Art project in Bybrua, Norway (2008). Human ‘pedalpower’ from volunteer participants was harnessed to light a neglected pedestrian underpass, allowing for the production of energy within a community, rather than the consumption of energy. This poignantly highlighted for the group the abilitypotential and challenge to re-imagine everyday practices and to critique excesses which are characteristically part of the Christmas festive season.
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