On Tuesday evening, March 29th, I attended the Annual Poehler Lecture. This year's speaker was President Dr. Rev. Robert Holst. His lecture kept the audience captivated throughout its entirety. He walked us all through the familiar Lord's Prayer, offering a new way to look at each line. It was truly refreshing to gain a better understanding of the original Greek translation and why it was worded that way. Interspersed in President Holst's presentation were stories related to various lines in the prayer. He told the story of his struggle to find the right words to explain the concept of God and His love to the people of Papua New Guinea. He also provided several examples of forgiveness. One in particular I found to be quite powerful. After Apartheid in South Africa citizens were given the opportunity to come forward to confess their crimes and ask for forgiveness. One man told the story of how he tortured and murdered another man and his two sons. He was crying and did not know how anyone could ever forgive such an act. Then a woman emerged from the crowd and told him she was the widow of the murdered man and she forgave him. She explained that she was all alone without her husband and children and asked the man if he would be her son. This story was so moving it literally brought tears to my eyes.
Last semester in Honors (and this semester in my Biology class) we discussed the interplay of science and religion. In particular we focused on the story of creation from Genesis 1 and 2. We discussed the different ways it can be interpreted. Should it be taken literally or metaphorically? President Holst's lecture reminded me of these discussions because he looked at the multiple meanings behind the original words. He showed us there is more than one way to understand the Lord's Prayer just like there is more than way to understand the story of creation.
By attending this lecture I feel like I have a much better understanding of what the Lord's Prayer means. It is no longer a passage I have memorized and am able to repeat in chapel, but it carries a deeper meaning for me. I really appreciate the subtle ways it demonstrates our relationship with God.
Last semester in Honors (and this semester in my Biology class) we discussed the interplay of science and religion. In particular we focused on the story of creation from Genesis 1 and 2. We discussed the different ways it can be interpreted. Should it be taken literally or metaphorically? President Holst's lecture reminded me of these discussions because he looked at the multiple meanings behind the original words. He showed us there is more than one way to understand the Lord's Prayer just like there is more than way to understand the story of creation.
By attending this lecture I feel like I have a much better understanding of what the Lord's Prayer means. It is no longer a passage I have memorized and am able to repeat in chapel, but it carries a deeper meaning for me. I really appreciate the subtle ways it demonstrates our relationship with God.
