Identity & Community: What Are They?

DANBURY — What is identity? How do we see ourselves? How does how we see others help us to define who we are? How do we build community? What part does our community play in the larger community around us?

These and other similar questions will be the subject of a talk given by Danna Nolan Fewell, PhD, at Long Ridge Methodist Church on Sunday, March 19, at 3 pm.

A professor of Hebrew Bible at the Theological School and the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies of Drew University in New Jersey and the author of numerous scholarly articles and books, Dr Nolan Fewell teaches graduate level courses on law and ethics of the Bible and biblical interpretation. Ferdinand B. Serra, pastor of Long Ridge Methodist Church and Georgetown Methodist Church, is a student of Dr Nolan Fewell’s.

On her appearance at Long Ridge Methodist Church and her many speaking engagements, Dr Nolan Fewell said, “I like to take my work into public places. Academics are often accused of living in an ivory tower; this kind of talk translates what we are working on to other interested folks, whether they are committed readers of the Bible or someone who is open to exchanging one perspective for other.

“This will be an informal presentation,” she continued. “The people who attend are invited to participate in the discussion. I want them to think about biblical text, ask some questions and present their own sense of community.”

She noted that most bible reading and interpretation is from the “center,” the point of view of educated men.

“I like to look at how the Old Testament is constructed, how it might be read from the point of view of those who would be considered ‘outsiders’ or ‘others’  —  women, children, the less affluent,” said Dr Nolan Fewell.

Long Ridge Methodist Church is on Long Ridge Road just north of the Redding-Danbury border on West Redding/Old Lantern Roads. There will be a freewill offering. For further information, call 743-6095.