Art of Science: Ancient Christians and Other Criminals
@ Parlour & Ramp Gallery
2130 W 21st St, Chicago, IL 60608
Opening Thursday, September 26th, from 7PM - 10PM
In this science outreach series, scientists present different scientific topics to the general public in a laid-back atmosphere in an art gallery.
Please mark your calendar for the upcoming fall 2024 events:
10/24/24 – Astrophysics
11/21/24 – Genetics
12/12/24 – Psychology
More information will be given closer to each event.
The September 2024 event:
Ancient Christians and Other Criminals
Presented by Ms. Kelly Holob
University of Chicago
(full abstract below)
PRESENTATION BEGINS AT 8 PM.
Exciting science, art and socializing.
Donation bar.
Vegan snacks.
Events are always free and open to all, so feel free to invite others.
Hope to see you there!
Parlour & Ramp Gallery is at 2130 W. 21st St.
Easily accessible by the pink line (Damen stop) and the Damen Ave. (#50) bus. Some street parking available.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100025530925368.
If you are not already a member, you are invited to join the Art of Science Facebook group and be invited to future events.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/308458645920283/
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Ancient Christians and Other Criminals
In this talk, Ms. Holob explores a neglected facet of the rise of the ancient cult of Christian martyrs, one that confounded pagans and frustrated other Christians. Executed criminals — people the Roman Empire dispatched in horrifying spectacles — died the same death as martyrs. Subsequently, because their ghosts were thought to be powerful, the body parts and souls of executed people, including martyrs, were used for magical purposes. Tragically, when Christian leaders took pains to differentiate such ghosts from martyrs, they ended up perpetuating judicial prejudices that still drive violence today.
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Ms. Kelly Holob is a PhD candidate at the University of Chicago writing her dissertation, titled “Discourses of Criminality in Early Christianity,” on how ancient understandings of living and dead criminals can help us rethink early martyrdom traditions. She has published articles about dehumanization in ancient accounts of torture, magical words in early Christian narratives, and ancient magical handbooks preserved on Egyptian papyri. When she’s not investigating curses, she’s advising students on how to survive grad school and enjoying Chicago’s museums and parks.
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Image credit: Wil, Katakombenheiliger Pankratius / Foto 2010
Official Website
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Tags: Art of Science: Ancient Christians and Other Criminals, Chicago, Kelly Holob, Lower West Side, Parlour & Ramp, Parlour & Ramp Gallery
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