George Ferzoco has kindly asked me to organize the
medieval-religion sponsored sessions for Kalamazoo 2001.
To that end, I have just spent most of a day puttering
about in our list's on-line archive looking for the
discussions that sparked the most interest over the
previous year. Besides being struck once again by the
depth of learning and breadth of generosity that is a
hallmark of medieval-religion, I have come up with a few
possible themes for our sessions next year:
1. Christians and Jews in the Middle Ages. Possible
topics: Christian symbols or stereotypes of Jews, the
prevalence and content of anti-Judaism, anti-Judaism vs.
anti-Semitism and the origins of both.
2. The Image and Influence of John Chrysostom. Possible
topics: what lives of Chrysostom circulated, how did later
theologians use his work, what works of his were known in
the west and how often were they copied.
3. The Presentation of Relics. Possible topics: how were
relics "framed" by architecture/reliquaries/etc., what sort
of relics were most popular, trends in the form and
function of reliquaries.
4. Death and Burial. Possible topics: rituals surrounding
death, rituals surrounding burial, the death of popes or
kings.
If you feel strongly that we should or should not include
any of these suggested session -- or even better, if you
would like to volunteer a paper -- please contact me
off-line. If you have a suggestion for another session
topic, please post it on-line so that I can gauge the
list's reaction.
I have to be able to send the Kalamazoo planning committee
something by May 15th -- not a complete panel, but at least
some idea of the session titles -- so time is of the essence.
With many thanks in advance.
Stephen A. Allen
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