A special series on water sponsored by the Albertus Magnus Center at Dominican University continues in January. The Abertus Magnus Center is a program of the Siena Center which gathers persons with an interest in exploring issues related to the intersection of religious belief or experience and scientific insight.
In this series, explore the chemistry, history, spirituality and geopolitics of water with experts who will unravel some of the complex ways this precious resource affects our universe, our planet, and our neighborhood. Although water is nearly ubiquitous on this “Blue Planet,” its finitude and vulnerability are increasingly evident. Long recognized as a sign of divine presence and a centerpiece of the Christian sacramental experience, will water now disturb our peace? In this series, we will study and celebrate the miraculous gift of water as we are also intellectually, morally, and spiritually challenged to make waves.
Life in the World Ocean
Thursday, January 17, 2013 // 7:00 p.m.// Free Admission * New Location: Priory Campus Auditorium
The world ocean contains over 97% of the water on or near Earth’s surface. Marine habitats vary from the polar seas to the tropical coral reefs, with living organisms ranging from the microscopic bacterial cells to the great blue whales. This lecture will focus on the biodiversity of ocean ecosystems and some of the effects of environmental toxins and other anthropogenic disruptions on these systems. Alyssa M. Braun, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Biological Sciences Department of Dominican University.
Living Water: Ecology, Sacramentality, and the Hydrography of Faith
Thursday, February 21, 2013 // 7:00 p.m. // Free Admission Priory Campus, Room 263
Fresh water is vital for the Catholic imagination, sacramental life, and all human existence on earth. Yet in the 21st century, the world will experience increased fresh water scarcity. Who will have access to fresh water, and why is that theologically and ethically significant? We will explore the significance of fresh water through three lenses. First, we will chart the ecological significance of fresh water, its sources and reasons for its scarcity. Second, we will explore its liturgical and sacramental meanings, focusing especially on baptism and the Jordan River. We will conclude by reflecting on how "living water" represents a confluence of Christology and ethics. Christiana Z. Peppard, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Theology and Science in the Department of Theology at Fordham Univeristy.
Water: Sustainability, Climate Change and Future Conflicts
Thursday, March 21, 2013 // 7:00 p.m. // Free Admission * New Location: Priory Campus Auditorium
Water resources are projected to become further strained in the future due to population growth and the effects of climate change. There is increasing concern by many international entities that future conflicts will be fought over water rights. This lecture will focus on water resource stressors and areas of the world where future potential conflicts could arise due to diminishing water supplies. Gerald Gulley, PhD, is a Full Professor of Physics at Dominican University
City by the Lake: The Health and Welfare of Chicago's Water Resources
Thursday, April 4, 2013 // 7:00 p.m. // Free Admission Priory Campus, Room 263
What is the good news and the bad news about the water systems we depend on in our own area of the world? Nancy C. Tuchman, PhD, is Vice Provost and Professor of Biology at Loyola University Chicago.
