Eventlist

When: Thursday 2 June 2016, 7:00pm
Where: Greek Centre, Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Lecturer: Howard F Dossor
Entry: FREE

Synopsis

The theological perspective known as Process Theology has made much use over recent years of the writings of Nikos Kazantzakis to validate its interpretation of God as a deity in development. Whereas, during his lifetime, Kazantzakis found himself ostracized by many within the Church as an apostate, today he is welcomed within some branches of the western church as an important theological thinker.

However, an opposing reading of Kazantzakis is not only possible but arguably more in tune with the spiritual perspicacity of an era that has been designated post-Christian. While religious readers of his work will focus on his repeated use of the word God in his writings, its more definitive centre may lie in what Kazantzakis has to say to us about man.

Celebrating Life as the highest value human beings can esteem, Kazantzakis gives it its full value and locates human existence firmly within its energetic thrust upward towards an escalating enrichment. Further, he offers us a set of practical guidelines which enhance our capacity to engage spiritually and creatively with Life in that forward thrust. If he invites us to be free of religious mythologies, it is only because he has a vision of humanity flowing within the mainstream of Life itself towards an ever expanding horizon. Man's absolute responsibility lies, Kazantzakis seems to argue, lies not in preparing himself for a permanent state of paradise but in contributing to the enrichment of life.

Bio

Howard F Dossor came out of the ministry of the Congregational Churches to enter the educational sector. He taught in schools and at the La Trobe University Language Centre before moving into university administration, subsequently being appointed foundation Registrar and University Secretary of Victoria University. His long-term interest in literature has found expression in his seminal study of the English novelist and philosopher, Colin Wilson, published in the United Kingdom in 1990. A collection of his essays on Nikos Kazantzakis, in whom he has had a long-standing interest, will become available through amazon.com within a matter of weeks.

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