Fairfield University will host a book launch for "Icons of Hope: The 'Last Things' in Catholic Imagination" by John Thiel, Ph.D., professor of religious studies, at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, at Fairfield University Bookstore, 1499 Post Road, Fairfield. This event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Thiel is a noted Catholic theologian. In his latest book, he argues that modern theologians have been too reticent in their writing about "last things" - death, judgment, heaven and hell. He believes modern theology's religious pluralism leaves room for a speculative style of interpretation, allowing for theological portraits of resurrected life that can be true to the claims of faith and inspire Christian practice. Finally, this book argues for a way of re-imagining the traditional, and rather static, conception of heavenly life.

Dr. Thiel has taught at Fairfield for nearly 40 years and has served as the director of the University Honors Program since 1997. He is the author of six books, including "Icons of Hope" (University of Notre Dame Press, 2013), "God, Evil, and Innocent Suffering: A Theological Reflection" (Crossroad, 2002) and "Senses of Tradition: Continuity and Development in Catholic Faith" (Oxford University Press, 2000). His articles have appeared in Theological Studies, Modern Theology, The Heythrop Journal, New Theology Review and Horizons, among other publications. He served as president of the Catholic Theological Society of America in 2011-12.

This event is presented by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Religious Studies and the Learning for a Lifetime Program. For more information, contact Elizabeth Hastings, ehastings@fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000, ext. 2688.

Posted On: 03-31-2014 03:03 PM

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