| Date |
Speaker and Title |
| September 15 |
“Do You Dream in Color?” by Laurie Rubin—Being blind since birth, didn’t stop her from following her dreams to become an opera singer. She has written a memoire, titled Do You Dream in Color? Insights from a Girl Without Sight. The book is aimed at a young audience, but her message is important for all of us at any age. From her loneliness and isolation as a middle school student to her experiences skiing, Rubin offers her young readers a life story rich in detail and inspiration drawn from everyday challenges. Beginning with her childhood in California, Rubin tells the story of her life and the amazing experiences that led her to a career as an internationally celebrated mezzo-soprano.
Rubin describes her past as a “journey towards identity,” one she hopes will resonate with young people struggling with two fundamental questions: “Who am I?” and “Where do I fit in?” Although most of us aren’t blind, Rubin believes that many of us have traits that make us something other than “normal.” These differences, like blindness, may seem like barriers, but for the strong and the persistent, dreams can overcome barriers—no matter how large they may seem. This is what makes her story so unique yet universal, and so important for young readers.
Laurie Rubin is known to LCHers as alto soloist from some of our concerts. |
| October 20 |
There will be no Exploring Boundaries…and Beyond in October because of the O‘ahu Sacred Music Festival. The talk by Dr. Miller has been rescheduled for January.
|
| November 17 |
“Cross Examinations” by Pastor Fritz Fritschel—The presentation will review interpretations of the theology of the cross
Pastor Fritschel is a retired ELCA pastor. In addition to parish work, he taught religion at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., and served as a Hospice chaplain. |
| December 22 |
There will be no Exploring Boundaries…and Beyond in December.
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| January 19 |
“Charity vs. Self-Sufficiency” by Steve Miller—The discussion will center around the most preferable and practical use of charitable giving: micro-lending, sustainability, development projects, etc. The date for this presentation may be changed, so please watch for further information.
Dr. Miller, a retired physician, is active in practical philanthropy in a number of countries. |
| February 16 |
“Earth’s History of Changing Sea Level: Billions of Years to Decades” by Dr. Clint Conrad—This presentation will focus on the geological processes that influence sea level change on time scales of billions of years and contemporary trends as a result of climate change. For us as island residents, sea levels are a topic of interest and concern.
Dr. Conrad, an LCH member (along with his wife and son), teaches in the Department of Geology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawai‘i. While Clint is a “solid earth scientist” whose research deals with the earth’s mantle and the movement of tectonic plates, this topic is one that he finds compelling. |
| March 16 |
“Partnering for Development” by Dr. Lori Forman—A timely look at sustainable development and national security, drawing from Dr. Forman’s experiences and reflections on global conditions and relationships.
Lori Forman, Ph.D., a life-long Lutheran and friend of LCH, serves as Development Advisor and Professor for the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. Her areas of expertise include development assistance, economics, public-private partnerships and civil society. Dr. Forman has had a varied and distinguished international career, but not one normally synonymous with the Department of Defense. However, her experience is well-suited to today’s changing definition of national and regional security. Lori’s presentation will draw on her lifetime of experience and on-going interaction with security practitioners from around the Asia-Pacific region. |
| April 20 |
“The World of Medieval Manuscripts” by Carol Langner— An illustrated presentation on this complex, arcane, and staggeringly beautiful genre of medieval art. This is a chance to see how Bibles looked way back then. In addition to the lecture, there will be a display of manuscript facsimiles and reproductions laid out for us to look at. We’ll be starting at 5:30 PM to allow time for perusing the display books.
Carol Langer, a retired art historian, is a long-time member of LCH. |
| May 18 |
“Galileo and the Roman Inquisition” by Dr. Robert Joseph—This presentation will discuss the historical background of Galileo’s life, his first use of a telescope for astronomy, and its implications lead to Galileo’s increasing criticism of Aristotelean ideas. He was eventually brought before the Inquisition in 1615. Dr. Joseph will also address some of the common myths about this episode, place it in the larger historical context of the Counter-Reformation and the Thirty Years War, and show that much larger issues than Science vs. the Church were involved.
Dr. Joseph, on the faculty of the UH Institute of Astronomy, is a member of Calvary-by-the-Sea Lutheran Church, where he heads their Peace and Social Justice Committee. He has taught classes about Galileo, including the complex relationship of science and church, as pertinent a subject today as it was 400 years ago. |
| June 15 |
Dr. Brien Hallett, associate professor at the Matsunaga Peace Institute at the University of Hawaii has been engaged in study of the declaring of war—and why the Congress is incapable of doing so. He explores this theme in his recent book “Declaring War: Congress, the President and What the Constitution Does Not Say.” Brien often presents on matters relating to war and peace, just war theory and nuclear policies. The specific title of his presentation at LCH will be announced later. |
Exploring Boundaries…and Beyond (EBB) is a monthly series of presentations that explore ideas and values at the boundaries where our faith meets the rest of the world. The range of topics is intentionally broad, reflecting the scope of interests and concerns within our faith community. Our speakers, all recognized in their fields, are drawn from LCH, the universities, and the wider community. Bring your questions!