It is impossible to be a Christian without coming to terms with whatever Scripture and tradition mean by hell. Literature (think of Dante, Milton, Joyce, Sartre, just to name few) has not been shy in contributing to shape Christian imagination on this topic – but also in criticising crude and moralizing caricatures of hell. This is the case of James Joyce’s first novel, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916) which traces the religious and intellectual awakening of young Stephen Dedalus, Joyce’s fictional alter ego. The novel contains an unforgettable description of hell that initially inspires terror, shame and obsessive piety in the main character. This reaction however is meant to explain what is wrong with the imagery of hell and its use as a threat. It can also pave the way for an authentically Christian evaluation of this imagery.
The talk will include a summary of this work and focus on few passages so that no previous knowledge of the novel is required.
Saint Thomas Theological Education Program is at the service of those who seek a deeper understanding of faith and want to nourish their worship and their prayer. The teaching is rooted in Scripture, Christian tradition and spirituality. The lecturers are The Rev. Dr. Luigi Gioia, Theologian in Residence, and internationally renowned guest speakers who are committed to making theology accessible to non-specialists. The classes are held on Sundays at 10 AM on the Fifth Floor of the Parish House and are streamed online. Additionally, recordings and handouts are made available for those who cannot attend the live sessions. For more information about our theology program and to receive links for weekly Sunday Theology Talks, please contact Fr. Gioia.
