Norman Wirzba and the gift of food
Saturday, April 7 // 7 p.m. at St. Stephen's // TICKETS
Humans are dependent on food. It is the basis for our survival, and it plays a major role in determining our health and well-being. We often plan our days around food, we center our family gatherings around food, and food plays a massive role in the economy of our world. Yet most people have lost a very important connection to this thing that has such a large impact on our daily lives.
On Saturday, April 7, at 7 p.m., Real Local RVA and St. Stephen’s will host “The Gift of Food,” an event featuring Norman Wirzba from Duke University Divinity School, who will teach us to explore food in a different way. Wirzba will discuss the importance of recognizing food as a gift to be treasured vs. food as a commodity.
He writes: “To receive food as a gift, and to share it with each other, opens up a new way of imagining a community’s economic life together and forms a tangible connection to the natural world.”
The evening will begin with a presentation by Wirzba followed by a Q&A session moderated by Real Local RVA’s co-chair Hunter Hopcroft. Audience questions are welcome. Following the presentation and discussion, you are invited to remain for a book signing and light hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Copies of Wirzba’s book Food and Faith will be available for sale at the Bookshop @ St. Stephen’s prior to and during the event which takes place at St. Stephen’s.
Norman Wirzba is a professor of theology, ecology, and agrarian studies at Duke Divinity School and the author of many books. He grew up on a farm in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, and studied philosophy and religion at Yale University and Loyola University Chicago. While his inspirations stem from many sources, a friendship with Kentucky farmer, poet, and writer Wendell Berry has been one of lasting importance. Berry’s works continue to influence Wirzba’s studies today as he pursues research and teaching interests at the intersections of theology, philosophy, ecology, and agrarian and environmental studies. He is an engaging and thoughtful speaker who lectures frequently in Canada and the United States.
We are thrilled to partner with Real Local RVA to bring this insightful speaker to Richmond to speak on this important topic.
The cost per person is $20 for Real Local RVA Participants and Supporters (including St. Stephen’s parishioners) and $25 for general admission.
Registration is here.