Description

Jack D. Spiro, D.H.L., Ed.D writes, Early in the Bible it is the first theological question raised by the first Jew. If God is all-good, all-powerful and all-knowing, why do the innocent suffer? How can we reconcile these divine attributes with the stark reality of evil? Two other Jews provided radical but honest answers: Job and Baruch Spinoza, both unjustifiably victimized. We will examine the question and explore their cogent answers.

Spiro has long enlightened audiences and fueled community dialogue with his thought-provoking lectures on some of the most important topics in the Jewish culture and faith. This year, he consults the wisdom of Abraham, Job and philosopher Baruch Spinoza to reflect upon the timeless problem of evil. A reception follows the talk.

The event is free and open to all, but please register. Parking is available for a fee in the West Broad Street, West Main Street and West Cary Street parking decks. If special accommodations are needed, or to register offline, please contact the VCU Libraries Events Office at (804) 828-0593.

Sponsors

The 29th annual Brown-Lyons Lecture is sponsored by the VCU Friends of the Library, the VCU Center for Judaic Studies, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, the Richmond Jewish Foundation and the Weinstein JCC.

About the Speaker

Jack D. Spiro, D.H.L., Ed.D, holds the Harry Lyons Distinguished Chair in Judaic Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is also director of the VCU Center for Judaic Studies and editor of its online publication, Menorah Review. He has earned two doctorates from the Hebrew Union College and the University of Virginia. He has authored, co-authored or edited more than 30 books and written numerous articles.

Image: Shall Not the Judge of All the Earth Do Justly?, by VCU Creative Services