Salvation Through Empire: Messianic Imperialism Past, Present, and Future
Schedule
Wed Mar 01 2023 at 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm
Location
Hermann's Jazz Club | Victoria, BC
About this Event
Throughout history, from the ancient world through to the modern world (and conceivably into the future, in as-yet unforeseeable ways), imperial power has regularly been regarded as somehow fostering divine deliverance by an “anointed one” (as the Hebrew-derived term messiah suggests). Yet in today’s era, when empire is instinctively condemned by many (as with calls for systemic decolonization), yet regarded nostalgically by others (think of today’s Russian, Chinese, and Turkish aspirations), it is highly contentious to imagine empire as a vehicle for salvation.
Andrew Wender’s talk will range from ancient Persia, where Zoroastrian roots were seminal to the emergence of messianism, through modern Euro-American “civilization missions”, and contemporary warfare ravaging under the banner of messianic imperialism. Moreover, we will gaze toward future-directed forms of techno-utopianism (e.g., transhumanism, A.I.), glimpsing how the ever-elusive prospect of salvation makes us ask fundamental questions about the nature of time and history. UVic Café Historique 2022-23 Season: And Now for Something Completely Different!
The 2022-23 season of Café Historique seeks to open your eyes to new things, taking familiar topics and showing you some of the fascinating new avenues of inquiry our researchers are pursuing. Join UVic History professors (and one special guest!) as they invite you on their journeys into the archives and along on their academic sleuthing investigations to bring these fascinating histories to light.
We're thrilled that Hermann's is alive and well and welcoming us back for another season. This year, doors will open at 6 and talks will start at 7. In order to meet rising costs, we will be charging a ticket price of $5 per person at the door. Thank-you so much for your understanding!
Where is it happening?
Hermann's Jazz Club, 753 View Street, Victoria, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
