Reclaiming Culture. Returning Permanence.
The Symposium gathers on Saturday evenings at 5:30 pm in the parish solarium. Relaxed conversation infused with appetizers and drinks kicks off the evening. Guests are encouraged to wander onto the balconies and into the garden. Then- after a time- everyone is invited into the parish Solarium (sun room) for the evening’s cultural offering of music, literature, poetry, philosophy, or perhaps a topical lecture followed by discussion. The evening ends around 7:00 pm, allowing guests to continue the conversation over dinner at one of Rockwall’s wonderful eateries.
Saturday Symposiums offer an oasis amidst post-modernities’ restless, ambitious, and materialistic landscape. Western Civilization requires not revolution but restoration and recovery of Permanent Things. Throughout history, the Church has stewarded the transmission of Christian culture and the reversing of societal decay. The Saturday Symposium is one of many ways St. Benedict’s Anglican Church participates in today’s cultural reformation. Are you interested in Presenting at The Symposium? Let us know.
Pilgrimage
October 2026: The Rev. Ed Fruin
Magic & Technology!
November 23: The Rev. Nick Ziegenhagen
The third of Arthur C. Clarke’s famous Three Laws states, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Elon Musk affirmed his conviction of the truth of this statement in a recent commencement address, titled “Magicians of the 21st Century.” Is this association of technology and magic just an instance of hyperbolic speech, or is there a true relation that exists between magic and technology, which by fleshing out would help us see the spiritual dangers inherent in our technological age?
Surrounded & Lonely
October 26: Michael Templin & The Lonestar Sound
English Church History: In 4 Acts
May 18th: The Rev. Dr. Charles Erlendson
The history of the Church in England from its beginning through the reign of Henry VIII may be told as a story with 4 Acts. Anglicanism is, therefore, a living organism that has grown through four related stages and can rightfully claim an ancient lineage and continuous life that is largely independent of Rome. Anglicans, therefore, have no need to become Roman Catholics to be apostolic, catholic, or ancient. It would be a tragedy if Anglicans sold their birthright as an ancient Church with her own beautiful treasures by denying their authentic history and identity.
HOW the Psalms Mean
April 2024: The Rev. Dr. Joshua Harper
Discovering the Beauty, Mystery, and Message of Hebrew Poetry.
Staring into Space
Presented by The Rev. Marq Toombs, March 2024
Reflections on Rembrandt’s ‘Saint Paul in Prison’ (1627)
Archives
Lift and Drag in Sails & Souls
Presented by The Rev. Canon John Boonzaaijer, Rector of the Chapel of the Cross-REC in Dallas, Texas, November 2023
Thoughts on that which lift the soul and drag us down in the spiritual life.
On Christian Stewardship
Presented by The Rev. Thomas Smith, October 2023
Musings on tending to the gifts of God.
Beautiful & Mysterious
Presented by Mr. John Hendricks, May 2023
The Vision of Christ in the 5 Mystical Songs of George Herbert and Ralph Vaughan Williams. An evening of music, poetry, and wonder.
Tables & Fables
Presented by The Rev. Marq Toombs, April 2023
Where do tables come from? What can fiction teach us about the significance of tables? Why do tables and fables matter for faith and life? Come to the table and see for yourself.
Wine! Christ’s first miracle
Presented by Mr. Gary Dahl, March 2023
An interactive and experiential presentation of the history of win in light of historic Christianity and the Scriptures, viticulture, and enology.
A Consuming Fire!
A History of Ecclesiatical Bonfires.
Presented by The Rev. Michael K. Templin, February 2023
How and when did bonfires originate and what in the world does this have to do with Christianity and the Church? Join Fr. Templin as he develops the magical and meaningful history of bonfires and their place in Christian life and worship.
Language: Poverty & Plenty
Presented by Mr. Frank Bridwell, September 2022
What are the dimensions of language? Where does language come from, and what are its implications on life?
Rudyard Kipling: The death Of God in Victorian England
Presented by The Rev. Thomas Smith, November 2022