Workshops
Featured Unpacking the Divinity Debate: Jesus and the Demi-Gods: A Comparative Analysis through Religion, Mythology, and Modern Media
Workshop Presentation
Essien Oku Essien
This interactive workshop would explore a unique, interdisciplinary approach to a provocative question in comparative religion: Wasn’t the Earthly Jesus a Demi-God? We’ll dive into perspectives from religion, Greek mythology, and modern media to unpack this debate, drawing insights from ancient texts, myth theory, and mediatization theory. Participants will engage with contrasting viewpoints sourced from Greek mythological publications, biblical narratives, and popular screen interpretations, including Netflix’s The Legend of Hercules (2014). This session would use textual analysis and critical discourse techniques, focusing on the New Testament (King James Version) and key Greek myths. Participants will analyze how modern media shapes public perceptions of divinity and myth, comparing ancient portrayals of Greek demi-gods with New Testament depictions of Jesus (with references to Jesus’ images with Catholic-centric and Orthodox ideals). This session provides a hands-on exploration of how ancient and contemporary narratives influence each other, creating fresh insights into ongoing religious and cultural debates. Workshop Outcomes: 1. Gain Comparative Insights: Understand the contrasts and connections between Jesus’ divinity and Greek demi-god narratives. 2. Media Influence Analysis: Assess how platforms like Netflix mediate ancient myths for contemporary audiences. 3. Collaborative Discourse: Engage with peers in analyzing and debating these perspectives, fostering a critical approach to media and religion. The 15th International Conference on Religion and Spirituality in Society presents an ample opportunity to explore in-depth, this timely debate, where ancient history meets modern discourse to shed light on one of comparative religion’s most intriguing questions.
How You Represent the Least Among Us, You Represent Him: Legal Aid and Public Defense in Christ's Image
Workshop Presentation
Craig Trocino
This workshop asks a provocative question: If Jesus were a lawyer, what would his practice look like? Rooted in Matthew 25:31-46, it suggests that legal aid work reflects the core of Jesus’ ministry—a radical commitment to justice, mercy, and serving “the least of these.” Jesus prioritized the marginalized, confronted oppressive systems, and advocated for the poor, the sick, and the disenfranchised. If he were a lawyer, his practice would focus on those excluded from justice or condemned by systemic inequities. The workshop examines parallels between Jesus’ ministry and the work of legal aid and public defense lawyers. Themes such as giving voice to the voiceless, pursuing justice for the oppressed, and resisting corruption are analyzed through the legal profession’s lens. Drawing on scripture, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the U.S. Constitution, the workshop illustrates how public defenders and legal aid attorneys embody Christ-like principles in their advocacy for the vulnerable. Addressing critiques, the workshop explores the tension between Jesus’ transcendent mission and professional legal roles, contending that legal aid uniquely aligns with Jesus’ call to serve others selflessly. Participants will gain a framework to view their work as both a professional responsibility and a spiritual vocation. Concluding with reflections on transformative justice, the workshop challenges professionals to embrace compassion, humility, and courage in their pursuit of justice, embodying the values central to Jesus’ teachings and mission.
