Philosophy Lecture

Join us for a lecture by Eric W. Palfreyman, M.A., M.A., J.D.

### In so many of those discussions, American Transcendentalism was a center point of our discussions. Though I am a Christian, it would also be true to say I am a Transcendentalist. I am a Transcendentalist Christian. As a less mature scholar than my dad, I was not familiar with two American Transcendentalists that my dad had read: Isaac Hecker and Theodore Parker. Both were great thinkers, both were participants of the Transcendentalist experiment at Brook Farm, and both were seekers after truth. Yet, if one purchases the newest version of, for example, the Norton Anthology of American Literature, neither of them are included, nor are their writings easily available to persons on in a scholarly environment. This, I suggest, is a mistake. Emerson and Thoreau are not affiliated with any formal religion. In the end, in fact, they both argue against participation in those on the grounds that they are too formal and externalistic. Hawthorne and Melville continue to be studied for their literary output and importance. But neither Hecker nor Parker is included. Isaac Hecker converted to the Roman Catholic Church, and Theodore Parker was a “reforming minister” of the Unitarian Church.

### In my mind and in my own life experience, Hecker and Parker both have a very important perspective on a Transcendentalist approach to Christianity within religious organizations and movements. In fact, they are the best hope of influencing the lives of believers with the energizing and renewing power of Transcendentalist ideas within religious traditions and practices.

Admission is 5$
45 min lecture followed by 15 Q&A

Reach Jack Sezer at 361-443-8694 with any questions