Michigan State professor to discuss Psalm 137 at Milligan

Published 8:34 am Tuesday, October 8, 2019

MILLIGAN COLLEGE — Dr. David Stowe, professor of English and religious studies at Michigan State University, will speak at Milligan College on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 5:30 p.m. in Hyder Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

Stowe’s lecture will focus on his latest book, “Song of Exile: The Enduring Mystery of Psalm 137.” Stowe’s research focuses on the powerful themes of exile and displacement in Psalm 137, which begins: “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.”

For many centuries, this short Hebrew poem has been a cultural touchstone for music and religion across the world. This interdisciplinary talk will demonstrate the Psalm’s enduring place in popular culture.

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“Stowe’s research weaves together biblical scholarship, cultural anthropology and the study of popular music,” said Dr. Michael Blouin, co-director of Milligan’s Honors Program and assistant professor of English and humanities. “Our students and community will appreciate how he intersects faith and the liberal arts in novel ways to share a riveting tale about the ongoing importance of Psalm 137.”

The event is sponsored by the Milligan Honors Program. Each semester, the program welcomes top academics to campus to share their research. Honors students also have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with the visiting scholar.

“The Honors Program’s colloquia open our students’ horizons and allow our campus to join exciting conversations that are happening at the highest levels of academia,” shared Blouin.

For more information on Milligan’s Honors Program, visit milligan.edu/honors.