Saturday, July 25, 2015

Rutgers University/Byrne Seminar: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN'S THEOLOGY Huh?


Although I had been raised in New Jersey, it had nothing to do with deciding to attend Douglass College Pre-Med at Rutgers University. I chose Rutgers for its high academic reputation and standards. And, was introduced to an unknown Bruce Springsteen who came to perform during his college circuit. He bowled us over with his energy and average guy/working class songs.

I was online looking for the exact year he performed at Rutgers, when this course appeared.  I read the title several times before it sunk in that this course referred to the same Bruce Springsteen I have come to revere since Rutgers.

But, a "theologically oriented approach to Bruce Springsteen's lyrics"? Huh?

Bruce Springsteen's Theology
Azzan Yadin-Israel (Jewish Studies)
 
This seminar offers a theologically oriented approach to Bruce Springsteen's lyrics. We will focus on Springsteen's reinterpretation of biblical motifs, the possibility of redemption by earthly means (women, cars, music), and his interweaving of secular and sacred elements. Springsteen’s work will also be situated within thebroader poetic tradition that casts the writer as a religious figure whose message does not effect transcendent salvation, but rather, transforms earthly reality.
 
01:090:101 section 70 index 16799
"

The following is an interview with Professor Assan Yadin-Israel who teaches this seminar.



News of the seminar has spread worldwide, the Professor receiving mail worldwide about it.
But "has not heard from Bruce Springsteen's camp so far."

I have to say, now that I've watched/listened to this interview, I can understand the Professor's pov and would be interested in taking it myself.

p.s. Although this interview was conducted in 2013, the seminar is still being offered at Rutgers as of  2015.



Lost in the Flood, Bruce Springsteen


It's Hard to be a Saint in the City, Bruce Springsteen


Adam Raised a Cain, Bruce Springsteen


The Promised Land, Bruce Springsteen


Jesus was an Only Son, Bruce Springsteen


 

1 comment:

Ron said...

"And, was introduced to an unknown Bruce Springsteen who came to perform during his college circuit. He bulled us over with his energy and average guy/working class songs."

WOW...this is so COOL, Petra! That's right, I forgot that Bruce Springsteen was from Jersey!

After watching the interview, I have to agree with you. I think the Professor's point of view is very interesting, and might very well be true. However, I'd need more convincing.

Did you know that Bruce Springsteen wrote and sang one of soundtrack songs to the movie "Philadelphia?" It was called, "The Streets of Philadelphia."

He's got such a great voice!

Have a super Sunday, my friend!
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