Documentary Film Examines Complexities of Forgiveness
News Release - February 05, 2009
Media Contact:
Lori Jacobs
University Relations
lori.jacobs@cnu.edu
(757) 594-7961
(NEWPORT NEWS, VA) – What are the physical and emotional effects of forgiving - or not forgiving - an enemy? The documentary The Power of Forgiveness addresses this question, examining research on the beneficial properties of forgiveness in light of various spiritual beliefs. A collaboration of Christopher Newport University groups will sponsor the film screening on Monday, February 23rd at 7 p.m. in Room 101 of CNU’s Gosnold Hall. This event is free and open to the public.
Through a series of dramatic stories, The Power of Forgiveness examines the role forgiveness can play in alleviating grief and anger. The film points to the centrality of forgiveness as a virtue in many of the world’s great religions and the challenges people of all faiths, races, nations and ethnicities have in honoring it.
Following the screening, experts will respond to questions from the audience. The panel will include CNU professors Roberta Rosenberg, Hussam Timani, Graham Schweig, Joseph Prud’homme, Patricia Hopkins, John Thompson, and Catholic campus minister Mary Murphy. A range of religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism will be discussed.
The film screening is sponsored by CNU groups including the Catholic Campus Ministry, the Center for Faith &Politics, the Center for Service Learning & Social Entrepreneurship, Episcopal Students, Hillel, the Indic Studies Program and Muslim Student Association. A reception will follow in Gosnold Hall, Room 102. For more information, please contact Professor Roberta Rosenberg at (757) 594-7149 or at rrosenb@cnu.edu.
Christopher Newport University is a four-year public university in Newport News, Virginia. CNU enrolls 5,000 students in rigorous academic programs through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Joseph W. Luter III College of Business and Leadership and offers great teaching, small classes and an emphasis on leadership, civic engagement and honor. Visit us at www.cnu.edu.