A panel of scholars will present brief lectures about the biblical character Jesus and the art his story has inspired, including Handel’s epic oratorio, Messiah. Panelists include Professors Gabriele Boccaccini (U-M Professor of Early Christian Studies and Judaic Studies), Ralph Williams (U-M Arthur F. Thurnau Professor Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of English), and Lynne Alcott Kogel (Wayne State University).

The panel is being presented by the Michigan Center for Early Christian Studies, in collaboration with the U-M Department of Near Eastern Studies.

The panel discussion will be at 4:00 PM in the Vandenberg Room of the Michigan League. A reception follows immediately at 6:00 PM in the Michigan Room of the Michigan League, serving hors d’oeurves and light refreshments.

Both events precede the Saturday, December 5, 2015, 8:00 PM Choral Union performance of Handel’s Messiah at Hill Auditorium

Both events are free and open to the public.