David Frankfurter, Professor of Religion; Aurelio Professor of the Appreciation of Scripture, ancient Mediterranean religions; Jewish and Christian literature
Boston University

Thursday, January 29, 2026
4:30 PM
Location: Haldeman 041
Free and open to all

Reception to follow

Lecture title: Ritual/Atrocity: Patterns of Meaning in Extreme Violence

Abstract: David Frankfurter, author of Evil Incarnate, discusses what is “ritual” violence, and where do we find it in history? This lecture will discuss issues around the category ritual as writers have applied it to violence both imaginatively and critically. Then he will illustrate ritual features in several modern cases of protracted violent action. Ritual is not a characteristic feature of violence, atrocity, and abuse, but it can be recognized in particular types of action.