Anne Daniell reflected on how spirit and place are connected and how individuals are the connection between God and places during the fall 2012 Yamauchi Lecture Series “Theology of Caring for a Coastal-Carnival Place” on Oct. 24.

Daniell encouraged individuals to question how God would want them to live in relation to the uniqueness of a place to celebrate and preserve its distinctive qualities.  

“This theology, as I conceive of it, should inspire us to care for and be active within the positive transformations of the places that sustain our lives,” Daniell said.

Daniell addressed New Orleans’ fragile state post-Katrina, especially in regards to the ecological disasters and cultural issues. Daniell reminded attendees of the importance of respecting older traditions, culture and ecological relations that have shaped New Orleans while encouraging individuals to participate in the further transformations of New Orleans as an ecologically sustainable and intellectually and artistically creative place.

Brandi Dupree, psychology junior, attended the lecture because she is interested in religion and is curious about how it relates to the environment.

 “I’m interested in how religion and theology relates to different aspects of our world,” Dupree said.

 “I believe in celebrating the uniqueness of New Orleans and to continue creating within that uniqueness, but also we are a very damaged place and a place that suffers greatly and theology calls upon us to address that,” Daniell said.

Nhi Tieu can be reached at [email protected] 

Loyola students, faculty and New Orleans community members attend the Yamauchi Lecture reception. The lecture was held Wednesday, Oct. 24. (NHI TIEU/The Maroon)