By Sophie Smrcka
It was a cold Thursday afternoon, and people started to pour in the door for the lecture given by Dr. Gregory Robbins. Chatting, and taking off large winter jackets, professors and students alike began to pick out their seats and head to the back of the room to get coffee and snacks. Folks began to surround Robbins and say “congratulations,” for his being promoted to full time professor, the purpose for his lecture.
The lecture given by Robbins was a discussion of three films, The Qatsi Trilogy, and the role that religion played within them. Although the lecture was not a screening of the films, the first film did play behind Robbins as he spoke.
Dr. Robbins has taught at the University of Denver in the religious studies program since 1988. He is the recipient of many awards, including the Burlington-Northern Award for Teaching Excellence, and the Joint Ph.D. Program Student Association Outstanding Teacher Award. He is well loved at the University for his well rounded and educated view on religion, and his knowledge in many areas of the study.
As Andrea Stanton, chair of the religious studies department, said when she was introducing Robbins, “Greg demonstrates his pioneering work in embracing interdisciplinary, showcasing how a scholar trained in one subfield can develop expertise in subfields outside their original training.”
Robbins was originally trained in Early Christian History, obtaining his PhD in the subject from Duke University. However, the study of film its a passion of Robbins’, and because of this he has branched his studies into film as well. He also teaches courses on literature and languages of early Christianity at DU.
During his speech, Robbins discussed The Qatsi Trilogy, and how these films interact with religion. As the first of the three films, Koyaanisqatsi, played on mute behind Robbins, he discussed the plot and implications of religious prophecies that are entwined within the film. Besides the occasional shifting of a seat, the room was silent as people absorbed the information and watched the film.
“The ordering of the cosmos, God’s declaration of it’s goodness, the command to the first humans to conquer and hold sway over it, human disobedience, the devolution of the created order into increasing violence, and the transgression of violence are all echoed in these films,” said Robbins when introducing the films.
Robbins made the point of his speech the Qatsi trilogy films because the religion within them are only apparent to those who have previous knowledge of religion. He made several impactful points throughout, discussing the ways that music invoked plot and how a narrative of religion was weaved through image, all the whilespeaking in such a manner that made it apparent why he has earned tenor.
“Greg managed to make several interesting points about Judas, and he also managed to connect his talk back to cockroaches!” said Stanton, discussing an instance in which she heard Robbins give a speech at a Mixed Taste event.
Robbins is well known at the University, and is known to be such an incredible professor that the black liberations theory course was required to attend the speech for a grade. The class sat in the back, and at the end of the lecture the students all rushed to shake Dr. Robbins’ hand.
“I thank you for your interest, I thank you for your attention, this opportunity has been important and dear to me, and I am deeply grateful for your presence,” said Robbins as he wrapped up his speech, with a kind smile and a small bow of the head.
The MFJS Reporter -- Winter 2020 M-W 