‘On the Nature of Things’ focus of reading group’s program

Lucretius’ poem “On the Nature of Things” will be the subject of the Classics in Religion Reading Group’s March program.

The group will meet Wednesday on March 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in the Community Room of Kingston Library, 55 Franklin St.

Lucretius was a poet and philosopher of the late Roman Republic, living from about 96 to 55 BCE. Little is known of his life, but he left a long poem that represents Epicurean teaching, “On the Nature of Things.”

The reading group will read this source and grapple with his philosophical and religious thought, which stood in later opposition to stoicism and traditional Christian thinking, concerned especially with “the afterlife” and the action of God. Thomas Jefferson had several Latin copies in his library, and it was a prominent part of disputes during the Enlightenment Era. Copies of texts to be discussed will be distributed.

Leading the group in March will be David Rolfe. A retired IBM engineer, he has lead the group in a variety of topics, ranging from transcendentalism to second century gnosticism. He is currently working on a paper about time and causation. In years past, he wrote and performed poetry at the Tinker Street Cafe.

Diverse sources are used for the group. For one hour each week, a local religious leader will make selections for reading aloud and discussion. The public is invited to any of these sessions and the library is totally accessible.

No advanced reading is required. Library resources, inexpensive editions or copies are distributed for participants.

Call Albert R. Ahlstrom at (845) 334-8404 or send an email to aahlstrom@ hvc.rr.com for more information.