Panel discussion focuses on "Angels and Demons" book and film

“Angels and Demons,” the prequel to the novel “DaVinci Code” written by Dan Brown, has recently hit theaters and is also the topic of a panel debate on campus, which takes place May 26 from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Oakland Center Gold Room A.

The Oakland panelists are Henri Gooren, assistant professor of anthropology, Lisa Brown, adviser of the St. John Fisher Catholic Newman Group and John Kinkel, professor of religious studies.

“We will all have our own take on the novel and film,” Gooren said. “We see it as an educational event.”

According to Kinkel, the debate aims to provide the community with a sense of reflection about the concepts brought up in the movie. The discussion will center on the conflict between science and religion.

“I think Angels and Demons does a good job of showing how science doesn’t contradict religion,” Gooren said.

Brown said, “I’m taking more of a theological approach to the conflict of science and religion.”

Other discussion topics include the Illuminati, hierarchy of the church, role of the pope and anti-matter. According to Brown, the author put an age-old conspiracy into a historical setting, which makes for great fiction.

“I hope they enjoy the debate and find it interesting,” Brown said. “From my perspective, I would like people to get out of it that it’s a work of fiction.”

Brown added that she wanted people to know that the church is represented by the people and not the buildings.

The debate is sponsored by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Religious Studies, Department of English and Department of Communication and Journalism. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served.