Learning and Growing in Christ Together
See the "Sacred Ground" Course HERE
See the 2019-2020 Formation & Education Offerings HERE
Summer Reading for 2020
As has become our tradition over the past several years, we invite the congregation to engage in some summer reading by offering a few different books to read and discuss. We will gather (either in virtual groups or in person) for book discussions in the future.
Book #1
Virus as Summons to Faith: Biblical Reflections in a Time of Loss, Grief, and Uncertainty by Walter Brueggeman This brand-new publication by one of the most influential Old Testament scholars in the world has been written in direct response to the coronavirus pandemic and is already being called a “must read.” In it Walter Brueggeman offers Biblical and theological reflections on this challenging subject and will make you think more deeply and hopefully about our current situation in light of God’s presence. “In Virus as a Summons to Faith, the summons that Professor Brueggemann hears in the devastation caused by the Covid-19 virus is the same summons that all prophets hear in the midst of calamity: the call into right relationship with Living Presence, a call into deeper, more caring, and mutually beneficial relationship with all that is. In the biblical language that has long been at the core of Brueggemann's thinking, the devastating effects of the virus summon us to renew our covenantal relationship with God and to renew our responsibilities within that relationship." -- Nahum Ward-Lev, from the Foreword It is available for sale online from Wipf and Stock publishers as well as Amazon or can be ordered by your local bookseller. Daily Reading Companions
In addition to our summer books here are several recommended daily devotionals you may want to add to your daily reading and prayer with short meditations for each day: -Meditations on the Psalms for Every Day of the Year by Barbara Crawthorne Crafton (Available from Church Publishing) -The Radical Christian Life: A Year with Saint Benedict by Joan Chittister (Available from Amazon) -Bits of Heaven: A Summer Companion by Russell J. Levenson Jr (Available from Church Publishing) -Speaking to the Soul: Daily Readings for the Christian Year by Vicki Black (Available from Church Publishing) If you need assistance finding a copy of any of these books, please email rebecca@sjbts.org for information. |
Book #2
Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren Call it the ideal spiritual companion to quarantine-life or simply a way to bring the sacred into our everyday lives - this book is an invitation to see the holy in the mundane and understand the ways God is present in all our moments and days…where daily life itself becomes a liturgy. This book was the 2018 winner of Christianity Today’s “Book of the Year” in Spiritual Formation and seems as though it were written “for such a time as this.” It is available for purchase online HERE. 
Book #3:
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Even if you have read it before, this classic is always worth re-reading. In Lewis’ masterpiece of Christian satire we read the imaginary letters written between a demon veteran to his demon-in-training nephew named “Wormwood” about all the subtle ways to lead a Christian astray most effectively. Lewis’ style is fun and witty while also deeply insightful about human nature and will get the reader thinking about theology almost effortlessly. In addition, this classic is known to provoke readers into a deeper relationship with God. It is available for sale online, from local booksellers, and free through digital libraries. |
Responding to the call to Racial Justice: Recommended Reading List
As we continue to grapple with issues of racial inequality in our nation, we are called to listen and explore the origins and systemic nature of racism in order to respond in an informed and compassionate way. We were asked to put together a list of recommended reading to assist us in that endeavor. The following reading list comes from recommendations from the clergy and from members of the St. James community. Please consider choosing a book to add to your summer reading.
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Christian/Theological, Non-Fiction
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation (2018) by Miles McPherson (Local pastor) Seeing My Skin: A Story of Wrestling with Whiteness (2019) by Peter Jarrett-Schell (Episcopal priest) Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (2010) by Gregory Boyle (Jesuit Priest) Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship (2017) by Gregory Boyle (Jesuit Priest) Beyond Colorblind (2017) by Sarah Shinn (Protestant Minister) America’s Original Sin (2016) by Jim Wallis (Preacher and Speaker) Dear White Christians (2014) By Jennifer Harvey (Religion Professor) For Children
Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold Chasing Freedom by Nikki Grimes |
Other Non-Fiction
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor (2020) by Layla Saad (NY Times bestseller) How to be an Anti-Racist (2019) by Ibram X. Kindi (NY Times bestseller) So You Want to Talk about Race (2019) by Ijeoma Oluo (NY Times bestseller) I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness (2018) by Austin Channing Brown Waking Up White (2014) by Debby Irving Fiction
To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) by Harper Lee The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead I know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison The Color Purple by Alice Walkier A Raisin in the Sun (1959) by Lorraine Hansberry Once Were Warriors (1990) by Alan Duff (New Zealand novel) Cry, the Beloved Country (1948) by Alan Paton (South African novel) |
For a complete schedule of Formation & Education offerings
in 2019-2020 click HERE.
in 2019-2020 click HERE.
Past Forums and Formation Events
"The Letters of Paul" with Dr. Laura Nasrallah (video series)
We continued the course started as a Sunday morning forum, "The Letters of Paul." Dr. David Moseley started us opening Paul's mail and then we were privileged to sit in on a Yale Divinity course with Dr. Laura Nasrallah. In this series we watched her in-depth exploration of the historical and cultural context of Paul’s letters and the ancient world in which the New Testament was written based on the letters themselves, archaeology, and other historical resources. To access the class schedule and videos we selected click HERE.
We continued the course started as a Sunday morning forum, "The Letters of Paul." Dr. David Moseley started us opening Paul's mail and then we were privileged to sit in on a Yale Divinity course with Dr. Laura Nasrallah. In this series we watched her in-depth exploration of the historical and cultural context of Paul’s letters and the ancient world in which the New Testament was written based on the letters themselves, archaeology, and other historical resources. To access the class schedule and videos we selected click HERE.
"Re-Discovering Yourself: The Ancient Enneagram"
Third class - the Enneagram taught on video by Mo. Rebecca - note: 1. You may need to turn the volume up on your device. 2. At the end of the video YouTube begins its own choice of another video, but you have a few seconds to click "cancel" before it starts. See the video HERE.
Fourth Class - "Solitude, Stillness, and Silence"
Join Mo. Rebecca by video for this last class on a topic that is relevant to all of us as we "shelter in place." Right now all of us are unexpectedly having a "desert experience" - and the practices of silence, solitude, and stillness are available to us in an even deeper and more meaningful way during this time. We will finish our study of our book, The Sacred Enneagram by applying the themes of contemplative practice in a way that applies to everyone. Join us whether or not you have read the book! See the video HERE.
The class was studying the book The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth by Christopher Heuertz.
Also the following links are helpful web resources: How the Enneagram system works The Enneagram - an introduction
Third class - the Enneagram taught on video by Mo. Rebecca - note: 1. You may need to turn the volume up on your device. 2. At the end of the video YouTube begins its own choice of another video, but you have a few seconds to click "cancel" before it starts. See the video HERE.
Fourth Class - "Solitude, Stillness, and Silence"
Join Mo. Rebecca by video for this last class on a topic that is relevant to all of us as we "shelter in place." Right now all of us are unexpectedly having a "desert experience" - and the practices of silence, solitude, and stillness are available to us in an even deeper and more meaningful way during this time. We will finish our study of our book, The Sacred Enneagram by applying the themes of contemplative practice in a way that applies to everyone. Join us whether or not you have read the book! See the video HERE.
The class was studying the book The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth by Christopher Heuertz.
Also the following links are helpful web resources: How the Enneagram system works The Enneagram - an introduction
Sundays, March 1, 8, 15 & 22
David Moseley, Ph.D. presented the first two Forums on the Life and Letters of St. Paul before the COVID-19 restrictions. Paul, author of more than a quarter of the New Testament, loved and hated in equal measure by liberals and conservatives alike. What is the right way to read and understand the letters he wrote to churches he founded almost 2,000 years ago in the ancient Greco-Roman world, before even the Gospels were written? Why do these letters that say so much about who Paul thinks Jesus is, theologically, and yet tell us so little about who Jesus was and what he said and did, historically? What are the challenges and pitfalls involved in reading those same letters as church-going Christians in Southern California in 2020?
David Moseley, Ph.D. presented the first two Forums on the Life and Letters of St. Paul before the COVID-19 restrictions. Paul, author of more than a quarter of the New Testament, loved and hated in equal measure by liberals and conservatives alike. What is the right way to read and understand the letters he wrote to churches he founded almost 2,000 years ago in the ancient Greco-Roman world, before even the Gospels were written? Why do these letters that say so much about who Paul thinks Jesus is, theologically, and yet tell us so little about who Jesus was and what he said and did, historically? What are the challenges and pitfalls involved in reading those same letters as church-going Christians in Southern California in 2020?
Sundays, February 2-9
The Journey Through the Bible Forums began 2020 by exploring the New Testament with "The Life and Sayings of Jesus: The Four Gospels." On Feb. 2 we studied the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. We explored the major themes and backgrounds of Gospels Luke and John on Feb. 9 led by The Rev. Laurel Mathewson, co-pastor of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Park.
The Journey Through the Bible Forums began 2020 by exploring the New Testament with "The Life and Sayings of Jesus: The Four Gospels." On Feb. 2 we studied the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. We explored the major themes and backgrounds of Gospels Luke and John on Feb. 9 led by The Rev. Laurel Mathewson, co-pastor of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Park.
Sunday, January 12
Introduction to the New Testament with The Rev'd D. Rebecca Dinovo
Mother Rebecca introduced the New Testament section of our Journey Through the Bible by raising the questions, "Who wrote our Christian Scriptures? Why were they written and for whom? How did we decide which books to include in the Bible?" This kicked off our overview of the Christian books of the Bible exploring their historical context, the questions they raise, as well as the surprising and interesting way in which they came to be a part of the Bible.
Introduction to the New Testament with The Rev'd D. Rebecca Dinovo
Mother Rebecca introduced the New Testament section of our Journey Through the Bible by raising the questions, "Who wrote our Christian Scriptures? Why were they written and for whom? How did we decide which books to include in the Bible?" This kicked off our overview of the Christian books of the Bible exploring their historical context, the questions they raise, as well as the surprising and interesting way in which they came to be a part of the Bible.
Sunday, December 22
The Minor Prophets Part II: Nahum – Malachi with The Rev'd Dr. Mark Hargreaves.
Our very own Fr. Mark picked up the themes of justice and mercy of the Biblical prophets and brought our journey through the Old Testament to a close before the new year. Fr. Mark has extensive parish ministry experience as well a theology degree from Oriel College in Oxford, a Masters Degree in Christianity and the Arts from the National Gallery at Kings College, and a PhD in Biblical Authority from Cambridge.
The Minor Prophets Part II: Nahum – Malachi with The Rev'd Dr. Mark Hargreaves.
Our very own Fr. Mark picked up the themes of justice and mercy of the Biblical prophets and brought our journey through the Old Testament to a close before the new year. Fr. Mark has extensive parish ministry experience as well a theology degree from Oriel College in Oxford, a Masters Degree in Christianity and the Arts from the National Gallery at Kings College, and a PhD in Biblical Authority from Cambridge.
Wednesdays, December 11 and 18
Mother Rebecca led through the exploration of "Questions of Heaven and Life After Death" The first class was about What Happens When we Die? Theories, Evidence, and Experiences . The second class was about Life After Death: A Biblical Theology of the Afterlife.
Mother Rebecca led through the exploration of "Questions of Heaven and Life After Death" The first class was about What Happens When we Die? Theories, Evidence, and Experiences . The second class was about Life After Death: A Biblical Theology of the Afterlife.
Sunday, December 15: The Minor Prophets - "Speaking Truth to Power in Empire and Exile", with The Rev. Darin Johnson.
The Rev. Darin will walk us through Part I: Hosea- Micah exploring the prophet’s messages of justice and mercy.
Since 2009, Darin Johnson has served as Campus Pastor at Agape House, a Lutheran-Episcopal partnership in campus ministry at San Diego State University since 1950. Agape House is now designing a new campus ministry center, including affordable housing for up to 50 students in community. To learn more or get involved, you can contact him at 619-583-3972 or pdnjohnson@gmail.com. Or check out the Agape House website at www.agapehousesdsu.org.
The Rev. Darin will walk us through Part I: Hosea- Micah exploring the prophet’s messages of justice and mercy.
Since 2009, Darin Johnson has served as Campus Pastor at Agape House, a Lutheran-Episcopal partnership in campus ministry at San Diego State University since 1950. Agape House is now designing a new campus ministry center, including affordable housing for up to 50 students in community. To learn more or get involved, you can contact him at 619-583-3972 or pdnjohnson@gmail.com. Or check out the Agape House website at www.agapehousesdsu.org.
November 3, 10 & 17: Wisdom Literature/Poetry (Job- Song of Solomon) and Major Prophets of the Old Testament,
Israel's Songbook and Their Wisdom for Living: Job through Song of Solomon; Isaiah's Messages of Warning and Hope: When God Returns to Zion;
From Jerusalem's Destruction through Exile to Future Hope: The Prophetic Messages of Jeremiah through Daniel
Israel's Songbook and Their Wisdom for Living: Job through Song of Solomon; Isaiah's Messages of Warning and Hope: When God Returns to Zion;
From Jerusalem's Destruction through Exile to Future Hope: The Prophetic Messages of Jeremiah through Daniel
October 20 & 27: “Israel’s Ancient History” The Deuteronomist History Books, a two-part series with Dr. David Moseley, Ph.D.
Dr. Moseley guided our journey through the historical books of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible (Joshua through Esther). Following the Torah, the classes delved into the Hebrew Scriptures' Post-Mosaic History of the Jewish People - from the triumphal re-entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua and Judges) to the rise of the Golden Age of the Monarchy under King David (I & II Samuel); and the decline after Solomon (I & II Kings), leading to the conquest and destruction of Israel under the Assyrians and the Fall and Exile of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians.
Dr. Moseley guided our journey through the historical books of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible (Joshua through Esther). Following the Torah, the classes delved into the Hebrew Scriptures' Post-Mosaic History of the Jewish People - from the triumphal re-entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua and Judges) to the rise of the Golden Age of the Monarchy under King David (I & II Samuel); and the decline after Solomon (I & II Kings), leading to the conquest and destruction of Israel under the Assyrians and the Fall and Exile of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians.
September 29: "Introduction to the Bible: The Hebrew Scriptures" with The Rev. D. Rebecca Dinovo.
This class launched us into our overview and “Journey Through the Bible” as we looked specifically at the Hebrew Scriptures, also known as the Old Testament.
We answered questions such as:
Who wrote the Hebrew Scriptures of the Bible? When was it written and for what purpose? What language was it written in and why does that matter? How should we read the Bible and interpret it today? How is the Bible relevant in 2019? What are the major teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures?
This class launched us into our overview and “Journey Through the Bible” as we looked specifically at the Hebrew Scriptures, also known as the Old Testament.
We answered questions such as:
Who wrote the Hebrew Scriptures of the Bible? When was it written and for what purpose? What language was it written in and why does that matter? How should we read the Bible and interpret it today? How is the Bible relevant in 2019? What are the major teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures?
September 22: Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality by Richard Rohr.
We dUg into our second book of the summer which looks more deeply into the Bible and its power to transform our lives. This was an entry into our 2019-2020 forum series "Journey through the Bible."
We dUg into our second book of the summer which looks more deeply into the Bible and its power to transform our lives. This was an entry into our 2019-2020 forum series "Journey through the Bible."
September 8: Book Discussion of Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others by Barbara Brown Taylor.
Barbara Brown Taylor is a professor of spirituality, an Episcopal priest, and a New York Times bestselling author. This book is a personable and yet profound exploration of the ways in which encounters with the faith of others can teach and transform us as Christians. This book is part theology, part memoir and dovetails well with our focus this past year on interfaith dialogue and understanding. We discussed how it both challenged and renewed your faith.
Barbara Brown Taylor is a professor of spirituality, an Episcopal priest, and a New York Times bestselling author. This book is a personable and yet profound exploration of the ways in which encounters with the faith of others can teach and transform us as Christians. This book is part theology, part memoir and dovetails well with our focus this past year on interfaith dialogue and understanding. We discussed how it both challenged and renewed your faith.
May 1 - 29: Formation Class Series "Engaging the Mysteries" with Mo. Rebecca and Fr. Mark
Each Wednesday evening of May this series went more deeply into the spiritual depths and mysteries of our faith as we explored the lessons of the saints and mystics, key spiritual practices, and the ancient sacraments. The classes were as follows: 1. Engaging the "Mystery" of Faith, 2. Engaging the Saints & Mystics,
3. Engaging Contemplation: The Cloud of Unknowing, 4. Engaging the Holy Spirit and the Sacraments, 5. Engaging Scripture: Revelations of Divine Love
It was a series for those interested in the more advanced spiritual aspects of the faith - a “Spirituality 401.” Co-taught by Mo. Rebecca and Fr. Mark, the classes offered an unusual opportunity for fellowship by sharing a meal and contemplating key aspects of growing in the faith which we pursue together. The next and final class of this three-year course will be "Personal Discernment & Vocation" scheduled for the Fall of 2019. To see the class topics click HERE.
Each Wednesday evening of May this series went more deeply into the spiritual depths and mysteries of our faith as we explored the lessons of the saints and mystics, key spiritual practices, and the ancient sacraments. The classes were as follows: 1. Engaging the "Mystery" of Faith, 2. Engaging the Saints & Mystics,
3. Engaging Contemplation: The Cloud of Unknowing, 4. Engaging the Holy Spirit and the Sacraments, 5. Engaging Scripture: Revelations of Divine Love
It was a series for those interested in the more advanced spiritual aspects of the faith - a “Spirituality 401.” Co-taught by Mo. Rebecca and Fr. Mark, the classes offered an unusual opportunity for fellowship by sharing a meal and contemplating key aspects of growing in the faith which we pursue together. The next and final class of this three-year course will be "Personal Discernment & Vocation" scheduled for the Fall of 2019. To see the class topics click HERE.
May 19: "Laying Down The Sword in Everyday Dilemmas" with Phyllis Olins, Conflict Mediator
Phyllis walked us through a radical — getting to the roots — approach to making conflict disappear. She presented the basic principles of her up-coming book, The Conflict Crunch, an eight-step process for dealing with conflicts large and small, noting the foundations of her work in scripture, and sharing examples of difficult dilemmas. Phyllis holds a master’s degree in counseling and has trained extensively in conflict mediation. She has had over 30 years of experience in applying conflict mediation strategies to dilemmas in all walks of life.
Phyllis walked us through a radical — getting to the roots — approach to making conflict disappear. She presented the basic principles of her up-coming book, The Conflict Crunch, an eight-step process for dealing with conflicts large and small, noting the foundations of her work in scripture, and sharing examples of difficult dilemmas. Phyllis holds a master’s degree in counseling and has trained extensively in conflict mediation. She has had over 30 years of experience in applying conflict mediation strategies to dilemmas in all walks of life.
May 12: "Interfaith Dialogue for Cooperative Ministry" with Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
On her last visit to St. James, Bishop Katharine guided our Sunday Forum, from her own experiences, on the subject of engaging ecumenical and interfaith dialogue leading to cooperative ministry.
On her last visit to St. James, Bishop Katharine guided our Sunday Forum, from her own experiences, on the subject of engaging ecumenical and interfaith dialogue leading to cooperative ministry.
May 5: "Adverse Childhood Experiences, Recovery, and ECS" with Deann Rios
Deann shared about the importance and effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. She gave an overview of how ACE's affect all of us and how it would benefit us to learn about them, discussing how this overlaps with the work of ECS (Episcopal Community Services). She will describe their recovery programs, specifically their newest program, Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC).
Deann is a native San Diegan. She has worked in education, non-profits, and a variety of ministry settings. After college she earned a teaching credential and a Masters in Christian Education. Deann is passionate about learning, travel, cross cultural experiences, people, and social justice. She loves supporting others toward growth and discovering their value, gifts, and passions. Deann has worked for Episcopal Community Services for over six years and currently serves as their Community Engagement Coordinator.
Deann shared about the importance and effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. She gave an overview of how ACE's affect all of us and how it would benefit us to learn about them, discussing how this overlaps with the work of ECS (Episcopal Community Services). She will describe their recovery programs, specifically their newest program, Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC).
Deann is a native San Diegan. She has worked in education, non-profits, and a variety of ministry settings. After college she earned a teaching credential and a Masters in Christian Education. Deann is passionate about learning, travel, cross cultural experiences, people, and social justice. She loves supporting others toward growth and discovering their value, gifts, and passions. Deann has worked for Episcopal Community Services for over six years and currently serves as their Community Engagement Coordinator.
March 31-April 14: "The Jewishness of Jesus - A Look at Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel" with Dr. Jeannine Brown
Dr. Brown drew from her extensive scholarship, especially in the book of Matthew, to reveal details about Jesus which are often passed over. The Jewishness of Jesus should not be surprising news for those who read the Bible. Yet Christians across history have sometimes muted Jesus’ Jewishness, impacting how we understand the Gospels. This three-week series took a close look at Jesus’ faithfulness to the Torah, his role among his people as a contested but compelling rabbi, and the ways he resembles Isaiah’s Servant figure in his compassionate ministry and life-giving death. Dr. Brown, professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary, has focused much of her research and writing on the Gospels, hermeneutics, and interdisciplinary integration. In addition to a book on biblical hermeneutics and two books on integration, she has published two commentaries on Matthew's Gospel, with a third coming out later this year. She is a member of the NIV translation team and is a part of the revision project for the NIV Study Bible, celebrating its 35th year in 2020.
Dr. Brown drew from her extensive scholarship, especially in the book of Matthew, to reveal details about Jesus which are often passed over. The Jewishness of Jesus should not be surprising news for those who read the Bible. Yet Christians across history have sometimes muted Jesus’ Jewishness, impacting how we understand the Gospels. This three-week series took a close look at Jesus’ faithfulness to the Torah, his role among his people as a contested but compelling rabbi, and the ways he resembles Isaiah’s Servant figure in his compassionate ministry and life-giving death. Dr. Brown, professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary, has focused much of her research and writing on the Gospels, hermeneutics, and interdisciplinary integration. In addition to a book on biblical hermeneutics and two books on integration, she has published two commentaries on Matthew's Gospel, with a third coming out later this year. She is a member of the NIV translation team and is a part of the revision project for the NIV Study Bible, celebrating its 35th year in 2020.
March 3, 10 and 17: “Troubling Texts” - Exegetical Adventures in Biblical Interpretation with David Moseley, Ph.D.
Dr. Moseley imparted skills to dig deeper into scripture. Why can the Bible often seem strange and hard to understand, as if it were deliberately withholding its secrets and revelations from its readers? How can a text that is so often illuminating, encouraging and inspiring also at times be vexing and frustrating … even obtuse? Just exactly how should the Bible be read and interpreted in the 21st century? He taught about the basic principles of “Hermeneutics” (the Biblical science of interpretation), “Genre” (What sort of text is this?), “Isegesis” (What do we bring to the text?), and “Exegesis” (What do we take out of the text?). We applied these technical skills to explore and interpret some of the “troubling texts” in both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Classes were multi-media, involving slideshow presentations, maps, photos, diagrams and movie clips. Detailed handouts were provided.
Dr. Moseley imparted skills to dig deeper into scripture. Why can the Bible often seem strange and hard to understand, as if it were deliberately withholding its secrets and revelations from its readers? How can a text that is so often illuminating, encouraging and inspiring also at times be vexing and frustrating … even obtuse? Just exactly how should the Bible be read and interpreted in the 21st century? He taught about the basic principles of “Hermeneutics” (the Biblical science of interpretation), “Genre” (What sort of text is this?), “Isegesis” (What do we bring to the text?), and “Exegesis” (What do we take out of the text?). We applied these technical skills to explore and interpret some of the “troubling texts” in both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Classes were multi-media, involving slideshow presentations, maps, photos, diagrams and movie clips. Detailed handouts were provided.
Feb. 3-10: Teresa of Avila Studied
The Rev. Laurel Mathewson returned to enrich the Adult Forums with a study of Teresa of Avila.
Entering The Interior Castle with Teresa of Avila - The Interior Castle is considered St. Teresa’s masterpiece on prayer, but many find the work impenetrable. How might her teaching on extraordinary experiences of God in prayer illumine our own journey with God, today?
Prepare to be surprised by Teresa’s common sense and humor in providing guidance for our spiritual path.
Learning from The Life of Teresa of Avila - Apart from The Interior Castle, St. Teresa's autobiography is perhaps the second most influential text. Without getting bogged down in comparisons between the two books, this class will continue to seek observations on her experiences and teachings that might guide our own practices in prayer and life with others.
The Rev. Laurel Mathewson returned to enrich the Adult Forums with a study of Teresa of Avila.
Entering The Interior Castle with Teresa of Avila - The Interior Castle is considered St. Teresa’s masterpiece on prayer, but many find the work impenetrable. How might her teaching on extraordinary experiences of God in prayer illumine our own journey with God, today?
Prepare to be surprised by Teresa’s common sense and humor in providing guidance for our spiritual path.
Learning from The Life of Teresa of Avila - Apart from The Interior Castle, St. Teresa's autobiography is perhaps the second most influential text. Without getting bogged down in comparisons between the two books, this class will continue to seek observations on her experiences and teachings that might guide our own practices in prayer and life with others.
Jan. 16-Feb. 6: Scientific Revolution and Christian Responses Discussed in Supper-Lecture Series
Dr. Fred Boynton gave a four-part lecture series on the surprising compatibility between Christianity and Science.
A member of St. James, Fred lectured from his book in progress, The Evitable Conflict, Why Christianity and Science Don’t Have to Fight Each Other. He reviewed the developments on both sides that have led some Christians and many scientists to believe the two disciplines are incompatible. He showed how many of the developments in science were the work of devout Christians looking for God’s fingerprints in nature. The reaction of Christian evangelicals and fundamentalists which has led them to distrust the scientific worldview was surveyed and shown not to be taken as representative of all Christians.
Dr. Fred Boynton gave a four-part lecture series on the surprising compatibility between Christianity and Science.
A member of St. James, Fred lectured from his book in progress, The Evitable Conflict, Why Christianity and Science Don’t Have to Fight Each Other. He reviewed the developments on both sides that have led some Christians and many scientists to believe the two disciplines are incompatible. He showed how many of the developments in science were the work of devout Christians looking for God’s fingerprints in nature. The reaction of Christian evangelicals and fundamentalists which has led them to distrust the scientific worldview was surveyed and shown not to be taken as representative of all Christians.
Jan. 13: “Challenges, Blessings, and Learnings from the Field”
The Rev’d Colin Mathewson, Mission Developer and Pastor, helped us learn and explore the innovative mission work and ministry being done at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
The Rev’d Colin Mathewson, Mission Developer and Pastor, helped us learn and explore the innovative mission work and ministry being done at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.