Sundays at 9:40 am in Commons I
April 7 Post Resurrection Appearances of Jesus
Three presenters will lead us in a morning of scripture and reflection on Post Resurrection Appearances of Jesus through a variety of artistic works. Marlin VanderWilt will guide us in reflection through art and scripture, and Keith Derrick will guide us in reflection through poetry and scripture. The morning will conclude with a Bible Study led by Jim Brownson.
April 14 through May 19 Christianity: the First Three Thousand Years, Part I
Last spring we focused on the history of the Reformed Church of America and the history of Hope Church. This spring we will go back further in time to learn about the early history of Christianity.
We will watch and discuss the first half of a DVD series produced by the British Broadcasting Company and directed by Diarmaid MacCulloch, Professor of History of the Church and Fellow at St. Cross College Oxford. In the first six sessions of a series that will be continued in 2013-14, we will learn about the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Asia, Africa, and Europe and about the pros and cons of the relationship of the church with imperial powers. MacCulloch combines church history with travelogue—enriched by music, architecture, and visual arts—in presenting his tour of the early history of Christianity. Each of the discussion leaders is a member of the greater Consistory of Hope Church.
April 14 The First Christianity (Part I) with Judy Parr
Rooted in Judaism and influenced by Greek and Roman cultures, the first Christians helped to spread their faith far beyond the Mediterranean world.
April 21 The First Christianity (Part II) with Don Luidens
What if the center of early Christianity had not been Rome? Syria, Baghdad, and Constantinople were places where early Christian communities thrived. As Christianity spread, its leaders struggled to define the nature of Jesus Christ.
April 28 Catholicism: The Unpredictable Rise of Rome (Part I) with Don Luidens
Though the first Christians were persecuted by Rome, the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, and that faith became the official religion of the Roman Empire.
Looking ahead…
May 5 Catholicism: The Unpredictable Rise of Rome (Part II) with Ed Anderson
May 12 Orthodoxy: From Empire to Empire (Part I) with Milt Nieuwsma
May 19 Orthodoxy: From Empire to Empire (Part I) with Milt Nieuwsma