Faith Learning Initiative:
Exploring Faiths & Sacred Traditions
A cooperative learning endeavor of St. Luke’s UMC, Christian Theological Seminary, and other local churches, synagogues, and mosques
• All classes are held at the Christian Theological Seminary
• Registration fee per course: $45 (Students/Senior Citizen: $40).
• To register, contact Office of Lifelong Theological Education at 931-4224 or LifeEd@cts.edu.
Ecology at the Heart of Faith:
The Deep Healing of the Human Heart Through Earthkeeping
Leader: Dr. Carol Johnston, Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at CTS & Presbyterian minister
Meets: Mondays, April 28,May 5, 12, and 19, 6:30-8:30PM
The book can be ordered from the CTS bookstore by calling 317-931-2377.
What does ecology have to do with Christian faith? Explore how ecology and the recovery of Earthkeeping is central in new and old Christianity, using the book Ecology at the Heart of Faith: The Change of Heart that Leads to a New Way of Living on Earth by Denis Edwards. Fr. Edwards is a priest in Australia who draws on both the “universe story” of how all life comes from stardust, and the teaching of Christian orthodoxy that affirms the role of Christ in the “reconciliation of the cosmos.” Far from being incompatible, Edwards shows that the healing work of Jesus is intimately connected with the restoration of the human purpose of “serving and guarding” the Earth for the sake of the flourishing of all life together.
Spiritual Practices in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Traditions
Hosts: Sister Kathleen Yeadon, OSB, Benedictine Sister from Our Lady of Grace Monastery, with help from Sid & Sharon Mishkin, Larry Winters, and Hilal Eksili
Meets: Tuesdays, April 29,May 6, 13, and 20, 6:30-8:30PM
Sr. Kathleen Yeadon will lead four weeks of sharing between Jews, Christians and Muslims about their respective spiritual practices. Each week will focus on a different faith tradition, and those who practice in that tradition will share some highlights with the class. Sid and Sharon Mishkin from Congregation Beth-El Zedeck will share during the first session from daily,Shabbat (Sabbath), and High Holy Days prayers and what they mean to them. Sr. Kathleen will explain the Catholic traditions of O Antiphons of Advent, the Stations of the Cross of the Lenten Season, the Exsultet of Easter, and the Pentecost Sequence, and how all these deepen her spiritual life. Larry Winters will share from African-American Baptist prayer and the impact on his “daily walk.” Hilal Eksili of the Holy Dove Foundation will share the meaning and importance of the five daily prayers in Islam.
From the Jesus of History to the Christ of Christian Faith
Leader: Rabbi Arnold Bienstock, Rabbi of Congregation Shaarey Tefilla
Meets: Thursdays,May 1, 8, 15 and 22, 7-9PM
This class will explore how the Jesus of history, found in the Gospel narratives, developed into the Christ of Christian faith. We will look at narratives from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) that portray Jesus as a first-century Jewish teacher and wonder worker. Then we will explore theological ideas presented by Paul, the Gospel of John, and the Book of Revelation to see how Christ emerges in early Christianity. This helps us to understand how Christianity diverged from Judaism around issues that remain important for mutual understanding today.
