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WinterTerm 2009 – Inward Exploration
January 4-March 14, 2009
Termlong Course Descriptions
Exploring Prayer
Marcelle Martin
We will experiment with numerous approaches to prayer and contemplation within the western tradition, including meditation, receptive journaling, petition, intercession, healing prayer, Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, and prayer with images, music and the body. We will seek to know more fully the nature of our consciousness and our connection to the Divine. Our experiences will include praying with a partner and in small groups. As we learn which forms of prayer are most suited to each of us at this time, we will explore how to make prayer a more integrated part of our daily lives.
Whole Body, Whole Mind, Holy Spirit
Walter Hjelt Sullivan
The practice of discernment – listening for leadings, hearing the still small voice, and following the inner guide – is central to Friends. We will look at the role of the body in knowing the Divine, examine how Friends through history have understood the body, and consider our personal history with our own bodies. Recognizing the body as container for the still small voice, we will explore how our Quaker faith might be transformed through an embodied practice.
Classes will include experiential exercises, small group sharing, discussion, journaling, art processes, and worship or worship sharing. We will explore embodied spiritual practices, including Self-Breema, sacred chant, sacred circle dance, and Meeting for Healing.Sacred Image, Sacred Word: An Exploration of Book Arts
Carol Sexton
What is sacred? How do we find words and images to express our understanding of the divine? We will consider these questions as we explore a variety of book arts, including calligraphy, page design, illustration, and the making of handmade books. Students will work towards a final project of their own choosing, such as an illustrated children's book, a journal of art and poetry, or an illuminated manuscript of scripture text.
The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles: The Reign of God and the Empire of Caesar
Will O’Brien
Luke and Acts comprise a two-volume work addressed to a community of early Christians, both Jew and Gentile, who were seeking to live the way of Jesus in the midst of the Roman Empire. We will explore how Luke, the author of both works, seeks to subvert the claims of Caesar while urging the community to live out the alternative community of the reign of God. Specific themes of Luke's theology will be examined, including social reversals, inclusion of sinners and enemies, forgiveness and mercy, the role of the Holy Spirit, and radical teachings on money and possessions. What does it mean to live out the reign of God today?
