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Dr. James Alison, NEXUS MYSTERIORUM: God/Church/Bible & Homosexuality.

Course Readings

Course Description:

Edgewood College, July 7th-17th 2008 (On-campus Housing Available)

Making abundant use of the thought of René Girard, Dr Alison will be leading the participants through a unified way of making sense of some of the central teachings of Christian Faith and then learning how to apply these within a controversial modern sphere. The course--which will make heavy use of Scripture, and will seek overall to increase participants’ ability to handle the Sacred texts with sophistication—will devote three sessions to each of the following:
 

I:  Looking at what is meant by the word “God,” the difference which monotheism makes to us, and what is meant by the Trinity.  July 7-9th.

II:  Examining how Jesus brought the Church into being--what it is for, and how we live within it (and “survive” it!).  July 10th- 14th

III:  Exploring the different areas in which emerging truth about matters gay has come to affect the life of the Church.  July 15th-17th

Each Session Meets From 6:00-9:00PM
 

By re-examining traditional teachings, particular readings of Scripture, and understandings of natural law, Dr Alison proposes to help participants move beyond being scandalized at what is happening in this sphere, getting past the fears, resentment and anger which have held back the Church’s mission and impeded community-building, thus further equipping participants for mission and ministry.

 

Seminar Costs/Tuition

Course costs do not include the cost of room and board, or meals.

Course Formats:

This 2-week intensive course will be flexible enough with appropriate distinctions and expectations spelled out in the respective syllabus for each of the following formats:

SEMINAR:

Auditors for three, six or all nine of the sessions.  A brief bibliography will be provided to registrants who may wish to prepare for the sessions.

• Registration for Seminar/ Professional Development / Course Audit (non-credit attendance).    

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RS 452 001/WS 401 001. (2 credits)  

Undergraduates seeking academic credit will participate in all 9 sessions of the Seminar presented by Dr. Alison.  The undergraduate format for the course consists of a “Basic Adult Introduction to the Christian Faith, ” and an opportunity to explore the way Christians reconcile core beliefs with current issues of gender, gender identity and gender expression.   An initial bibliography will need to be read before class meets for the first time on July 7^th.  Additional bibliography and research leading to a final paper is to be compiled by the students in consultation with the professors and lead to the production of a paper due on July 25^th. 

• Current Edgewood students register on Edgereg  

• Application for Admission as Non-Degree Seeking Student 

• Housing and Meal Plan Application.

• Syllabus/Reading List for RS 452 / WS 401

Note:  Dr. John K. Leonard is listed as the professor overseeing academic credits for this course.

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RS 625 001 (2 credits)   

Graduate students seeking academic credit will participate in all 9 session of the Seminar presented by Dr. Alison.  The graduate format for the course is designed so that each of the three sections of the Seminar (GOD/CHURCH/BIBLE) presents possible openings for further study and/or  assist students to develop their own creative thinking in these areas. Brief bibliographies will be prepared for each section and Dr Alison & Dr. Leonard will meet with each of the students individually in order to work out what might be the best sort of academic follow-up given the student’s interests – Final Papers/Project Reports are due July 31^st. 

• Current Edgewood students register on Edgereg

• Application for Admission as Special Student.  

• Housing and Meal Plan Application.

Note:  Dr. John K. Leonard is listed as the professor overseeing academic credits for this course.

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Deadlines & Important Dates:

Course Registration for Current Edgewood Student (for credit or audit)

Application for Admission as a Special Student (for credit)

Seminar Registration Form (non-credit /Professional Development)

Application for On Campus Room &/or Board

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