.Adult Education: Current online offerings

Why Read the Old Testament?  The question, "Why read the Old Testmanet?" is asked of a pastor frequently.  The Old Testament appears arbitraty, war like, judgmental, old and confusing.  What is the value of ancient writings in a modern world?

In four sessions this class seeks to answer that question.  Held over four Thursday evenings, April 28 - May 17, 2007 the group chose to look at the Old Testament "Christologically" - that is as a tool for understanding and proclaiming Jesus as the Christ.  Join us.  You'll be surprised and delighted along the way. 

The Gospel of Judas, the Church and the Policitcs of Exclusion  This two hour class was offering May 10, 2006 to a group of approximately 60 people from the greater Newport area.  Conversation was lively!

The Gospel of Judas is an early Christian document, possibly dating somewhere between A.D. 120-150.  It was later declared heretical by the early Christian Church.  In this class Pastor Dave Brauer-Rieke shares the history of the Gospel of Judas, the questions it raises and the politics and concerns around it's teaching.

This online course is in an audio/visual format with slides and lecture.  You must have Macromedia Flash installed on your computer to view it.  Most computers already have this feature installed. (If you need Macromedia Flash there is a link to the right!)

Talking Back: The Psalms as Critical Conversation with God  This class was offered in six sessions over a six week period, September 22 - October 27, 2005. Identical 12 noon and 7 PM evening sessions were both offered and the online sessions may be from either one.

The Psalms are the prayerbook of the Bible. Their poetry, rhythm and rhyme invite us into the depths of our own souls and emotions.  This class looks at the psalms as a way to be in conversation with God.  Their whimsy, tragedy, joy and anger help us commune with the Divine in a way we often are unable to achieve without the form and meter of mystery. 

Never Left Behind: The True Gospel of Revelation!  This class was offered in five consecutive evening sessions July 25-29, 2005.  The link here takes you to our online version of the study.

The Biblical book of Revelation has had a rocky history.  It's place in the canon has not always been secure and interpretation has been varied.  In the past century popular interpretation has been co-opted by unfounded doctrines such as the "Rapture" or understandings of prophecy not embrace by the Bible itself.  In addition, the popular Left Behind series of novels have left many with doubts and insecurities relative to the love of God and the end of time.

"Never Left Behind: The True Gospel of Revelation! approaches this wonderful book in a manner much more congruent with the rest of the New Testament.  Far from a book which seeks to ferment fear and concern the book of Revelation is designed to share confidence in uncertain times and proclaim and power and love of God in the face of political turmoil.  You've never studied Revelation like this before.