Serious Answers
to Hard Questions
hosted by Bishop Kenneth Carder
Life presents us with a lot of hard questions. In-this thought-provoking and inspiring course,
ten leading theologians address ten issues
that are obstacles to faith for many
both in and outside of the church.
Among the many vital questions addressed are these:
Did the early church misunderstand Jesus?
In Lesson 6
Is The Da Vinci Code historical fact or fiction?
In Lesson 8
How should we relate to people of other faiths?
In Lessons 3 & 4
How do we account for tragic illnesses like cancer?
In Lessons 1 & 2
How should Christians think about the "Old Testament God"?
In Lesson 5
What:
Ten Christian and Jewish theologians, world experts in their respective fields as well as people of faith, were each asked to address a single perplexing issue, such as the existence of evil or the relationship between religion and science. The result is the "Serious Answers" course, which will encourage energetic discussion and sustained reflection by both believers and seekers.
Note that although there are ten sessions in all, leaders are free to pick and chose individual lessons, should a shorter class be necessary.
The Ten Lessons:
1. Evil
R. Kendall Soulen,
Wesley Theological Seminary
2. Religion and Science
John Polkinghorne,
Cambridge University
3. Other Religions
Sathianathan Clarke,
Wesley Theological Seminary
4. Evangelism and Tolerance
Scott Jones,
Bishop; formerly Perkins Schl. Theo.
5. The God of the Old -.- Testament
Amy-Jill Levine,
Vanderbilt Divinity School
6. Jesus and Christianity
Richard B. Hays,
Duke Divinity School
7. Resurrection
N.T. Wright,
Bishop; formerly Oxford University
8. The Gnostic Gospels
Ben Witherington,
Asbury Theological Seminary
9. The Sins of the Church
Douglas M. Strong,
Wesley Theological Seminary
10. Forgiveness
L. Gregory Jones,
Duke Divinity School (Dean)
_______Free Video Sample: Watch Clips from Five Lessons: ______ The Course Includes:
Ten video lessons, each approximately thirty minutes in length, on either DVD or VHS tape (Lessons can easily be split in half for shorter classes.)
A Participant's Guide (workbook)
A Leader's Guide, including teaching tips, discussion helps, and class exercises
Both laypersons and clergy in churches of all denominations; the course is also very well suited for "seekers' classes."
When:
The course schedule is set by your local church. Like other Wesley Ministry Network courses, you can begin and end the class based on your church's own calendar.
Cost:
Course Kit: $150
One copy of Leader's Guide
One copy of Participant's Guide (workbook)
Video. DVD is standard format. VHS available for an extra
$10
Additional copies of Leader's Guide: $20.00 (139 pgs., full color) Includes complete text of the Participant's Guide annotated for leaders.
Additional copies of Participant's Guide: $8.00 (109 pgs., black & white)
