Biblical Study Breaks

An opportunity to be guided through a whole book of the Holy Scriptures by outstanding scholars. These begin on Monday afternoon (lunch optional), finish after lunch Thursday; no evening sessions.

Forthcoming

Acts of the Apostles: Jesus, the Church and the Churches
19 to 22 April
Michael DeLashmutt and David Holgate

The book of Acts tells the dramatic story of the Christian Church's early expansion from Jerusalem, to Antioch and to the rest of the world. As told by Luke, the story paints a picture of the Church's burgeoning self-understanding as it approached the end of the first century AD. This study break will examine this story and seek to connect our reading of Acts today with the audience to whom Luke was writing.

Topics covered will include: the historical-critical background to Luke-Acts; the history of the first century Church; understanding early Christian mission; Acts' relevance to 21st century Christian thought and practice; and the reception of the book of Acts in the Church today.

Our aim is to develop in students a fresh perspective into the book of Acts which takes seriously the historical circumstances of the document, alongside its role in sparking the imagination of the Christian Church today. Students will come away with both a well-rounded knowledge of the narrative and history of this Biblical book, as well as a set of interpretive tools by which they can read the book of Acts within the context of their own lives.

This course will be team-taught through a combination of lectures, guided readings, and seminar discussions. Students will be encouraged to purchase a textbook around which the course will be based.

Exodus
17 to 20 May
Graham Davies

The Exodus story is of central importance for the definition of Old Testament belief in God, his relationship to his people and their response to him. A variety of approaches will examine themes such as the name of God, his deliverance of his people from slavery, the covenant at Sinai, the Ten Commandments and principles of worship.

Matthew
15 to 18 November 2010
David Catchpole

Matthew's Sermon of the Mount has new delights to disclose every time one returns to it. Add to that his views on where wisdom may be found, how a fractured church can be a means of reconciliation, where women should be set within a religious community, what should be done (for better or worse) about the theological legacy of Paul ... and the menu for a biblical break on Matthew offers choice possibilities. Always lurking in the background is the business of defining his religion - is it Christianity, or is it Christian Judaism? In the end, we might ask on our own behalf, is our own calling to be Christians in the style of Matthew?

Booking information:
These courses can be taken either non-residential or residential:

Non-residential £199  Standard £279 En-suite £324 Premier £369

The residential price includes all meals & refreshments. The non-residential price includes all meals and refreshments except breakfast. If you wish to arrive in time for lunch on Monday (1pm) there will be an opportunity to arrange this when the final details and timetable are sent out (approximately 2 weeks before the course). Do let us know about any dietary or other special requirements in advance.

If you would like any further information please contact Alison Ogden on 01722 424826 or aogden@sarum.ac.uk

Send a booking enquiry for biblical weeks

Previous biblical weeks include Biblical Study Break: John's Gospel; Biblical Study Break: St. Luke's Gospel; Biblical Study Break: Genesis 1-11; Biblical Study Break: Paul’s Epistle to the Romans