An introduction to sacred scripture and oral narrative in four traditions: Tanakh in Judaism, New Testament in Christianity, Qur’an in Islam, and Oral Stories in Indigenous Traditions. For each tradition, we will become acquainted with content, history, transmission, interpretation, and cultural significance. We will highlight oral teachings within each tradition, and overlapping story threads between …
View course details “Sacred Texts and Oral Traditions”

When you hear the words ‘Muslim’ or ‘Islam,’ what comes to mind? This course will survey key elements of Islam as a religious and cultural tradition from its historical beginnings to its contemporary global expressions. Students need no prior knowledge for this course as we will develop basic familiarity with the Islamic tradition’s figures, beliefs, …
View course details “Islam 101: Understanding Muslim Neighbors”

The 2024 Festival of Faiths will celebrate the beauty of creativity and the power of ideas to change the world. Share in this experience of Sacred Imagining as we lean into our highest potential, explore our authentic selves and reimagine what the future might hold. Sneak Peek at this Year’s Festival Sessions • Faith and Imagination • Interrogating Imaginations: …
View course details “Festival of Faiths, 2024: Sacred Imagining”

In this conference, we will be creating a space to gather to share our stories and discern, explore a renewed joy and commitment to continue to live in peace and love. Weaving Our Stories Within your heart there is a story… a story that is unique to you. We all carry sacred stories … stories …
View course details “Weaving Our Stories: An Interfaith Women’s+ Conference”

Five days focused on faith, heart, mind, and skills for the art of intercultural ministry Engage Difference! Deepening Understanding for Intercultural Ministry (DUIM) is a 5-day interactive and engaging program with practical ideas for implementation in your own context. DUIM is for ministry leaders and community members nurturing cultural relevance, understanding, and awareness in their …
View course details “Engage Difference Ontario”

How do we practice spiritual presence in challenging times? And let spirituality lead us to action? When communities are polarized, and peace is unpopular, these are urgent questions. Together, we will explore answers from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Each tradition offers powerful tools to critique institutional power, confront the ego, open the heart, and explore …
View course details “Interfaith Spirituality for Polarized Times”

What is Islam? This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to understanding and engaging with Islamic tradition, practice and culture–and it will thus enable participants to offer answers to this far from straightforward question. In particular, the course will engage with Islam as a living tradition – a vibrant faith that is constantly and dynamically …
View course details “Towards Oneness and Mercy: Exploring the Foundations of Islam”

The Gospel of John is one of most distinguished books in the Bible. It has unique literary and theological dimensions that we will explore together in details. The book is divided into the book of signs (John 1-12) and the book of the hour (13-21). In the book of signs we discover how the coming …
View course details “Reading the Gospel of John through Palestinian Eyes”

“To be sure, we need history. But we need it in a manner different from the way in which the spoilt idler in the garden of knowledge uses it, no matter how elegantly he may look down on our coarse and graceless needs and distresses. That is, we need it for life and for action….” …
View course details “Judaism and Christianity in Antiquity”

The prophets of the Old Testament offer some of the most compelling passages in all the Hebrew Scriptures. They promise a hopeful future, condemn an unjust status quo, and offer the reassurance of God’s present, and judgment to God’s people in uncertain times. This course is an orientation to and overview of the diverse body …
View course details “God’s Spokespeople: Introducing the Prophets of the Old Testament”