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”
Reading the Gospel of John through Palestinian Eyes
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”
Judaism and Christianity in Antiquity
“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”
God’s Spokespeople: Introducing the Prophets of the Old Testament
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”
THE JEWISHNESS OF JESUS: AND WHY IT MATTERS TO CHRISTIANS
In this course, we will begin by exploring the gradual alienation of Jews and Christians from each other, and how that antagonism has slowly been reversed over the last century. We will explore specific sections of the Gospels where sensitivity to Jesus’ Jewish identity (and Semitic words) enables us to appreciate him in his humanity, …
View course details “THE JEWISHNESS OF JESUS: AND WHY IT MATTERS TO CHRISTIANS”
2023 Festival of Faiths: Sacred Hearts, Sacred Minds: Embodying Love
The 2023 Festival of Faiths will celebrate the power of love to cultivate meaningful connections, strengthen communities and transform lives. Join us for Sacred Hearts, Sacred Minds: Embodying Love, where we will explore contemporary concerns through the lens of faith and tap into our unique capacity for love and compassion. A diverse lineup of spiritual teachers, thought leaders …
View course details “2023 Festival of Faiths: Sacred Hearts, Sacred Minds: Embodying Love”
Pilgrimage to St Paul’s Sites in Rome
This pilgrimage is a prayerful journey on the footsteps of St Paul in the City of Rome where he came to share the gospel and his life for his brothers and sisters in Christ. During three days we will follow and reexperience Paul’s mission in Rome, by visiting sites related to his Jewish faith, the …
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AST Spring-Summer Courses
Consult the link for this summer’s courses on-site.
Themed Study: Easter and Passover
The spring holidays of Passover and Easter have been intertwined since the earliest periods of Christianity. Each represents the defining event of Judaism and Christianity, respectively: the Exodus from Egypt and the resurrection of Jesus. This course discusses the biblical origins of the two holidays; how Easter grew out of Passover; and how the holidays …
View course details “Themed Study: Easter and Passover”
Cult Classics: An Introduction to New Religious Movements
An online short course introducing cults, or New Religious Movements. This 4-week course is a sociological introduction to cults – or better labeled as new religious movements (NRMs). The class will learn and discuss the definition of religion, church, sect, and NRM. Following this discussion, we will examine the beginning of three mainstream religions: Islam, …
View course details “Cult Classics: An Introduction to New Religious Movements”