O18 St. Paul and the Early Church
September 25 – October 4, 2018
$3,750
Through lectures and Bible studies—as well as group discussions in hotels, on the bus and at archaeological sites—this program provides an introduction to the life, letters and theology of St. Paul as well as the Seven Ecumenical Councils of the Church with some specific themes in studied in detail:
- On St. Paul, the course covers the question of which letters are authentic, addresses specific theological concerns in his letters and sets him in his social world and historical context. Questions of how Paul should be interpreted today will also arise.
- Concerning the Seven Ecumenical Councils, the course provides a historical and theological overview of the seven councils outlining the development of Christology and Trinitarian theology, including the theology of icons, across the early centuries of the church from the first Council of Nicaea in 325 to the second in 787.
Attempts are made throughout the course to expose the contemporary importance of studying St. Paul and the councils for contemporary theology, faith and church life. In addition, the course also touches on the Seven Churches of Asia with visits to Laodicea, Pergammon, Ephesus and Patmos. Overall, a thorough exposure to early Christian history and theology is made.
Throughout the course there are opportunities for group discussion, prayer and Eucharists as well as an immersion into contemporary Turkish culture.