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Summer Theological Discussions From June 18-22 and 25-27, 2001, under the co-sponsorship of the Lilly Foundation through Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, six Whitworth faculty will represent different religious traditions in an eight day discussion designed to explore the similiarities and differences regarding a variety of issues, including the nature of vocation. Key questions include the following: 1) How do we know or access God (according to the tradition) and what is the predominant view toward the authority of Scripture? 2) What are the fundamental assumptions regarding human nature (freedom of the will, rationality, and propensity for good and evil etc...) 3) What is the tradition likely to say about responsibility for the world as it is reflected in at least three specific issues (these can be any three issues-war and peace, social justice, gender roles, evangelism, abortion, environment) 4) How does this particular religious tradition understand the concept of vocation We will spend the last couple of days of the seminar comparing and contrasting to the Reformed and evangelical traditions as well as talking about the implications for classroom teaching. The following faculty were selected:
On July 8-11, 2001, Reverend Dr. Terry McGonigal, dean of the chapel at Whitworth University will teach a course entitled, Psalms: Earthy Spirituality as part of the Certificate in Spiritual Formation. He will explore the faith resources offered in the book of Psalms, with special attention to the relationship between Scripture and our current life situations. To register, contact Rev. Tim Dolan at tdolan@whitworth.edu, or 777-4676. On July 12-15, 2001, Reverend Dr. Terry McGonigal, dean of the chapel at Whitworth will lead a Spiritual Immersion Weekend at Whitworth. This is a required course for the Certificate in Spiritual Formation and introduces participaants to some of the formative aspects of Old Testament, New Testament, Monastic, and Reformed spirituality. To register, contact Rev. Tim Dolan at tdolan@whitworth.edu or 777-4676. On July 16-20, 2001, Spirituality and Discipleship as part of the Whitworth Institute of Ministry. Participants in the Certificate in Spiritual Formation who attend the Whitworth Institute of Ministry may receive course credit in the certificate program. The theme for this year's institute is "Discipleship in the 21st Century." Featured speakers will be Robert Mitchell, James Edwards, and Karen Petersen Finch. To register, contact Rev. Tim Dolan at tdolan@whitworth.edu. or 777-4676. On July 16-20, 2001, Whitworth will host its annual Institute of Ministry. This summer the featured preacher will be Robert Mitchell, who is currently serving as interim pastor at the Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church. He is the former president of Young Life and the former vice president of United States Ministries, World Vision. Topic: Our Lord Cares for His Own Spiritual resources for those involved in the disciple-making process. A look at the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus and their implications for pastors and Christian leaders today. Words of encouragement and admonition from the heart of the Savior. The Bible teacher will be one of Whitworth University's most popular professors, Dr. James Edwards. His latest book, The Divine Intruder, published by NavPress earlier this year, is written for the person who feels God is far away, especially in tough times. Topic: The Gospel of Mark A distinctive of contemporary American Christianity is the quest to make the faith palatable to a variety of tastes and lifestyles. People "shop" for a church that suits them, and churches strive to offer "seeker-friendly" atmospheres. Our concern with lifestyles today provides a fitting context from which to revisit the teaching in the Gospels about discipleship. No Gospel places a higher premium on discipleship than does the Gospel of Mark, the warp and woof of which are who Jesus is and what his followers must become. And the worship leader will be the Reverend Karen Petersen Finch from Spokane, Washington. Karen has an M.Div. from Princeton and previously served as an interim chaplain at Whitworth University. She has lectured widely, taught courses in theology at Whitworth, and published articles in PFR Reform and Discipleship Journal. Topic: Lord and Life-Giver: Becoming Disciples in the Power of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is both catalyst and guide for Christian discipleship. Yet many of us lack a biblical and theological understanding of the Spirit's purpose: to give us life in communion with God. With this promise as our focus, we will examine such questions as: How does the Spirit make disciples and empower them to follow Jesus Christ? Why does the Spirit create the church? What are some of the challenges of the spirit-filled life? As always the Institute attempts to create a meaningful experience for the entire family with special programs designed for youth and teenagers alike. For additional information or to be placed on the mailing list, contact Michelle Seefried at 509-777-3275 or email at mpace@whitworth.edu. |
