Religious Art
I offer a wide array of classes on religious art, focusing specifically on Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
I have taught classes and led discussion groups that use the arts to explore ecumenical and interfaith topics in addition to many different courses organized according to particular historical periods or themes. Past topics include: The Art of Advent: From the Annunciation to the Nativity Temple, Tomb, and Dome: The Sacred Architecture of Jerusalem "When Death Will be no More": Painting Paradise in Christian Art The Many Faces of Paul: the Apostle's Portrait in Christian Art From the Dome of the Rock to the Great Mosque of Cordoba: Islamic Art and Architecture Material Christianity: the Art, Architecture, and Objects of Faith The Reformation and Christian Art: Idolatry or "God's Gift"? The Art of Holy Week: The Triumphal Entry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection in Christian Art The Art of Christian Rome From Michelangelo to Caravaggio: the Great Artists of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque The Many Faces of Christ in Early Christian Art Building the Church in the World: the Role of Sacred Architecture in Christian Worship Walking with Paul: Ancient Ephesus The Old Testament in Christian Art |
Church HistoryI offer classes and discussion groups on the history of early Christianity, the Middle Ages, and the Protestant Reformation.
Past topics include: The Earliest Christians: Who Were They and Where Did They Come From? Gnostic Christianity: Beliefs and Texts Debating Christ: The Theological Controversies of the Early Church Church and State: Early Christianity in the Context of the Roman Empire The Conversion of Constantine: Fact or Fiction? Pagans and Christians: Conflict or Coexistence? Religious Pluralism in the Middle Ages: the Case of Medieval Spain |
Bible Study
I offer standalone classes or mini-series (3 or 4 weeks) that cover both individual texts within the Bible and a range of thematic topics across various texts.
Past studies include: The Suffering Son of God: An Introduction to the Gospel of Mark The Last Will Be First: Social Justice in the Gospel of Luke Jesus the Jewish Messiah: An Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew The Synoptic Gospels: What are They and Why are They "Seen Together"? The "Fourth Gospel": John and His Community in Context The Nativity in Matthew and Luke: A Comparative Study Reading the Bible Seriously, Not Literally The Letters of Paul: Their Nature, Content, and Influence The Crucifixion in the Four Gospels: A Comparative Study Suffering in the Bible From Job to Christ |