ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL STUDY CENTRE. Summer 2015 COURSES TALKS STUDY DAYS

Transcription

1 ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL STUDY CENTRE Summer 2015 COURSES TALKS STUDY DAYS

2 BOOKING FORM Please your booking to and pay by bank transfer, or send this booking form to the address on the back page, with a cheque payable to St Albans Cathedral Learning. For more information, see website. Please circle: 1. Ecumenism MBSR 165 (please apply first) 3. Independent project Dissertation Visiting Local Churches NT Greek Hebrew NT study (May/Jun/Jul) 5 each 9. Abbey at St Albans God in the Frame Intro to Islam Christian Latin Letters Beyond Consumerism Enneagram (1/2/both) 22 each or 40 both 15. Van Gogh The Virgin Mary Princess to Holy Martyr with dinner ( 5 lecture only) 18. Reformation Post-resurrection Bonhoeffer with dinner ( 5 lecture only) 21. Jesus in Three Faiths (free but please book) 22. Christian Thought Summer School Greek (w1/2/ both) 140pw 24. Summer School Latin (w1/2/ both) 140pw Name: Address: address: Telephone: Payment method: I enclose a cheque for I will transfer by e-payment I wish to use my Diocesan Clergy, or Reader, Training Grant to pay (the Study Centre will invoice the Diocese directly) Payment details: Account name: St Albans Cathedral Learning Sort code: Account number: We do not want anyone to be deterred from attending any events for financial reasons. If you find the fees prohibitive, please contact us (see back page). Please check this box if you do not wish to receive information from us.

3 COURSES An Introduction to Ecumenism This may be taken independently, or as a 10 credit optional module (with assessment) of SACT or SACT+: see page 5. Dates: Tuesdays 14 Apr-12 May Time: 8.00pm Cost: 50 The story of Christian Unity over the last 100 or so years is one of gain but also frustration. This course looks at the ecumenical journey so far, and seeks to address remaining issues and challenges. It will also introduce different traditions within the Christian churches, exploring how they approach common themes such as mission, scripture and tradition, unity and diversity within the Church. Input will come from the different strands of the unique ecumenical chaplaincy based at St Albans Cathedral (Free Church, German Lutheran, Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican), and assignments, for those who choose to do them, will include the possibility of field work in an ecumenical context. Tutors: The Revd Dr Kevin Walton (course director), with representatives of different denominations Venue: St Albans Cathedral Library Learning Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Dates: Tuesdays 28 Apr-23 Jun (8.00pm; excl. 26 May), Saturday 6 Jun (full day) Cost: 165 (includes a CD set) The term 'Mindfulness' has been used widely in the West to describe a particular approach to life's challenges, and also various practices to develop awareness. Mindfulness encourages us to cultivate a focused and expanded awareness of body, thoughts and feelings, so that we can relieve stress and make wise choices. This is a participatory and practical 8 week course, with a trained Mindfulness teacher, providing instruction in mindfulness meditation, gentle stretching and mindful movement. Please send no money now for this course, but wait until you have had your application approved by the tutor. Tutor: The Revd Terence Handley MacMath, a trained teacher of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with the Oxford Mindfulness Centre Independent Project A 20 credit optional module of SACT: see page 5. Date: Applications due 30 Apr; project deadline 5 Sept. Classes: Research Methods: 18 May; Writing Skills: 6 Jul. Time: Classes 8.00pm Cost: 100 This module of the St Albans Certificate in Theology gives students the opportunity to develop a piece of supported independent research, related to, or deriving from, the subjects introduced in the SACT programme. It is only appropriate for those who have completed two or more of the core modules of SACT. Based on a subject area submitted to the Adult Learning Officer, students are allocated an appropriate supervisor, then complete a 5,000 word essay. Students also attend classes on research and writing skills. Tutor: An appropriate supervisor will be allocated Venue: Classes are held in St Albans Cathedral Library

4 Dissertation A 20 credit optional module of SACT+: see page 5. Date: Proposals due 30 Apr; project deadline 28 Nov. Classes: Research Methods: 18 May; Writing Skills: 6 Jul. Time: Classes 8.00pm Cost: 100 This module of the St Albans Certificate in Theology Plus gives students the opportunity to develop an extended piece of supported independent research. It is most appropriate for those who have completed two or more modules of SACT+. Based on a research proposal submitted to the Adult Learning Officer, students complete a 10-12,000 word dissertation, with the support of a supervisor. Students also attend classes on research methods and writing skills. See website for further information and proposal forms. Tutor: An appropriate supervisor will be allocated Venue: Classes are held in St Albans Cathedral Library Visiting Local Churches Dates: Tuesdays 2-30 June Time: 10am (full day; end times may vary) Cost: 80 A chance to visit some local churches to learn about their history, their architecture and their present activities. Participants will make their own way to the churches but car-sharing can be arranged for those without their own transport. We hope to start with the three oldest churches in the town: St Michael, St Peters and St Stephens, before moving on to churches further afield, though all within a few miles of St Albans. Think you know all about the familiar churches in the neighbourhood? Think again! The course fee includes a donation to each church we visit. Tutor: Laurie Gibson (course director), with input from local churches Venue: First meeting begins Chapter Room, The Deanery, St Albans Cathedral LANGUAGES Post-beginners New Testament Greek 1 (L2) Dates: Wednesdays 22 Apr-20 May Time: 8.00pm Cost: 50 This course may be taken independently, or as a10 credit optional module (with assessment) of SACT or SACT+: see page 5. For language levels, see website or contact the Adult Learning Officer. This five week post-beginners course will teach those who have a very basic grasp of New Testament Greek to develop their understanding of grammar and syntax, and start to learn some vocabulary. It is suitable for those who have taken the Introduction to NT Greek course, and for those who have learned only a small amount of the language elsewhere or studied it a long time ago! Please ask if you are unsure about the level. Tutor: Dr Clare Coombe, Tutor in Language and Literature Venue: St Albans Cathedral Library Post-beginners Hebrew 1 (L2) Dates: Tuesdays 16 Jun-21 Jul (excl. 30 Jun) Time: 8.00pm Cost: 50

5 This course may be taken independently, or as a10 credit optional module (with assessment) of SACT or SACT+: see page 5. For language levels, see website or contact the Adult Learning Officer. This five week post-beginners course will teach those who have a very basic grasp of biblical Hebrew to develop their understanding of grammar and syntax, and start to learn some vocabulary. It is suitable for those who have taken the Introduction to Hebrew course, and for those who have learned only a small amount of the language elsewhere or studied it a long time ago! Please ask if you are unsure about the level. Tutor: The Revd Dr Kevin Walton, Tutor in Old Testament Studies Venue: St Albans Cathedral Library Greek New Testament Study Group Dates: this group meets each month, when possible. Summer term dates are: 11 May, 1 Jun, 8 Jul. Time: 8.00pm Cost: 5 per session This study group is for those who want an opportunity to read and discuss gospel passages, carefully chosen from this year s lectionary, in the original Greek. In a one hour session, with guidance from tutors, students will have the chance to elucidate the meaning and nuance of the Greek, and contribute to an exegetical analysis of the chosen passage. Texts will be circulated in advance, and students are expected to have an existing level of Greek sufficient to be able to prepare the text independently and then translate it as part of the group. The group is open to all who want to improve their NT Greek and their reading of scripture, but may be particularly relevant to clergy and readers. 11 May: Jn 17: Jun: Mk 3:20-35 (and 4:26-34) 8 Jul: Mk 6:14-29 Tutors: The Revd Dr Kevin Walton and Dr Clare Coombe Venue: St Albans Cathedral Library SACT and SACT+: if indicated, courses above may be taken as part of the St Albans Certificate in Theology (SACT) or the St Albans Certificate in Theology Plus (SACT+). These courses include membership of the Cathedral Library, which is open for an hour before any SACT or SACT+ class. Details can be found in the SACT leaflet or on our website. To achieve SACT, students study four core modules of OT and NT Studies, Christian Doctrine, and Church History, worth 20 (nontransferable) credits each. A further 40 credits are taken from optional modules, which may include languages, short courses, or an independent project. Each module ends with appropriate assessment, usually in the form of an essay or, for languages, an exam. SACT+ is designed for those with existing experience of the study of theology, such as SACT, and expects students to undertake regular reading and independent study. SACT+ is made up of optional short course modules, up to a total of 60 credits, with assessment, which will require supported independent preparation for several weeks after the end of the course. If a course is offered both for SACT or SACT+, levels may be differentiated by assignments and learning outcomes.

6 STUDY DAYS The Abbey at St Albans and its Relationship with the Town in the Fourteenth Century Date: Saturday 18 Apr Time: 10am-12.30pm Cost: 15 The fourteenth century was a tumultuous time for England; the Black Death ravaged the country in 1348 closely followed by the Peasants Revolt in Both the town and monastery of St Albans were affected by these events and as a result the relationship between the two became strained with the townspeople wanting more freedom than the monastery would allow. This study morning will examine these events at St Albans within the context of medieval England and will address the nature of the relationship between the monks and the townspeople during the fourteenth century. Tutor: Rebecca Toepfer, University of Southampton Putting God in the Frame a History of Cinema and Some Tools for Theological Interpretation Date: Saturday 2 May Time: 10.30am-3.30pm Cost: 20 The distinctive and unique character of film means that it deals with religious themes and subjects in ways different to the other arts. This raises questions for the Christian filmgoer: Is there a Christian way of seeing a film? How can Christians evaluate the art of film? To help us answer these questions, we will study the history of cinema using clips from the early silent movies up to the present day, and consider the reception of this new medium by the Church and society. Along the way we will learn some critical theological methods to enhance our understanding and appreciation. Tutor: The Revd David Beresford, Priest-in-Charge, Church of the Holy Cross, Marsh Farm, Luton An Introduction to Islam Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 10.30am-3.30pm Cost: 20 Islam is one of the great religions of the world. On this study day, Dr Esmail will provide an introduction to the religion: to its origins and early historical development; and to its key text and beliefs and practices. Tutor: Dr Karim Esmail, Universities of Oxford and Cambridge Writing to the Moment: Christian Latin Letter Writing in Prose and Verse Date: Saturday 23 May Time: 10.30am-3.30pm Cost: 20 This Study Day will focus on the activity of letter writing and its significance in the Christian world of Late Antiquity and the Early Medieval period. We will start with the letter-collections of St Augustine and St Jerome, with the aim of charting their significance within the developing Christian communities of the fourth century AD. We will also be looking at the less familiar phenomenon of the verse letter, tracing the influence of their more worldly contemporary,

7 Ausonius of Bordeaux, on the sixth century figure of Venantius Fortunatus, court poet, friend of St Radegund and future bishop of Poitiers. Tutor: Dr Gill Knight, University of Reading Beyond Consumerism Date: Saturday 30 May Time: 10.30am-3.30pm Cost: 20 The economic and social difficulties of the last few years have raised many questions about the sort of society we live in, the communities we belong to, and the way in which our economy and way of life is seemingly governed by the desire to consume. This study day will use scripture, and the Christian tradition (especially the monastic life) to explore how we as Christians are called to re-imagine the nature of community life. Asking how we can live faithfully in the midst of these difficult times, resisting seeing ourselves as passive consumers, and instead become active ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. Tutor: Fr Gareth Powell, Priest Missioner, The Community of St Margaret the Queen Enneagram: a Powerful Tool for Spiritual Growth Through Understanding Ourselves and Others Another chance to catch these two study days, which can be booked separately or as a pair. Date: Saturdays 6 Jun and 18 Jul Time: 10.00am-3.30pm Cost: 22 each or 40 for both Do you wonder why people act differently from you? How can I understand myself and others better? Why are some people so fearful whereas others enjoy the challenges and dangers of life? The Enneagram model of nine personality types helps explain so much about the way we behave. It is a unique way of understanding ourselves, our world, our God and how we relate to others. These two workshops will introduce you to the system, the beautifully accurate descriptions of human personality and then consider how we can use these insights to grow in our relationship with God. Come to one or both. Enneagram 1: Introduction to the Enneagram. The informal, introductory workshop will use short presentations and group discussion to provide an insight into this valuable tool. Enneagram 2: Exploring how the Enneagram can help in our relationship with God. The Enneagram system was developed as a map to help us see how the way we think, feel and behave is acted out in our spiritual experience. It has roots in the Christian desert spirituality of the third century AD. Since then it has been used by individuals, spiritual directors, and mentors, to help see the different ways we recognise God and relate to Him and what about our personality stands in the way of us developing our prayer life. You need to be familiar with the Enneagram and have an idea of your type. Tutor: Jill Foulger, Enneagram Teacher and Counsellor

8 'Sorrowful, but always rejoicing': the Theology of Vincent Van Gogh Date: Saturday 13 Jun Time: 10.30am-3.30pm Cost: 20 Van Gogh is generally approached in entirely secular terms as a tortured and isolated genius; but in reality the great outpouring of artistic work in his final years is the fruit of a profound wrestling with God which embodies the crisis of faith in the nineteenth century. Drawing on his surviving letters and on a selection of his paintings, this study day will explore Van Gogh's enduring fascination with Jesus and his restless searching for the infinite glimpsed in the reality of the material world. This unwritten theology has both resonances within the Christian tradition and relevance for people struggling with faith today. Tutor: The Revd Iain Lane, Tutor in Doctrine and the Visual Arts The Virgin Mary in Christian Tradition Date: Saturday 27 Jun Time: 10.30am-3.30pm Cost: 20 Devotion to the Virgin Mary is one of the most ancient and widespread features of Western and Eastern Christianity, yet it has also been the ground of numerous controversies, most famously those following the Protestant Reformation. To this day, attitudes to various aspects of devotion to the Blessed Virgin function as important touchstones of identity between Christians of different denominations, and between theological faultlines within different faith communities. On this study day, we will take a close look at the Scriptural and patristic roots of Marian devotion, before studying the flowering of her cult in medieval Christendom. We shall then seek to understand how two historical moments in the history of Western thought dramatically reconfigured understandings of Mary's person and significance: the Reformation and the Enlightenment. Finally, we'll look at the 19th and 20th Century developments in Marian dogma, and discuss some recent developments in contemporary theology which might point toward a renewed interest in Mary for the 21st Century. Tutor: Jacob Phillips, Kings College, London TALKS DEDICATION 900 SERIES: From Princess to Holy Martyr In partnership with The Fraternity of the Friends of St Albans Abbey to mark the 900th anniversary of the dedication of the Norman church. Date: Monday 20 Apr Time: 6.30pm dinner; 7.30pm lecture Cost: for 1 course dinner with coffee in the Abbot s Kitchen, followed by lecture in the Crypt. (Lecture only: 5.) From modest beginnings to the apex of incalculable wealth at the heart of the imperial Russian court to the poverty of imprisonment and the horror of brutal death, From Princess to Holy Martyr tells the story of Ella, Grand Duchess Elisabeth Feodorovna, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, wife of assassinated Grand Duke Serge Alexandrovich, sister of the last Russian tsarina, and ordained

9 abbess of the nursing Order of Saints Martha and Mary which she established to help the needy of Moscow. Today, she is revered as the Holy Imperial Martyr Saint Elisabeth Romanova. Tutor: Christopher Warwick, biographer of St Elisabeth Venue: Abbot s Kitchen then Crypt, St Albans Cathedral Mapping the Reformation Date: Monday 27 Apr Time: 7.30pm Cost: 10 The Reformation of the 16th century was one of the major turning points in European history. Some people see it as a titanic clash between individual conscience and the structures of power, but it was much more complex than that and took a variety of forms in different countries. In this lecture Dr Herbert will be tracing the underlying causes of the Reformation. He will describe the changing understanding of the world and of religious and political ideas and will show how these factors led to such a great upheaval in human thinking. It is an upheaval which continues to shape our continent and our world. Tutor: The Right Revd Dr Christopher Herbert, former Bishop of St Albans Post-Resurrection Appearances Date: Thursday 7 May Time: 7.30pm Cost: 10 This session will explore the New Testament accounts of the post- Resurrection appearances. It will look at the accounts of Easter Sunday, of the weeks following, and of the Ascension. Each appearance will be examined in terms of the characters, the narrative and the place of the account within the work of which it forms a part. Why are the accounts in the gospels not identical? What was the theological agenda of each author? What type of literature are the accounts? There will be time for questions and discussion. Tutor: Sr Anne Griffiths, lecturer and Ursuline Sister. Venue: Library, St Albans Cathedral DEDICATION 900 SERIES: Penultimate Things: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Guardianship of Culture In partnership with The Fraternity of the Friends of St Albans Abbey to mark the 900th anniversary of the dedication of the Norman church. Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 6.30pm dinner; 7.30pm lecture Cost: for 1 course dinner with coffee in the Abbot s Kitchen, followed by lecture in the Crypt. (Lecture only: 5.) This lecture will discuss the cultural subtext to Dietrich Bonhoeffer s writing, which is often overlooked. Bonhoeffer s background was the culturally sophisticated intelligentsia of Wilhelmine Society. When his native culture was thrown into crisis by Nazi misappropriation during the 1930s, however, he reacted by criticising some aspects of German cultural expression and insisting only on uncompromising discipleship. Nonetheless, in his final years he underwent a rediscovery of his Wilhelmine inheritance, as he came to see the guardianship of culture as part of a broad compass of responsibility for others in the name of Christ.

10 Tutor: Jacob Phillips, Kings College, London Venue: Abbot s Kitchen then Crypt, St Albans Cathedral Jesus in Three Faiths In partnership with Interfaith St Albans. Date: Wednesday 3 June Time: 7.45pm Cost: none (donations gratefully received) Christians, Jews and Muslims have differing attitudes towards the important figure of Jesus. What do their views of Jesus have in common, and are their differences really so great? How can the three faiths learn from one another as they think about this great religious teacher? The Cathedral Study Centre, in partnership with a newly-formed St Albans interfaith group, is offering a rare opportunity to think through these questions in an informed and informative manner. Rabbi Danny Rich, the Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism, will speak on Jesus the Jew. The Revd Bonnie Evans-Hill, the diocesan interfaith adviser, will speak on The Christian Jesus. A third speaker (to be confirmed) will speak on The Muslim Jesus. The evening will conclude with engagement and discussion, chaired by the Rt Revd John Sherrington, the Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster. Venue: St Albans Cathedral Library BISHOP OF ST ALBANS LECTURES: Christian Thought and the Christian Life: Loving God with All Our Mind Date: Monday 8 Jun Time: 7.00pm Cost: 5 Tickets also available on the door. Following his installation as Canon Philosopher at evensong, the Revd Dr Andrew Davison will give his inaugural lecture. At St Albans Cathedral we have a strong tradition of wanting to understand and celebrate the intellectual treasures of the Christian tradition. In this inaugural lecture, Dr Davison will look at what it means to love God with our all of our mind, as well as with all of our body, soul and strength. Clearly, intellectual concerns aren t everything. As The Cloud of Unknowing, one of the most popular of mediaeval mystical texts, puts it: By love may God be got and held, but by knowing, never. Dr Davison will argue, however, that thinking deeply about the faith need not be opposed to loving God, far from it. Our thinking can kindle our love for God further. With that in mind, he will also consider the neglected role for reason in the evangelistic mission of the church. Tutor: The Revd Dr Andrew Davison, Starbridge Lecturer in Theology and Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge, and Canon Philosopher of St Albans Cathedral Venue: The Lady Chapel, St Albans Cathedral

11 SUMMER SCHOOLS New Testament Greek for Beginners and Post-beginners Latin for Beginners and Post-beginners Dates: Week 1 Monday 27 Jul-Friday 31 Jul Week 2 Monday 3 Aug-Friday 7 Aug Time: 10.00am-4.00pm Cost: 140/week (students will also be expected to purchase a textbook). Students choose between NT Greek and Latin, which run concurrently. The first week is for those with no experience of the language; the second is for those with existing beginners' level Latin or Greek. Students may take one or both weeks. These summer schools are suitable for all, but may be particularly relevant to sixth formers exploring university options of Classics, Theology or Medieval Studies, undergraduates or postgraduates taking related courses, and any other interested adults who want something unusual to do with their summer! There is no accommodation available at the Cathedral, but we may be able to assist anyone who needs somewhere to stay in St Albans. Bursaries may be available, and we do not wish anyone to be prohibited from attending for financial reasons. Tutors: Michael Husbands, Merchant Taylors School, and Dr Clare Coombe, Tutor in Language and Literature Venue: St Albans Cathedral Library and Chapter Room ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL LIBRARY The Cathedral Library is a modern theological lending library intended to meet the needs of the general reader, teachers and students, people training for ordination or lay ministry, and clergy undertaking continuing ministerial education. The library s resources cover the full range of theological disciplines, including theology, biblical studies, spirituality, philosophy, and ethics, as well as keeping material relating to the Abbey s history and a local collection. Annual membership: The Library is open to anyone to sit and read. For borrowing rights, there is an annual membership fee of 20. Discounts may be available. To join the library, come in during opening hours, or see the website for a form and information on how to pay. Membership is free to SACT/SACT+ and ERMC students. Cathedral Library Book Group: Each second Tuesday of the month, the Book Groups (one at 2.30pm and one at 6pm) meet to discuss a novel, the themes of which resonate particularly with Christian readers. To find out which book has been chosen each month, check or contact the Adult Learning Officer. No need to book; just read the novel and turn up to the library at either time. There is no cost, though donations are welcomed!

12 CONTACT US St Albans Cathedral Study Centre and Library The Hudson Room The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban Sumpter Yard St Albans AL1 1BY Study Centre: Library: St Albans Cathedral Study St Albans Cathedral Library is a modern theological lending library. See our website for the catalogue and for further information. Library daytime opening: Monday-Friday Saturday 10.00am-2.30pm 10.00am-1.00pm Sunday (first of each month) am Library evening opening (term-time only): Thursday pm For one hour before the beginning of any SACT or SACT+ module, as listed in this programme. Cover image by Matthew Paris, courtesy of the Masters and Fellows of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.