BIBLICAL STUDIES & THEOLOGY COHORT, 2014 OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY PRAXIS & FOOD

BIBLICAL STUDIES & THEOLOGY COHORT, 2014 OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY PRAXIS & FOOD

FROM THE DIRECTOR Are you wanting to dig deeper into the Bible, either the Old Testament or the New? Do you wonder why the Bible is divided into the Old and New Testament? Are you curious as to why the Bible has the books it does? Or why they are arranged they way they are? Or why there is so much talk about the other books of the Bible that aren t included? Do have some nagging theological question that you would like to explore? Or a simple desire to know what theology is? After seeing or reading some new evidence type story about Christianity, do you find yourself asking, Well, what I am supposed to do/ believe now? Do you sometimes wonder what it means to be a Christian in the world and how to do that? Or why that even matters? In 2014, Christian Church Buckhead will launch an elective study series where you can come with these types of questions and discuss them with specialists in biblical studies, theology, and the church. We want to engage with real ideas, real questions, and even real doubts, and do so in an environment that is both safe and beneficial. This elective series, called the Biblical Studies & Theology Cohort (BSTC), is primarily designed for that purpose. Since this 2014 launch is the pilot for the BSTC, we will begin with four sessions on four basic topics of Christianity: Survey of both Old & New Testament, crash-course in Theology, and faithful Praxis. On the following pages you ll find more detailed information about the cohort, how to get involved, and where to register. I look forward to journeying with you on your move towards greater depth and understanding of your faith and practice. Carl Sweatman Cohort Director PhD New Testament and Pauline Studies University of Gloucestershire, England Contact: cssweatman@gmail.com

THE COHORT How does the cohort work? It s simple. As a cohort member you will attend four Saturday sessions throughout the year, each one led by biblical scholars and professors. At these sessions you ll get a crash-course in the day s subject matter, deepening your understanding of God and the scriptures, and (hopefully) your faith. The subject matter (outlined on the next page) covers four major components of biblical study and theology, designed to give you a deeper understanding of the old and new testament, theology in general, and how all of this stuff fits into our everyday lives, something we re calling praxis. These are all-day gigs, by the way, so clear your schedule! Where are the sessions held? Each of the four sessions is held in a living room here in the city, some place comfortable where the coffee is always on tap, and the food is nearby. More importantly, since these are in-depth experiences, we wanted to create a good environment where community and dialogue can take place. Who are the session leaders? William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA. Dr. Brown holds degrees from Whitman College (BA), Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Emory University (PhD). But don t let any of that frighten you...he s one of the nicest guys you ll meet! Trivia: Derek Sweatman, CCB s Pastor, took an Old Testament class with Brown in 2011. Carl Sweatman, Professor of Biblical Studies at Montreat College, North Carolina. Carl holds degrees from Cincinnati Christian University (BA, MA) and University of Gloucestershire, England (PhD). And yes, he s Derek Sweatman s brother. WE ARE CURRENTLY SECURING OUR THIRD INSTRUCTOR. IF HE SAYS YES, IT S GONNA BE AWESOME. WE LL KEEP YOU INFORMED. Is there a cost? Yes. The full year is $125. Included in the registration costs are books (yes, textbooks!), meals at each session, and a small honorarium for the day s instructor.

SESSION DETAILS Session One: Old Testament When: Saturday, February 1st 2014 from 9:00am to 4:00pm, led by Dr. William P. Brown. What: The Old Testament (OT) is a messy collection of narratives, cosmologies, poems, wisdom writings, historical volumes, and much more. How are we to read and understand these writings? In this session you ll receive solid instruction on the basics of the OT, its structure and movements, as well as, some helpful tips in learning and growing from its writings. Don t forget: Jesus bible was the Old Testament! Text: Exploring The Old Testament, by Samuel J. Schultz Session Two: New Testament When: Saturday, May 3rd 2014, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, led by Dr. Carl Sweatman What: Why are there four biographies of Jesus in the New Testament (NT)? Why are they different from each other? Who is responsible for the writings we have in the NT, and can we trust them? In this session you ll learn the basics of the NT, its structure and movements, its historical integrity, as well as, helpful tips on getting the most out of the texts. Text: Exploring The New Testament, by Walter M. Dunnett Session Three: Theology When: Saturday, August 2nd 2014, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, led by Dr. Carl Sweatman What: Augustine defined theology as the reasoning or discussion concerning God. In a broader sense, theology encompasses our understandings of God and his work in the world, as seen through scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. Simply put: theology is the art of talking about God! This session will cover the history of theological thought, and give you a solid starting point for growing in your theology. Text: Theology: The Basics, by Alister E. McGrath Session Four: Praxis When: Saturday, November 1st 2014 from 9:00am to 4:00pm (We are currently securing this instructor) What: According the James chapter 2, living what your believe is the most important action in our lives. But how do you live scripture and theology and faith? How do you take what you know and apply it the way God desires? This session is so practical its crazy! Learn the art of the ancient disciplines of spiritual growth and practice. Text: The Provocative Church, by Graham Tomlin

THE IN-BETWEEN SESSIONS, WHICH ARE OPTIONAL SIX WEEKS AFTER EACH SESSION WE WILL HOST AN ONLINE GATHERING FOR CONTINUED DISCUSSION BASED ON THE PREVIOUS SESSION S MATERIAL. IT WILL BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS, AND HEAR WHAT OTHERS ARE LEARNING. Dates Wednesday, March 12th at 9:00pm Wednesday, June 11th at 9:00pm Wednesday, September 10th at 9pm Wednesday, December 10th at 9:00pm DETAILED INFORMATION AND INVITES WILL BE SENT OUT A WEEK PRIOR TO EACH IN-BETWEEN SESSION.

REGISTRATION DETAILS, AND SOME OTHER STUFF Registration The cost for the full year is $125. You can also sign up just for the sessions you want to take. The pricing for those depends on the book costs, so each one is a bit different. You may register on Sunday mornings in the main lobby, or online at www.christianchurchbuckhead.org/equip-courses/biblical-studies-cohort. Checks made payable to Christian Church Buckhead with Cohort in the memo line. About the Books Once you register we ll order your books for you! Two of them come in Kindle format, something you can choose on the registration form if you like. Childcare? Yes. We will have a team to help with this if you need it. Simply check that option on the registration form. Questions Feel free to email the Carl Sweatman (Cohort Director) at cssweatman@gmail.com

First Name Last Name Address City ZIP Phone Email Childcare Yes No Names & Ages of Children Office Use Paid Yes No REGISTRATION BST COHORT 2014