We can identify four main rivers which converge in the great lake of American theological expression: Liberalism/progressivism, Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism, and USA Catholicism. Each of those has a few feeder creeks. We will look at one per week, giving us a helpful overview and understanding of the theologies which drive American Christianity.

David, a former Presbyterian minister/retired healthcare chaplain, did his undergraduate studies in biblical studies/philosophy and graduate studies in Bible, theology/philosophy, and ethics. He's a lifelong student of biblical material, and advocate for religious/biblical literacy.

This class will examine Judaism in all its aspects: What is a Jew - How is Jewishness defined?, What do Jews believe - Jewish theology, How do Jews live - Jewish law, holidays, observances and traditions, Where have Jews been - turning points in Jewish history, Where are they going - modern trends in Judaism. Emphasis will be on an interactive discussion-style class.

Contemporary American Christianity is the scene of intense, sometimes emotional, disagreements about numerous issues. When the gospels record Jesus praying for the unity of his disciples, and when Paul makes overtures for likemindedness among Christians, it seems those appeals have fallen on deaf ears sometimes. Denominations split, individuals cut off friends and unfriend them on Facebook, all with the end result of more self-identified Christians tightening the circles around them.
What are these issues, here as we approach the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, that folks can't seem to agree on or even tolerate differences of opinion?
This will be an overview of eight of those issues.
Come prepared to be gracious with each other, to discuss, and yes, even debate. All in the spirit of gaining understanding.

David, a former Presbyterian minister/retired healthcare chaplain, did his undergraduate studies in biblical studies/philosophy and graduate studies in Bible, theology/philosophy, and ethics. He's a lifelong student of biblical material, dedicated to promoting religious/biblical literacy.