September 2021 marks the 700th anniversary of the death of the Italian writer Dante Alighieri. Through an investigation of Dante's "The Divine Comedy," Silver Frogs will appraise as well as discuss the Tuscan theologian-in-verse's views of God, morality, sin, evil, life, death, judgment, grace and redemption.

As the most read, recited, and memorized book in the Islamic world, the Holy Qur'an represents the literal word of God to the 1.7 billion followers of Islam. Its message, verses, themes, wisdom and guidance are a roadmap that Muslims follow during their life journeys on this earth. Muslims have a deep conviction in salvation through the light of this Divine Word.

• What are the themes of the Qur'an?
• How does it shape a believing Muslim's life, character and faith?
• What does the Qur'an say about Christians and Jews (People of the Book)?

Join me to explore all this and more!

The class will read four short pieces from southern literature.  The pieces may include non-fiction, fiction, poetry, or drama. Through facilitated discussion the class will focus on the impact of the southern religious experience on the selected writers and implications for their lives and current culture. Copies of the selected stories will be provided for the class.

The question of suffering is one of the most profound of human existence.  In this four week course we will explore the biblical book of Job and the work of Victor Frankl in an attempt to understand this question.  In the final session we will put the two into dialog with one another as we explore as a class the question of suffering.