We will examine the backgrounds which led to the composing of twelve of the more popular old favorite gospel songs – Rock of Ages, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, Blessed Assurance, It is Well With my Soul, Just as I am, What a Friend we have in Jesus, When We All Get to Heaven, Trust and Obey, There is a Fountain Filled With Blood, Mansion Over The Hilltop, Nothing but the Blood, and Amazing Grace.

We will examine the history and migrations of the northern ten tribes of ancient Israel, part of God's chosen people. Historians, their arguments and positions will be discussed as the class explores four major theories. Have the tribes been absorbed into other nations, such as Judah, as happened with the tribe of Benjamin, and thereby simply disappeared from history? Do they exist today in small, isolated groups around the globe? Are they among today’s dominant leading nations of the earth? Did they ever exist in the first place? And what is their future? Bring your inquisitive mind and be prepared for the unexpected.

A quick survey of religious news, events and opinions in current American media. Examples include religion and the Covid pandemic, court cases, religious leaders' lives, the "ex-evangelical" movement, higher education, etc. Two themes are common in these stories,  the decline of "traditional" religious life and expressions, and the politicalization of religion in our time. A brief background article will be sent to all participants prior to the lecture.