So what is “Trinity Explores!”? An academy of Christian Studies? Yes! A place to seek a foundation and meaning for our lives? Yes! Trinity Explores! is a program of community classes at Trinity where we can learn and grow - intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Come join us!

The Adult Education Committee of Trinity Presbyterian Church is conducting a pilot project designed to determine the appeal of a program called “Trinity Explores! a Program of Community Classes.” The program consists of a continuing series of courses of the highest quality, similar to those already offered in the Sunday Church School curriculum at Trinity, but expanded beyond Sunday and beyond the current Trinity audience. The purpose of this undertaking is to enhance opportunities for Christian education, faith development and the study of spiritual and values-related subjects, both for Trinity members who already avail themselves of our Adult Education offerings, and for members and non-members not currently active in Trinity educational programs.

The pilot project consists of a limited, but ambitious, experiment with this concept. Two 3- or 4-week courses will be presented on Thursday evenings at Trinity around the seven o’clock hour in April and May of 2008, and then again in September and October. The courses are substantive and will encourage active participation of class members. A charge of $20 per course will defray costs and insure a minimal commitment by participants.

Register now!

The Hard Work and High Cost of Fidelity: Ruminations on Covenant
Professor Walter Brueggemann
Dr. Bill Horton
Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.
4 weeks, April 3, 10, 17, 24
Room B104-106

In the Bible, “covenant” describes the rules of the relationship between humans and God and informs at many levels how we are to live with one another. Covenant theology rests at the very core of our Protestant thinking. What does “covenant” mean for us today? Does the concept of covenant still have the transformative power it had for ancient Israel and the early Christian Church? Come and hear renowned Old Testament Scholar Walter Brueggemann and his theological sidekick Bill Horton describe how the idea of covenant arose and evolved and how it can still powerfully impact our understanding of our relationships with God and fellow humans. Bill and Walter have been mining together for many years the concepts of covenantal relationship. Professor Brueggemann describes our inaugural course as follows:
This study will consider the biblical theme of covenant and the dialogic, interactive mode of life to which it summons us. From the biblical text we will consider the practice of covenant as it concerns neighborly public policy and as it defines interpersonal relationships of mutuality. The strange mix of the conditional and unconditional, freedom and obedience, alienation and reconciliation will be the grist of our reflection.

Walter Brueggemann

Walter Brueggemann is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Studies at Columbia Theological Seminary. He is a world-renowned Old Testament scholar whose writing, speaking and teaching have made a lasting impact on how the message of the Hebrew Bible, especially the prophets, continues to inform the practice and living out of our faith. He received his A.B. degree from Elmhurst College, his B.D. from Eden Theological Seminary, his Th.D. from Union Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. from St. Louis University. He has written prolifically, most recently having published a seminal work entitled “Mandate to Difference: An Invitation to the Contemporary Church,” John Knox Press, 2007.

Bill Horton
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Emory Spine Center, Emory University

A member of Trinity and husband of our own Associate Pastor for Adult Ministries, Leah Horton, Bill Horton is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at The Emory Spine Center of Emory University. A native Atlantan, he received his B.A. from the University of Virginia and his M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his orthopaedic residency at the University of Louisville and received extensive post-residency training in spine surgery and spinal deformities in the U.S. and Europe. Dr. Horton’s national reputation resulted in his appointment as an Oral Examiner in Spine Surgery for The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, serving since 2001. He is also a member of the Physicians for Social Responsibility and Health Volunteers Overseas, donating his time and medical care to underprivileged children. Bill is the executive director of Emory University’s SCOME program, which performs outreach and training for surgeons in China. Bill and Professor Brueggemann have had an ongoing conversation about theology, science and life over breakfast at Evans’ Fine Foods for more than 10 years.

Can the “Church,” much less the Presbyterian version of it, survive in the new Century? Professor Nishioka will explore the critical issues that face Christianity in the post-modern age and how it can re-envision and renew its message to the world, especially youth.

Rodger Nishioka

Rodger Y. Nishioka is Associate Professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary. He received his B.A. from Seattle Pacific University, his M.A.T.S. from McCormick Theological Seminary, and his Litt.D. degree from Austin College. Nishioka focuses on equipping pastors to be teachers and leaders in the church’s educational ministry and is particularly interested in building a congregation’s youth and young adult ministries.

Have you ever wanted to dig really deeply into a particular book of the Bible from a scholarly perspective? This is your chance to engage in a serious, rigorous exploration into the subtleties, nuances and deep meanings of Luke’s gospel with one of today’s foremost experts on Luke-Acts.

Carl Holladay

Dr. Carl R. Holladay is Charles Howard Candler Professor of New Testament at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. His scholarship focuses on New Testament themes with an emphasis on Luke-Acts. He received his B.A. from Abilene Christian University, his ThM from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, England. Recent works include “Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook,” 3rd edition (Westminster John Knox 2007) and “A Critical Introduction to the New Testament: Interpreting the Message and Meaning of Jesus Christ” (Abingdon Press 2005).

As perhaps the most critical Presidential election of our generation approaches in November, Trinity Explores! will host a panel of experts on critical issues for our time such as war and peace, immigration, survival of the planet, and healthcare.