Adult Education

ADULT EDUCATION is a forum devoted to spiritual investigations. These programs run on the school calendar. For information or suggestions, contact Dan Beaupre, An Duclos, Theresa Gleason, or Diane Nancekivell. You are invited to come 15 miunutes early for refreshments and fellowship. All our programs are held at 9:00 am Sunday in St Stephen’s Upper Meeting Room. You are invited to come at 8:45 for refreshments and fellowship. The public is welcome to attend.

If zoom is offered: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87490029176 Passcode: AdultEd

Sunday Nov 23, 9 am, Meeting Room

What Does Spirituality Look Like to an Atheist?

with Jesse Carse

DOES THE DIVINE EXIST? Jesse Carse, a biology teacher, musician, and recording engineer, will explore this question and others, from the perspective of an Atheist.

Language aids us in communicating our vast and rich internal world; it is the closest we get to sharing our experiences with those around us. With Jesse, we will ask what meaning, if any, does spirituality have for non-believers, through the lens of language and its possible misperceptions.

What are some of the reasons for non-belief? How do Atheists resolve the dilemma of spirituality without the divine? How do they struggle with the loss of universal meaning, and of religious centers for community life?

If you wish, you might try a brief read of Wittgenstein which can help in thinking about language and meaning.

Sunday, Nov 30 & Sunday, Dec 7, 9 am

WORDS OF FAITH

with Henry Ralph Carse

WE CONTINUE EXPLORING Words of Faith, this time by focusing on “Jesus Christ.” Before it became “the name above all names” of Christian piety, “Jesus" was shared by warriors, High Priests, zealots and ordinary folk. Did Jesus have a family name? What happened to his patronym? Why is Jesus called “Christ” in the New Testament? What did “Christ” mean before the term became “Christian?” How many Messiahs can dance on the head of an expectation?

In our first gathering, we’ll refer to ancient texts to understand where "Jesus Christ" comes from. In the second session, we’ll share what “Jesus Christ” means to us, as we enter the Advent Season. Through the interpretive method of midrash, with focus on intimate reading and personal response, Henry invites us to hear old words with new attentiveness. If you wish, you may read this introductory essay by Henry; you might also consider which words you would like to examine when we meet.