“Matthew’s Gospel between Seminary, Sanctuary & Streets”

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Jan 2008 Bartimaeus Institute

Focusing on texts from the Year A lectionary, we will look at the relationship between theological education and social justice.   In honor of the M.L. King holiday, we’ll also reflect on the 40th anniversary of the assassination of our greatest American prophet.

Syllabus:

  (Note : lectionary readings/dates listed after scripture)

Mon Jan 14

  • 5-7 pm:  Arrival & Registration (NB: dinner on your own)
  • 7-9 pm:  Introductions, learning covenant, housekeeping.   The Ministries of Jesus and Martin Luther King: Comparing sacred but contested narratives

Tues, Jan 15

  • 9-10:20 am:  Mt 3 (1st Epi, Jan 13):  Jesus’ Baptism: Why John?  Why the Jordan?
  • 10:40-noon:  Mt 4:1-11 (1st Lent, Feb 10):  The Wilderness Temptations as a Vision Quest
  • 3-5 pm:  Mt 5:1-16 (4th Epiphany; not in ‘08):  Preaching the Vision: Sermon on the Mount
  • 7-9 pm:  Preaching the Vision: Dr. King’s Riverside Speech of 1967.   
    Discussion: The role proclamation in church renewal and building social change movements

Wed, Jan 16

  • 9-10:20 am:  Mt 5:21-26 (6th Epiphany; not in ‘08) and 18:1-14:  Can we trust the courts to deliver justice to the marginalized?Top-down vs. bottom-up power and justice
  • 10:40-noon:  Mt 18:15-20 (18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept 7) :  Restorative Justice
  • noon-5:  Sabbath Time, small groups; no-host Happy Hour at 5 pm.
  • 7-9 pm:   “Diverse Practices of Restorative Justice & Peacemaking Today.”  Discussion with special guest Elaine Enns (mediator and RJ educator)

Thurs, Jan 17

  • 9-10:20 am:  Mt 18:21-35 (19th SOT, Sept 14):  No Future without Forgiveness
  • 10:40-noon:  Discussion:  Theological Education and Social Justice Organizing
  • 3-5 pm:  Mt 25:14-30 (27th SOT, Nov 16): Reading Upside Down: The Parable of the Talents
  • 7-9 pm:  Mt 25:31-46 (28th SOT, Nov 23):  Sheep and Goats: Serve the Poor or go to Hell!

Fri, Jan 18  

  • 9-10:20 am:  Mt 7:24-27 ( 3rd, Jun 1):  The Writing on the Wall: What does this all mean?
  • 10:40-noon:  Discussion and evaluation; brainstorming for future.
  • Noon:  Departures