Immersive Experience Overview

Facilitator

Immersive Experience Description

A shared foundation for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, these scriptures are a vibrant tapestry of compelling stories, soul-stirring poetry, timeless wisdom, and profound prophetic visions. Embark on a journey through their rich history and development, unlocking deeper meanings and building a crucial foundation for meaningful interpretation in your own life.

Competencies

By the end of the experience, learners will be able to:

·      Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the Hebrew Bible and how the historical perspective impacts our understanding of the scriptures.

·      Articulate the relationship between the Hebrew Bible and Christian Scriptures, highlighting their interconnectedness.

·      Identify and contextualize key historical periods and cultural influences relevant to selected passages in both the Hebrew Bible and Christian Scriptures.

·      Analyze how historical context influences the interpretation of specific biblical texts, comparing pre- and post-historical perspective understandings.

·      Articulate and evaluate the central themes of Jesus' teachings and their significance for spiritual growth, providing examples of his teaching methods and identifying practical applications for daily life.

·      Distinguish between the theological and practical differences in following Jesus versus following Paul.

·      Analyze and interpret the key themes and symbolism within the Book of Revelation.

Required Text/Readings

·      NRSV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture, by Craig S. Keener & John H. Walton, ISBN 978-0310452683

·      Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally, by Marcus Borg, ISBN 978-0060609184

Recommended Readings/Handouts

·      Don’t Know Much About the Bible, by Kenneth C. Davis, ISBN 978-0688148843

·      Revelation Kingdom Come: Understanding the Book of Revelation, by Ed Townley, ISBN 978-0871593610

·      Armageddon: What the Bible Really Says About the End, by Bart Ehrman, ISBN: 9781982147990

·      Revelation: The Book of Unity, by J. Sig Paulson & Ric Dickerson,

·      Revelations: Visions, Prophecy & Politics in the Book of Revelation, by Elaine Pagels, ISBN 978-0143121633

·      Who Wrote the Bible, by Richard Elliott Friedman, ISBN 978-1501192401

·      Who Wrote the New Testament?  The Making of the Christian Myth, by Burton L. Mack, ISBN 978-0060655181

Recommended Website(s)

·      https://bibleproject.com/

Live Class Sessions

All times listed in Central Time

January 2026

1.     Wednesday, January 7 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

2.     Wednesday, January 14 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

3.     Wednesday, January 21 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

4.     Wednesday, January 28 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

February 2026

5.     Wednesday, February 4 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

6.     Wednesday, February 11 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

7.     Wednesday, February 18 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

8.     Wednesday, February 25 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

March 2026

9.     Wednesday, March 4 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

10.  Wednesday, March 11 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.