Starts September 19, 2004, in the Chapel
The ongoing battles over contemporary issues have escalated into painful splits between liberals and conservatives. Many are tired of these "culture wars" and weary with the rhetoric and argument that substitutes for informed discussion and understanding. Is there a better way? Does our Christian faith offer us a way to make peace?
In More Light, Less Heat, we will learn how dialogue can help us to grow from our differences. A basic healing practice, dialogue can enable us to discuss issues and disagreements in ways that allow us to learn from each other without either giving up our own beliefs or demonizing those with whom we disagree. Dialog is the way of Jesus. It is loving, strong, and redemptive. It is a tool of hope in the hands of Christians, helping us to make peace at its most basic level.
There will be sessions on: The current issues that divide us; how dialogue can be a practical tool in our lives; understanding why people fight; turning our differences into sources for growth; scripture studies on the Bible's invitation to dialogue; exploring one church's story of dialogue; and how God can enter our conflicts.
So please join us for an informative and important exploration of how to engage our disagreements in open, constructive, and mutually respectful ways.
Rev. Notis is Senior Pastor at Old South UMC. He has a master's degree from Boston University School of Theology and a doctoral degree from Bangor Theological Seminary. He loves to teach and lead small group discussions.