Transforming Literature of the Bible

Explore the Old and New Testaments

Come join us as we “plow deep” into the meaning of the great literature of the Bible. In seminars of twelve or fewer people, participants will listen to God speak through the stories that have shaped our culture and our church.

How the course works

Seventeen sessions explore the Hebrew Scripture, nineteen the Christian Testament. You may take either semester or both. Participants are given a full commentary for each session, and questions at the end of each session help participants relate the great stories and events of Scripture to their own lives and to the life of their church and their culture.

The course was developed as a follow-up to the Disciples of Christ in Community program (but DOCC is not a pre-requisite). Seminar leaders receive nine hours of training offered by the Cathedral. Participants need to spend two to four hours of study to prepare for each session.

Fall 2009 Session

The seventeen fall 2009 sessions explore the Old Testament. Participants have the choice of Tuesday or Wednesday evening sessions, 7–9 pm. The Tuesday evening course begins September 15, and the Wednesday evening course begins September 9. Cost is $100.

Course Materials

Participatns need to purchase the following books:

  • The Oxford Annotated Bible, New Revised Standard Version with Apocrypha, 3rd edition, 2007
  • Contemporary Literature and the Life of Faith: Listening for God, Paul Carlson and Peter Hawkins, eds., Augsburg/Fortress Press, 1994

Course Commentaries

The Rev. William Barnwell, who was canon missioner of the Cathedral, developed the program and wrote the course commentaries. The Rev. Barnwell has written three college texts published by Houghton Mifflin: Writing for a Reason, The Resourceful Writer, and Reflections: A Thematic Reader. He is also the author of Our Story According to Saint Mark and In Richard’s World: The Battle of Charleston 1966 (Houghton Mifflin). He served as an editor for “Education for Ministry” a four-year course offered by the School of Theology at the University of the South.

Course Samples

Parking at the Cathedral

Parking in the Cathedral’s underground garage is free Sundays, 6 am–11 pm. Learn more about parking options for individuals and groups.