The Letters of Paul -- the Early Christian Experience

Description:  Paul was a key figure in the spread and development of early Christianity.  His writings represent some of the earliest recorded testaments of the person and teachings of Jesus.  Yet he was not a witness to the teachings of Jesus.  While he undoubtedly experienced inspiration and guidance from the Living Christ (just as is possible for each of us), he expressed his understandings of the teachings of Jesus through the witness of others and through the "filters" of his own perceptions and biases.  His words must be related to the context and culture of his time to be fully understood.

The Letters of Paul takes us to the time of the early Christians.  It relates the culture and the circumstances to the writings that are likely Paul's.  It also examines the writings that are likely falsely attributed to Paul to help the participant appreciate the different mindsets of the early disciples of this new religion.  The four primary messages of Paul are identified so that each of the attributed writings can be examined and evaluated on their own merit. 

The Book of Acts provides the "circumstantial" framework of the class.  The Books of Romans through 2nd Thessalonians will receive the majority of our attention; 1st Timothy thru Hebrews will be considered.  The participant may read these before the class begins to reduce the reading assignments during the six week class.

Scheduled to Begin:  Schedule pending

Duration:  6 weeks 

Tuition:  $35

Materials Required:  The Bible is required.  Any translation with which you are comfortable is appropriate.  The New Revised Standard Version is used by the instructor.  The Metaphysical Bible Dictionary (cost $29.95 plus tax) and The Revealing Word (cost $13.95 plus tax), both by Charles Fillmore, will be provided for your use during the class.  If you are a serious student of New Thought, both of these are excellent additions to your library.  Each of these may be purchased at the time of registration.