Saturday Morning Courses

The annual Perkins Summit for Faith and Learning offers a wide range of theological mini-courses for laypersons, community leaders and clergy. Somewhere between seminary and Sunday School, Summit leverages the rich learning community of Perkins School of Theology to provide a unique, self-paced experience in theological education—for the church and world. Come for a half-day or spend the whole two days with us. Participants are free to design a customized Summit plan!

Registration for Summit 2024 will open January 31, 2024.

On the Big Screen: Engaging the Bible Through Film

Rob Kranz

Ph.D. Student in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Graduate Program in Religious Studies at SMU

 

Since the earliest days of cinema, Bible stories have been popular subjects for filmmakers. However, films about the Bible can function as more than just mere entertainment. Film offers a unique interpretive method that engages multiple senses, opening new avenues of insight, dialogue, and questions. Utilizing a series of film clips, interactive activities, and discussions, this workshop will explore how films about the Bible can help us read the text with fresh eyes, ask new questions, and gain new insights about the Bible.

 

Putting Our Bodies in the Way: Reading the Bible with Yoga Poses

Dr. Susanne Scholz

Professor of Old Testament

This course is at capacity and registration has been closed.

 

Join a physically grounded, spiritually deepening, and intellectually expansive workshop. We will read Psalm 1 with a hands-on yoga session. Since we won’t do yoga for three hours, we will also learn about and discuss the meaning-making processes involved when we read the Bible while practicing asanas. What kind of reading strategies do we use for such a biblical interpretation, and why? How do our traditional commentaries compare to this kind of biblical reading? What do we even mean by yoga, and how has this practice become part of Western culture? How might Christian congregations benefit from integrating contemporary asana and pranayama practices into their educational work, theological reflections, and even worship services? Wear comfortable clothing that allow you to stretch and sit on the floor. Yoga props will be provided. Maximum of 10 attendees.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Reflections on Baseball and Pilgrimage

Dr. Mark Stamm

Professor of Christian Worship and Chapel Elder

 

“Take me out to the ballgame” says the famous song (Jack Norworth ©1908, 1927).   What do you hear?  Perhaps you hear an invitation to an outing with friends and family, but perhaps also invitation to a journey that extends over a lifetime.  That phrase may stir memories, and these may be a complex mixture of hope and disappointment, of triumph and failure, even tragedy.  Using some well-known baseball narratives as our lens, we’ll discuss various spiritual themes and particularly some stories about healing and reconciliation.  And we’ll try to have some fun along the way.

Please note that online registration will close March 15, 2024. Refunds (less $25 fee) will be available up to 7 days prior to the event.