Short Courses & Reading Groups
Discussion groups about some of the classic books in the Christian tradition, both new and old.
Our short courses are great opportunities to explore a book (an old classic or a new one), discuss important questions of faith and culture, or explore the intersection of science and faith. While we particularly invite Virginia Tech students, faculty and community members are also welcome to join us.
Fall 2024 Courses and Groups
THEOLOGY OF THE BODY
In response to a world awash in confusion and uncertainity about identity, sexuality and gender, this short course offers a bold and thoroughly biblical look at the meaning of the body, sex, gender, and marriage. We will read Our Bodies Tell God's Story and small readings of the teachings of Pope John Paul II, commonly known as a "theology of the body." We welcome Protestants, Catholics, and those of many different beliefs to join the discussion!
Led by Mike Weaver, Chris Hitzelbeger, and Kathleen Calvin
Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30pm
Weekly, September 17 - November 5
@ the Bradley Study Center, 104 Faculty Street
Astrophysics and the meaning of the universe
Led by Dr. Daniel Fabrycky
This is a 2-day seminar exploring the intersection of science and Christian faith through the discipline of astrophysics. This seminar is designed for students of any major who want to delve into questions of physics and what it means to be a human in this vast universe. This seminar is led by Dr. Daniel Fabrycky, professor of astrophysics at the University of Chicago. No prior knowledge of physics is required to participate!
Passed Event
the screwtape letters
Interested in reading C.S. Lewis’ work in anticipation of the stage play? Join this 5 week discussion group as we read through C.S. Lewis' classic epistolary novel. Lewis speaks masterfully through the voice of Screwtape, a senior Devil in Hell, as he tutors a junior tempter in how best to build up vices in our lives, bring temptations to the foreground of our thoughts, and turn the human heart towards pride. In the midst of the devil’s schemes, come find hope in Lewis’ reminder of the effectual power of God’s grace.
Led by James Depret-Guillaume
Wednesday, 2:30-2:30pm
Weekly, October 23 - November 20
@ the Bradley Study Center, 104 Faculty Street
Previous discussion groups have included:
- Marilynne Robinson, Gilead
- Felicia Wu Song, Restless Devices
- James Davison Hunter, To Change the World
- C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
- William Webb, Slaves, Women and Homosexuals
- C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
- Jemar Tisby, The Color of Compromise
- Yuval Levin, A Time to Build
- John Lennox, Can Science Explain Everything?
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together
- James K. A. Smith, How (Not) to be Secular
- Dennis Venema & Scot McKnight, Adam and the Genome
- N.T. Wright, The New Testament in its World
- C.S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man
- Athanasius of Alexandria, On the Incarnation
- Steven Bouma-Prediger, For the Beauty of the Earth
