Christian Life

6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 18-Dec 9, Rooms 232/233 There were numerous infancy gospels written concerning Jesus’ annunciation, birth and early life during the first few centuries of Christianity. Some were considered inspired and eventually approved for inclusion in the bible. Others were not. What made these other accounts of Jesus’ early life unacceptable? Who produced these works? What was their cultural and religious context? We’ll discuss these questions and more in this class. Our instructor is Biagio Mazza, retired pastoral associate, Scripture scholar and theologian.

6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 4-18, Rooms 132/133, Mission Campus This class examines how the U.S. government used Christian concepts to justify taking Native American lands and undermining their independence, based on Steven T. Newcomb's book. Session One will explore the pre-Columbian Native American world using Charles C. Mann’s books “1491” and “1493,” debunking the myth of an "empty continent." Sessions Two and Three will focus on Newcomb’s analysis of the religious justifications behind U.S. policies towards Native Americans, challenging the "conqueror-based" doctrine in federal Indian law. Our instructor is Larry Lorenzen.