“A Reconciling Life" with The Rev. Dr. Thomas Sheffield.

By looking again at the Apostle Paul, who experienced a "transcendent" moment that led him to declare that reconciliation was at the heart of living as a Christian. Looking at words throughout Paul's letters, this course explores his life and the way his struggle to live out reconciliation can impact us today. 

January 10. "At the Heart" Reconciliation is at the heart of Paul's writing. But we also can see that reconciliation was for him and is now for us a life-long work.

January 17. "Unanswered Question" The relationship between younger generations and the church is one of dis-ease and distance. Is a reconciliation possible? Paul's letter to a younger member of the church, II Timothy, will form the basis of our discussion.

January 24. "Church Fights" One could say that conflicts in congregations and throughout the young church were at the heart of nearly all of Paul's correspondence. He called on them in each instance to find a way to reconcile. In our time of conflict throughout the church how do Paul's particular pieces of advice become living words for us as Christians and in PCUSA?

January 31. "A Remaining Struggle" In the brief letter of Philemon Paul takes on the problem of slavery and the relationship between a believing master and believing slave. Can we see any light from Paul that can shine on our persistent problems of slavery and race?