“The whole Christian message is about the possibility and wonder of being reconciled to God, and then how we live that out with other people. Especially during these times of division among people, and cynicism about God, this joy of living a reconciled life with God and others is more important than ever.” – Dr. James C. Howell
One of the most exciting new voices on religion and American society, and author of the acclaimed I’m Still Here, will share her story of growing up happily and successfully in a very white culture, and where we all need to try to go together to make our churches more effective and our country more unified.
Watch ProgramDr. Christena Cleveland, professor of the Practice of Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School and author of Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces that Keep us Apart, shares her dual perspective as a sociologist and theologian on why we suffer divisions in the church on issues like race, homosexuality, and politics, and how we might understand, love and come together as one Body.
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Dr. Howell, and a couple of surprise guests, will share their Favorite Bible Stories About Healing, Forgiveness And Reconciliation – and why they might bring hope and richer relationships to us.
Watch ProgramRev. Brenda Tapia, founder of Davidson College’s Love of Learning program, will lead us in Everything You Wanted To Know About Black People, But Were Afraid To Ask. She will answer anonymous questions, frankly, theologically, and with good humor, to help us understand our African-American brothers and sisters.
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Rev. Matt Rawle, renowned theologian and author of The Faith of a Mockingbird and other books, will talk with us about the theological and social ramifications of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (and also a little with Go Set a Watchman). This will be the first in a year-long series called the Pastor’s Book Club: Dr. Howell will recommend a book for all of us to read, and then discuss with him or an outside expert.
Watch ProgramDr. Howell will converse with D’Walla Simmons Burke on the origin and meaning of Black Spirituals – and Dr. Burke’s Winston-Salem State choir will sing spirituals for us. This Grammy-nominated choir is well sought after for its moving renditions of major choral works, spirituals, and world music.
Dr. Ben Witherington, renowned New Testament scholar, prolific author and child of our church, returns to teach on Paul’s Doctrine of Reconciliation. Why do we need to be reconciled to God? How did Jesus achieve this for us? And how then do we live?
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