Courses

Lifelong Learning Program Kickoff

Thank you so much for your interest in the Lifelong Learning Fall Kickoff!


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Lifelong Learning Program Membership

Your membership is important to us. Your participation in the classes and other events will contribute to the vibrancy and growth of our learning community and you as a lifelong learner!


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Prophets Through Time: Exploring the Stories and Legacies of Divine Messengers

This class is designed to discuss the prophets of God and why God sent many prophets and Messengers. In the Holy Book Qur'an, God mentioned twenty-five messengers, and five of strong will. These five are Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (PBUH). In this class, we will review the life and mission of these five Prophets based on the Qur'anic stories.


Stories of the Monasteries

What about living in a drab compound, where your schedule is set by others, your movement outside the compound is restricted, and you work hard for no pay? Sounds like prison. Why would anyone choose this life? I've spent time in Hindu, Thai, Trappist, and Zen monasteries in the US and other countries. I'll tell stories-some funny, all poignant-about monks and monasteries. I'll also tell you about almost getting beaten in the Zen monastery. The stories yield insight into deep and diverse spiritual paths.


Story of the Prophets

This class is designed to discuss the prophets of God and why God sent many prophets and Messengers. In the Holy Book Qur'an, God mentioned twenty-five messengers, and five of strong will. These five are Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (PBUH). In this class, we will review the life and mission of these five Prophets based on the Qur'anic stories.


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The Expanding Universe: The Human

This course is a sequel to the Universe Story. It will pick up "the story" with a focus on the human. We will consider the origin of some of our basic body parts and then acquaint ourselves with our immediate hominoid ancestors: Lucy (about 4-6 million years ago), Homo habilis (2 to 1.65 million years ago), Homo erectus (1.5 to 1.9 million years ago), Neanderthals (40,000 years ago). Our goal is to develop a better appreciation of our origins, our evolutionary history, so that we have a better understanding of our proper place in the Universe as humans (Homo Sapiens - 300,000 years ago to the present).


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The Parables of Jesus--A New Look

We take a look at how Zen Buddhist koans and joke psychology can shed light on parables, a highly effective teaching method used by Jesus.


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The Universe Story

This course focuses on the Universe Story, a book written by Thomas Berry and Brian Swimme, that details the transformation of the universe from the Big Bang some 14 billion years ago to the present day. It is a story that includes us as human beings and speaks to our place in and responsibility for the universe, particularly the earth. It is a story we all should know, it is a story that opens possibilities for unifying divisive humanity.


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Tracing Roots: An Introduction to Geneaology and Family History

Are you curious about your roots? Join us for an engaging and informative beginning genealogy class focused on North Carolina resources


What is Islam All About?

This course introduces the religion of Islam in historic and contemporary perspectives. Participants will learn the basic terms of Islamic jurisprudence, leading them to an understanding of Islam and the beliefs and practices of Muslims. Course topics will include reasons for understanding Islam, the life and ministry of Muhammad, the Qur'an, the central beliefs and principal practices, status of women in Islam, Muslim community in history, Muslim personal and communal life, and diversity in Islam.


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