L1- Geography and Theology

This Lay School of Theology one-day course digs into the direct connection geography has to the Bible.

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When it comes to the Bible, Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles insists that her SMU Perkins School of Theology students repeat and memorize the mantra, “All geography is theology.” A New Testament Professor and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, Dr. Clark-Soles will share many insightful revelations about how land matters in Bible contexts at the upcoming Houston Lay School of Theology. The Houston Lay School of Theology is sponsored by SMU Perkins in cooperation with the Texas Annual Conference and is hosted by St. Paul’s UMC at 5501 Main Street in Houston. This year’s event will be Saturday, August 19 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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Students will learn:

• Why the disciples are known as Galileans

• The location of the Decapolis and why it matters that Jesus ministers there

• How ancient Joppa and modern Joppa intersect and why contemporary Christians should care

• Why Jesus ministers at the Decapolis and why the Bible mentions that woman at the well is from Samaria

• What is meant by Galilee “of the Gentiles” and why the author of Revelation calls Rome “Babylon”

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As one who rarely misses a class, Beverly McMahan, longtime member of St. Paul’s UMC highly recommends setting aside time to attend this annual training. “Houston Lay School has been a very enriching experience and has provided me with excellent study opportunities.  The many different topics offered and highly qualified leaders have given me a better understanding of the Bible and myself as a Christian. I also enjoy spending the day with other students from around the area, and exchanging thoughts and ideas,” Beverly says.

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St. Paul’s Houston has been hosting this event for over three decades and counts it an honor to provide the venue for the Houston Lay School. “What’s unique about this school is that it gives laity access to meaningful, faith-inspiring knowledge from seminary professors,” says Rev. Karyn Richards-Kuan, associate pastor of St. Paul’s.

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Online registration will be available through Aug. 14, 2017. Childcare is available with advance notification. Interested parties should contact Priscilla Pope-Levison at before August 14. Registration includes the course and lunch. For more information call Mary Roberts at 214-768-2390.

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