Stranger to Friend: Hospitality in the Christian Tradition
Guidance from theory to practice.
Description
The course introduces you to the tradition of hospitality in the Christian tradition through an examination of its practices in ancient Israel, New Testament times, and in the early Church. Attention is given to recognizing divine hospitality by seeing God as Host and Christ as our Guest as shown in forgiveness and service. The practices of hospitality to one another are introduced with an emphasis on the abandonment of fear, identifying strangers, and moving from stranger to friend. Strategies for practicing hospitality in home and church settings, in neighborhood, community, and society including the workplace and through welcoming the other, are introduced. Throughout the emphasis is on moving away from the notion of hospitality as a form of entertainment towards a model that is wider and more inclusive, diverse in its expression, and with the intent of extending community. The underlying consideration is how do we respond to the hospitality of God in terms of our relationship with others around us. Acceptance of one's own and the other's giftedness and weaknesses is paramount. This may mean being able to respond to abilities and values that differ from our own. Practical exercises are prescribed for each section of the course that will allow you to implement some of the principles of hospitality outlined.
What You Will Learn!
- Understand the practice of hospitality in world religions, ancient Israel, the New Testament, and in the Early Church.
- Define divine hospitality by viewing God as Host and Christ as our Guest seen in forgiveness and service.
- Discover the exercise of hospitality to one another through the abandonment of fear, identifying strangers, and moving from stranger to guest.
- Learn strategies for practicing hospitality in home and church settings.
- Learn how to implement practices of hospitality in neighborhood, community, and society including the workplace and through welcoming.
Who Should Attend!
- For those who want a deeper understanding of what hospitality is and how it can be practiced in a more intentional way.