Academy Programs and Courses
Bible and Theological Studies
Michigan Avenue Forums
Academy Newsletter

Academy Programs and Courses

During Project Second Century (P2C) construction at Fourth Church,
Sunday morning courses in the Academy for Faith and Life are being held
at the Clare at Water Tower, a beautiful facility located at 55 E. Pearson Street,
just two blocks from Fourth Church. Many thanks to our friends at The Clare
for providing space for our adult education programs during the P2C transition!



Preregistering for Classes
We also ask you to please be sure to register for classes. Class sizes are limited, and preregistration will also help us plan ahead.


The Bible in the Music of Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead
Basics on the Bible, Reformed Theology, and the Presbyterian Church
An Exploration of Legal Injunctions in Three Abrahamic Traditions

 

Wicked Messengers and Estimated Prophets:
The Bible in the Music of Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead
with June Sawyers and Andy McGaan

Beginning Sunday, February 5 at 9:30 a.m. (4 weeks)

Join us in exploring the use of biblical themes and scriptural references in the lyrics of Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead, as we devote two of the four classes to a closer look at each artist.
Among Bob Dylan’s many influences, his most profound inspiration was and continues to be the Bible. This course will explore biblical imagery and themes in the lyrics of one of the most influential artists of the modern era, listen to examples of his music, and offer close readings of his expansive songbook, with an emphasis on the strong Protestant tradition coursing through his work.

In popular imagination the Grateful Dead are identified with drugs and the counterculture. Their songs, however, make no mention of those things. Surprising to many, they rely heavily on biblical themes of alienation, exile, and the yearning for a return home. We will explore how and why Cain, Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Esau, Moses, Samson, Delilah, Jesus, fiery wheels, prophets, and saints all made appearances at Grateful Dead shows.

June Sawyers, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, is the author or editor of more than twenty books, including Bob Dylan: New York (2011).

Andy McGaan, a trial lawyer and longtime member of Fourth Presbyterian Church, has attended more than fifty Grateful Dead shows.

Basics on the Bible, Reformed Theology, and the Presbyterian Church
with Adam Fronczek

Beginning Sunday, February 5 at 11:00 a.m. (4 weeks)

We squeeze so much into three hours in our Inquirers’ classes at Fourth Presbyterian Church that most participants end up leaving class with more questions than answers.

“What does my church believe about the Bible, and how do I get started reading it?”
“What does ‘Reformed’ mean, and who was John Calvin?”
“What does it mean that we’re a ‘Presbyterian’ church?”
“Do I have to believe everything in the Apostles’ Creed we recite on Sundays?”

This course will pick up where Inquirers’ Class left off, providing participants with additional basic knowledge and grounding in the Christian tradition in a Presbyterian context. Plenty of time will be allotted to questions brought by class participants. If there are things you would like to understand better about the Christian faith as expressed at Fourth Church, this class is for you!

Adam Fronczek is Associate Pastor for Adult Education and Worship at Fourth Presbyterian Church.



God’s Law? An Exploration of Legal Injunctions in Three Abrahamic Traditions
with Jeff Stackert, Clare Rothschild, Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, and Joyce Shin

Beginning Sunday, February 5 at 11:00 a.m. (4 weeks)

Christians often perceive their religion as the least legalistic of the Abrahamic religions. We tend to think we obtain salvation by grace apart from the law. At the same time, however, we look to the Bible for rules by which to live. In this course, four instructors will deconstruct each of the three Abrahamic religious traditions vis-à-vis the law in order to gain a fresh view. Topics explored will include similarities and differences and how religious people turn to their traditions for guidance on issues such as dietary laws, head coverings, and ordination.

February 5 | Jewish Law—“Much More Than the Ten Commandments”

February 12 | New Testament Law—“Christian Law: Jesus or Paul?”

February 19 | Sharia/Islamic Law—“Sharia and the Life of American Muslims”

February 26 | Christian Theological/Ethical Trajectories of Law—
       “The Bible and the Church: Mind the Gap”

Jeffrey Stackert is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at the University of Chicago Divinity School.

Clare Rothschild is Associate Professor of Theology at Lewis University.

Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid is an award-winning author and executive producer of the only daily Muslim talk show in the U.S.

Joyce Shin, Associate Pastor for Congregational Life at Fourth Church, is writing a doctoral dissertation on Christian ethics.

Bible and Theological Studies
Including “Reading through the Entire Bible in a Year,” Center for Life and Learning Bible Study and Men’s Morning Bible Study.


Michigan Avenue Forums
A series of events that feature important thinkers and public leaders in live lecture or debate format, discussing current issues of civic and ethical priority.


Academy Newsletter
To receive periodic email updates from the Academy for Faith and Life, send email addresses to academy@fourthchurch.org.