IDLEWILD CHURCH ACTIVITIES

September 13–20: Just Eating. As people of faith, how should we consider the way we grow, eat and distribute food? What changes are we willing to make? Led by Blanche Deaderick and Robbie McQuiston.

September 27–October 4: The New Atheism. In the past five years or so, strident atheism has made a comeback in publications by Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens. Explore this “new” atheism and its cultural and theological significance. Led by Dr. Steve Haynes, Rhodes College Department of Religious Studies, and Idlewild Theologian in Residence.

NO CLASS ON OCTOBER 11th

October 18: Did God Want Jesus Executed? Jesus’ Execu­tion and How Christians Might Think about the Death Penalty Today. How have Christian understandings of the execution of Jesus influenced Christian views of the death penalty? Through an examination of two major Christian theologies of the execution of Jesus we will consider what is at stake theologically in the death penalty. Led by Peter Gathje, Professor of Ethics, Memphis Theological Seminary.

October 25: The Economics and Ethics of Prohibition. Drugs are bad for you, but does it follow that they should be illegal? Art Carden, an economist at Rhodes College and a Christian, says no—the economic, political, social and moral costs of drug prohibition far outweigh the benefits.

November 1: Church Forum with Dr. Gary Gunderson. [T.K. Young Room]

November 8: Renovation and Expansion of Idlewild Church. A panel and class discussion of the impending pro­posals for a major expansion of the church building. The class will consider the rationale for the proposed addition together with its economic, architectural and environmental impact. Moderated by Bill McCorkle.

November 15–29: Violence in the Name of God? The book Saving Para­dise, by Rita Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker, suggests that, late in the first millennium, western Christianity abandoned a more pacific view of religion for a vision of violence and sacrifice. Much of their view was formed from a search of Christian art and iconography during this period. Does history support the idea that the West has produced an unusually violent theology or society? What has been the Church's role in the violence of the sur­rounding society? Led by Ernest Kelly. 

December 6–13: “I AM.” When Moses asks for God’s name, God replies cryptically “I am” perhaps “I will be who I will be” or is it “I will be who I am” or possibly “I am who I will be.” It’s all rather confusing and will probably be more so when Casey comes to visit to talk about the name of God in the Old Testament and Jesus’ referential use of it in the “I am” statements of the Gospel of John. Clarity will follow. Bring your Bible. Led by Associate Pastor Casey Thompson.

 This site maintained by Ernest Kelly, who is responsible for its content. This page announces some class events at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, 1750 Union Avenue, Memphis TN 38104 but this is not part of the church's official website. The church's website is at idlewildchurch.org.

For dance activities at Idlewild Church and for other Midtown Memphis information, visit our website www.midtowners.webs.com

GOING TO THE DOGS: If you are looking for places where you can combine dog walking with shopping and dining, visit our list of dog-friendly businesses at: http://midtowners.webs.com/dogfriendlyshopping.htm

For pet adoptions: http://midtowners.webs.com/petadoption.htm

And to learn about therapy dogs: http://midtowners.webs.com/therapydogs.htm