God and Justice: A Journey
2008-2009

“...and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and
to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8b (NIV)

God's heart and call for justice is mentioned throughout Scripture, yet in the face of injustice in the world we live in, we can feel ill-equipped to respond. We may even wonder what an appropriate response might be...

In this seminar, we will explore together many questions, including:

1. What does Scripture teach about God, justice, and humans?

2. What is social justice and how does it differ from mercy?

3. How do I experience and understand God differently through the prism of social justice?

4. What social justice issues are present in our local community, our region, our nation, and our world today? What do – or what might – Christ-centered responses to these issues look like?

5. How do I prepare - spiritually - to live a life that intentionally integrates faith in Jesus and justice?

6. How do I begin - practically - to embark upon and sustain this journey?

7. How are others doing this – and where can I experience community in this?

We will engage these questions through an iterative process of experiences, study, contemplative practices, and dialogue in community. These learning experiences will be grounded in and informed by Judeo-Christian Scripture study; Gary Haugen's book, Good News About Injustice; theologically grounded and/or inspired literature, texts, and articles; documentary and feature film; new media sources; and poetry, fine art, and music.

Class Details:

• Eight classes meeting monthly on the first Tuesday of the month, October 7, November 4, December 2, January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5

• Time: 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. (Please come at 7:00, bring your own dinner and we’ll eat together)

• Location: 1142 Crane Street #4, Menlo Park

• Cost: The cost for the entire course, facilities, and materials is $250.00 per person

Course Requirements:

This course is suitable for participants with a wide range of awareness of, experience with, or commitment to the intersection of faith and justice. In order to benefit from this particular seminar, participants in this seminar need to have:

• A curiosity and desire to understand and experience the integration of Christ-centered faith and justice.

• A willingness to learn something new… and to step into the many questions and uncertainties that accompany new learning.

• A certain level of “comfort” with “discomfort.” There will be times in this seminar when we all feel uncomfortable. By stepping into these moments together, remaining present and engaged, and listening to others’ stories, we will grow to more fully understand and reflect God’s heart for justice.

• Time to prepare for each class meeting (approximately 1-2 hours per week in addition to class time).

• Time to attend each class meeting. This is essential due to the design of course content and learning experiences as well as to the intentional experience of community within the seminar.

Application available here!

For more information, please contact (650) 328-8966 or
email justicejourney@gmail.com.

Course instructors: Betty Ann Boeving, Kristin Geiser, & Beth Kawasaki.
Click here for full Instructors’ bios