The Reverend Donald D. Binder, PhD

Overview

This course presents an overview of our Christian Faith, as well as how this faith has been preserved and practiced within the Anglican tradition, of which the Episcopal Church is a part. While offered to prepare Adult candidates for Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church, it can also serve as a refresher for long-time members or as an introduction to Christianity for those who have not belonged to a church and wish a deeper understanding of what Christians believe.

Feb 10 Mere Christianity. An overview of what is distinctive about Christianity, using the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer as a source book for discussion.

February 17 The Bible I. Tracing the roots of our salvation history as recorded in the Old Testament.

February 24 The Bible II. Continuing the story of God's deliverance of the world through the birth, death and resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospels.

March 2 The Bible III. The spreading of the Gospel in the early missionary activities of the Apostles.

March 9 The Bible IV. How to apply the Bible to our lives today: exploring ways to study the Bible and some tools to aid our exploration.

March 16 1 No Class—Palm Sunday.

March 23 No Class—Easter Sunday.

March 30 Church History I. The struggles of the early Church, leading to the creeds and the challenges of the late Byzantine Period.

April 6 Church History II. The Church in the Medieval Ages, including the Great Schism with the Orthodox Churches, and the movement of the Church throughout Great Britain.

April 13 Church History III. The Protestant Reformation on the Continent and in England. The birth of the Church of England in America and its transformation into the Episcopal.

April 20 The Book of Common Prayer I. History of the Book of Common Prayer, leading to our current revision.

April 27 The Book of Common Prayer II. Overview and use of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer.

May 4 The Sacraments I: Baptism and Confirmation. An exploration of the history and theology of the Christian rite of initiation.

May 11 No Class—Mothers' Day.

May 18 The Sacraments II: The Holy Eucharist. Our ongoing communion with Christ at the Lord's Supper, and our worship as a Christian community.

May 25 The Sacraments III: The Sacramental Rites. An exploration of the other Christian sacraments plus a review of the use of music in liturgy and other elements of Churchmanship.

June 1 Personal Prayer and Rule of Life. Examining the different types of personal prayer and how to go about establishing a rule of regular personal devotions.

June 8 Parish Life and Mission. The organization of a parish; the organization of parish life at Pohick with special attention to where confirmands might become involved. A theology of Mission: how we bring Christ to the world.

June 14 Saturday: Confirmation Rehearsal. 4 pm in the Church.

June 15 Bishop Lee's Visitation; Confirmation. 10:00 a.m. in the Church.

All Classes from Feb 10-May 25 will be held on Sunday Morning, 10:15-11:05 am in the Parish House Annex.