Session 2, "Creeds, Beliefs and Life Today" - Exploring Religious Questions MinicourseOctober 24, 2011 at 7–10 p.m.

In the ancient world, Christians found it important to maintain some unity about basic beliefs. One way they did this was to construct creeds, including the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. These continue to be used in many churches today. How did their authors decide what to include? How are the creeds related to the process of canonization and to the contents of the Bible? Alongside examining the early church, this course will explore contemporary implications. How important are the creeds today? Do they inform or distract from the way faithful people live their lives? Some churches in the U.S. have reservations about using creeds, while others use they regularly. Why, and what's at stake? Should the older creeds be replaced by more contemporary formulations? And more generally, what role do beliefs play in the life of a contemporary Christian? These questions and more will be addressed in this five weeks course, offered Monday evenings Oct. 17-Nov. 14 (this is the second session of this course). The course has been designed by Professor Emeritus Darrell Jodock. All are welcome! Cost for this not-for-credit minicourse is $35; please register by October 13. (Questions? Contact Marilyn in the Church Relations 507-933-7001 or mbeyer@gustavus.edu.)