with Luke Fenwick
We prize freedom as one of our highest cultural values. When we think of images for freedom we typically imagine open spaces—blue skies maybe—suggesting unimpeded movement, disposable time and a wealth of possibilities. Many style their lives around the open space of freedom: we’re encouraged to value such things as working for oneself, “instagrammable” experiences, and the right—but not the obligation—to individual choice. Because we want these things for others, too, we commonly hold freedom together with peace and justice, especially as we grapple with conflict in our world today. Generally, we’re taught to resist people and things that would cramp us and hem us in, submitting to no agenda other than our own freely-chosen one.
This sketch isn’t always how people have reflected on freedom. It differs in certain ways from prominent historical notions. In this short course, we’ll ask: How has the shape of freedom changed over over the last two thousand years? What have we gained? What have we lost?
As we go, we’ll have to hand Jesus’s Parable of the Prodigal Son and Elder Brother. This well-known parable from Luke’s gospel provides the structure for this course: the prodigal son’s departure from the Father’s house, the son’s much-feasted return, and the Father’s conversation with the older brother. Each session will weave together teaching, discussion, and space for reflection, and the course will close with a feast. On the way, we’ll reflect on such questions as: Is there a true or primary sense of freedom? How have we got to where we are? If there is a primary sense, what’s needed now to embody it, personally and collectively? This course is for those who want to go deeper with Scripture to reflect historically and theologically on the roots and prospects of our cultural moment and on what a return to freedom might mean for themselves and their communities.
Spaces are limited for this course.
About the Teacher
LUKE FENWICK>>