Of what does religious conversion consist? There has been and continues to be alot of conversion in our American world.  We will see conversion as an integral part of the entire life of the convert, a part in which the convert has considerable creative agency.  We will look especially for both changes and continuities in converts’ lives across the conversion itself by consulting detailed case materials, some of them arising from my own research.  We will want to grasp conversion from the convert’s point oƒ view……. how the convert understands and experiences it, what it feels like and tastes like and smells like to the convert.  We will get to know a couple of religious converts real well.  Some lecture, more discussion

SUGGESTED reading .  Shirley Nelson.  THE LAST YEWAR OF THE WAR(new from Amazon at $30, used at $5.27 or less); and an unpublished ms., to be circulated among all class members at no costt.

Your instructor:

Steven Piker is an anthropologist. He has done field work in Thailand and the U.S. His main interests include religion, American Indians and human evolution. He taught for 44 years at Swarthmore College. Four of our Maine senior colleges have provided his popular coiurses.

Starts March 10  1-3pm

Exploring the Bible as History and Literature...No written work has had the same impact or has sold as many copies over the past two millennia or so as the Judeo Christian scripture we know as the Bible. This unique collection of various literary styles, fascinating characters, and compelling stories blending both history and myth has been read and studied by great numbers of people, believers and non-believers alike, influencing along the way as well so much art, literature, music, and theater. Join us as we explore these stories and histories, as well as the Bible's own intriguing history and impact.

Paul Doherty is an armchair theologian with experience in music, broadcasting, and ministry. He has also been teaching for several years at two Maine senior colleges, including South Coast.

 PLEASE NOTE:

This class will be offered in person at the York Chamber of Commerce and on ZOOM at the same time..

Monday April 10, 17, 24  May 1,8,15  1pm to 3pm