Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church -

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Understanding the Old Testament

A Free Course at Our Lady of Peace
Summer 2025
- Understanding the Old Testament
  
  The Old Testament presents difficult questions for contemporary Christian readers.
  Is the Old Testament historical? What does recent research show?
  How should we read the early chapters of Genesis?
  What are we to make of God's wrath throughout the OT?
  Why does God command acts of violence, even genocide?
  Why are things like slavery and polygamy permitted?
  What was the purpose of the OT sacrifices?
  How does the story of the OT relate to what Jesus does in the New Testament?
  
  Join us this summer at Our Lady of Peace Parish as we explore these questions and seek to understand the Old Testament.
  
  For questions or to sign up, please contact Anthony Rosselli ([email protected]).
- Course Details
  
  Sessions will run from 7:00pm to 8:30pm on Thursdays (full course schedule is below) and will take place in the church's Gathering Space.
  7:00pm to 7:50pm - Presentation by Anthony Rosselli
  7:50pm to 8:15pm - Group Discussion
  8:15pm to 8:30pm - Prayer as a Community
  8:30pm onward - Time to Socialize
  Note: Eucharistic Adoration is available in our church sanctuary from 9:00am to 7:00pm each Thursday. This course allows one to attend Adoration and then immediately participate in our course session.
  Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
  You do not need to commit to attending each and every session. You're free to come and go as you please.
  Session presentations will be recorded. If you miss, you'll be able to listen to audio of the evening's talk.
  This course is entirely free and you do not need to be a member at Our Lady of Peace to attend.
  For optional additional readings, the course will utilize both the Scriptures themselves and John Bergsma's Bible Basics for Catholics (additional details are below).
  For questions or to sign up, please contact Anthony Rosselli ([email protected]).
- John Bergsma, Bible Basics for Catholics
  
  This course will utilize Dr. John Bergsma's Bible Basics for Catholics as well as the Bible itself for optional readings that will supplement the Thursday evening talks.
  Dr. Bergsma teaches theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. His research specialties are on the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls. He has written seven books and countless articles on interpreting the Bible.
  Parishioners at Our Lady of Peace Parish were gifted this book for Lent 2025. If you need to purchase it, you can do so by clicking here.
  Be assured: This material is optional. You do not need to read to participate in this course. It will simply take your participation further.
- Course Schedule
  
  May 8 - The Dark Passages of the Old Testament
  May 15 - Is the Old Testament Historical?
  May 22 - Adam and Eve
  May 29 - Noah and the Flood
  Unlike the other weeks, this session will take place in the parish's Ave Maria Room rather than the church's Gathering Space.
  June 12 - Abraham
  June 19 - Moses
  June 26 - Israel in the Wilderness
  July 10 - Saul and David
  July 24 - Solomon and the Temple
  July 31 - The Prophets
  August 7 - Wisdom Literature
  
  In time, this section will include the optional suggested readings for each week as well as audio recordings of previous talks.