About the Lay Academy
About The Lay Academy of Religion
The Lay Academy of Religion is a cooperative effort between Christ United Methodist Church and the Center for Continuing Education at Duke Divinity School. The Lay Academy typically offers continuing education courses for all interested persons in both the Fall and Winter of the year, usually taught by renowned theological professor Dr. Mickey Efird (retired from Duke Divinity School). In the recent past special short term classes have also been offered by other respected local experts.
All courses are offered at Christ United Methodist Church and meet on designated Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30pm. Registration (either in advance or at the door) is typically required to participate in the studies. Cost is $25 per person; $35 per couple. Childcare is provided upon request at registration.
Fall 2011 Session: Isaiah
Dates: October 11 - November 8 (Tuesdays)
The book of Isaiah is divided into three distinct segments: chapters 1-39, basically from the 8th century BC; chapters 40-55, basically from the time of the exile in the 6th century BC; and chapters 56-66, from the 5th century BC after the Hebrew people had returned from their Babylonian exile. Each of these collections of oracles and narratives speak to the needs of the people in their particular time and place. We shall try to emphasize the theological themes of each section as we study this book. (See above for registration details.) Click here to access a flyer and registration brochure.
Winter 2011 Session: 1 & 2 Corinthians
Dates: February 28 - March 27 (Tuesdays)
The Corinthian Correspondence: Paul's relationship with the church at Corinth was not always a smooth and pleasant one which meant that he wrote at least four different letters to that congregation. From these four, we have two in our New Testament canon (and it could be that 2 Corinthians is a combination of two or more letters). If one wishes to examine Paul's theology and common sense, there is no better place to begin than with 1 Corinthians, which will be emphasized in this study. When the church today looks at this document, it is almost as if it is looking into a mirror.
About Professor Efird
James M. (Mickey) Efird is Professor of Biblical Interpretation at the Divinity School, Duke University. He is author of a number of books, including: The Old Testament Writings, The New Testament Writings, How to Interpret the Bible, and Revelation for Today.
Archived Session Materials
For three weeks in June of 2009, Dr. Rhonda Burnette-Bletsch, Lucy H. Robertson Professor of Religion at Greensboro College led a special session of our Lay Academy in June. Her topic was "A Thinking Person's Guide to Biblical Truth. Summary notes from her sessions have been requested by many attendees and are located below.