The Psalms for Justice-Seekers and Peacemakers

The Book Of Psalms Has For Centuries Been A Source Of Comfort, Consolation, And Encouragement For Jews And Christians. It Is Clearly A Spiritual Classic! The Spirituality Resourced By The Psalms Has Almost Always Been Individually-Focused And Often Meditative, And This Is Of Great Value. But The Psalms Can Do More, And These Sessions Will Explore How The Psalms Can Also Be A Resource For A More Activist, Outward-Looking Spirituality Oriented To Justice-Seeking And Peacemaking. Beginning With Psalm 82, Which New Testament Scholar John Dominic Crossan Calls “The Single Most Important Text In The Entire Christian Bible,” And Which Defines Divinity As An Unwavering Commitment To Justice, We’ll Explore Justice And Peace As Themes As We Consider The Royal Psalms, The Enthronement Psalms, The Torah-Psalms (Especially Psalm 1), The Laments (Or Perhaps Better, Protests), The Vengeance Psalms, The Songs Of Praise, The Psalms Of Assurance (Especially Psalm 23), And The Songs Of Zion.

J. Clinton McCann, Jr. (Clint) is the Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, MO. He is a graduate of Davidson College (A. B.), Union Presbyterian Seminary (D. Min., Th. M.), and Duke University (Ph. D.). He was chair of the Psalms Section of the Society of Biblical Literature from 1989 to 1998, and much of Clint’s research and writing has focused on the Book of Psalms. He is author of numerous books on the Psalms as well as many published articles and writings. including over 40 essays for workingpreacher.org that is a program of the Center for Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary.

Dr McCann is a Teaching Elder (Ordained Minister) in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and member of the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. He has served as pastor for 10 years in North Carolina, as Resident Minister of the New Piasa Chautauqua near Elsah, IL; and he is an Associate Member of the Iona Community in Scotland which is committed to the pursuit of peace, justice, and the flourishing of creation. The depth of his scholarship and his commitment to teaching from texts that inspire and inform people toward justice-seeking and peacemaking make this class a rich opportunity.

Zoom Class

Thursdays, April 18 & 25, May 2 & 9, 2024
6:30pm – 8:00pm via ZOOM

Registration: $55