Ancient Stories, Living Wisdom, and the Courage to Imagine What Comes Next
Many of the Bible's most enduring writings emerged during periods of conflict, displacement, political upheaval, and uncertainty. They were shaped by people trying to understand their circumstances, their relationship with God, and what their communities might become.
These writings preserve more than accounts of hardship. They reveal how people wrestled with difficult questions, challenged the conditions around them, and found ways to imagine a future beyond their immediate circumstances.
People in crisis wrote these texts. Their stories can help us in ours.
In the second workshop of One Spirit's Sacred Texts Series: Navigating Crisis, Rev. Dr. Courtney Bryant will examine four biblical texts in their historical settings and explore how the questions they raise remain relevant today.
Through study and reflection, we'll consider what these ancient writings reveal about faith, responsibility, and the courage to imagine something different.
Saturday, January 30, 2027
10 AM – 4 PM ET
Live on Zoom · Recording included
General Public $135 · OSLA Affiliated Alumni $100
What We'll Study
Biblical Texts Shaped by Crisis
Explore biblical writings alongside the historical circumstances that influenced them. Understanding what their authors and communities were facing helps us read these texts with greater depth and appreciation.
Faith, Community, and Theological Imagination
Examine how biblical writers understood God, questioned the world around them, and imagined new possibilities for their communities. Their responses invite us to consider how faith can influence the choices we make in our own time.
Connecting Ancient Stories with Our Lives
Through reflection, writing, walking, and personal mapping, we'll bring the questions raised by these texts into conversation with our own experiences, identifying places of hope and what has actually helped.
What You'll Take Away
A deeper understanding of how historical events shaped biblical writings.
New ways to approach the Christian Bible as a collection of texts rooted in lived human experience.
Reflective spiritual practices for examining personal challenges and imagining different responses.
Who Should Attend?
Those Interested in Understanding the Bible More Deeply
Whether you have studied scripture for years or are approaching it with fresh curiosity, this workshop provides historical and theological perspectives that can change how you read familiar passages.
Those Exploring Faith and Social Responsibility
If you're interested in the relationship between spiritual life, community, justice, and the challenges of our time, this workshop offers material for thoughtful reflection.
All Students Are Welcome
People of all spiritual backgrounds are welcome, including no spiritual background. We love to see newcomers to One Spirit, current students, graduates, and longtime community members. No previous experience of the Christian Bible is required.
About Your Facilitator
Rev. Dr. Courtney Bryant is a theological ethicist, author, pastor, and CEO of One Spirit Learning Alliance. She holds a doctorate in religion from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Divinity from Duke University.
Rev. Dr. Courtney taught religious studies and ethics for six years and is the author of Erotic Defiance: Womanism, Freedom, and Resistance.
Her energetic, engaging approach to teaching welcomes different perspectives and moves beyond intellectual study to connect the questions of sacred texts with the experiences of everyday life. She brings both scholarly depth and a commitment to learning that engages the head and heart.
Registration Details
What Your Registration Includes
Six-hour live, interactive workshop with guidance into the sacred text.
Workshop recording, available through June 30, 2027.
Reflection questions and community discussions to deepen your experience.
Practices and resources for integration beyond the classroom.
Registration Pricing
General Public: $135 · OSLA Affiliated Alumni: $100
OSLA Alumni: →Log in to your OSLA Portal to apply your affiliate discount.
Not affiliated yet? →Learn More about Affiliation
Sacred Text Series Pricing
This workshop is part of One Spirit’s Sacred Texts Series, bringing six sacred texts into conversation around the wisdom, resilience, and possibilities available to us in times of change.
Complete Six-Workshop Series: $495
→Explore all Six Offerings →Register for the Complete Series
After You Register
You'll receive a confirmation email with instructions for accessing the workshop's Hylo Course Board, where you'll find the Zoom link and workshop materials.
Can't attend live? The recording will be available within 72 hours of the workshop and accessible through June 30, 2027.
Questions? Contact help@1spirit.org.