Christian Movement in the Mediterranean

• Leader: Linford Stutzman
• Dates: May 16- June 1, 2013
• Credits: 2 or 3, the two week seminar for 2 SH or the two week seminar plus an additional 1 SH hour offered on line.
• Cost: for two week seminar- $$1,650; for 3 SH $2,110

See photos and read blogs from the 2011 trip

The Christian Movement exploded throughout the Roman Empire, particularly in the major port cities of the Mediterranean during the first to third centuries. By the end of the third century, in spite of discrimination and outright persecution, approximately ten percent of the inhabitants of the Empire were Christian, threatening the very fabric of Roman culture and political institutions.

You are invited to examine this world changing era in the physical context of Acts, traveling as the co-workers of Paul in the course “The Christian Movement in the Mediterranean.” We will begin in Kusadasi, Turkey (site of ancient Ephesus), and end in Athens, Greece. This year, for the first time, we will spend 11 days on the Karina, a beautiful Turkish gulet. (Pictured on far right.) To view more photos go to: www.admiral-tours.com/karina.htm

Aboard this floating classroom, which is about the same size as the coastal cargo ships Paul sailed on, we will visit such famous biblical Greek islands as Samos, Cos, Patmos, and Rhodes, as well as at least three other culturally and historically significant Greek islands, stopping at other biblical seaports along the Turkish coast.

Twelve participants will experience the Roman Empire from the sea, explore numerous ancient seaports and islands of the Acts stories, and engage in intensive reading and discussion of the culture, politics, religion, and economics of the first century world. In this way you will discover new features of the creative witness and social factors that contributed to the rapid growth of the early church around the Mediterranean.

The study program includes rigorous site visits, on-site and on-board lectures and learning exercises, daily reading assignments and discussion. For seminary students there will be two short exams during the course and a final paper following the course. During the course, students will develop a thesis on some feature of the Christian Movement and give a short presentation to the class during the final days of the course. Participants wishing to audit this course are most welcome.

Eastern Mennonite Seminary students will join graduate students from Jerusalem University College, and other participants for a total of twelve participants.

*Costs:

$3,250 Includes tuition (3 semester hours credit or audit) and ALL expenses for the three weeks in the Mediterranean. Does not include international travel, passports, and visas for Turkey ($20). Final costs are subject to adjustment depending on exchange rates or tax increases.

To Register

Contact director of the Biblical Lands Educational Seminars and Service program of Eastern Mennonite Seminary for further information and reservations.