Björklunden Offers Seminars on the Apostle Thomas, Israel, and Watercolor

From Aug. 14-20, Lawrence University’s Björklunden is offering these seminars: “The Apostle Thomas in Scripture” with Bill Urbrock; “Watercolor: The Expressive Medium” with Helen Klebesadel; and “What Next for Israel in the New Middle East?” with Jon Greenwald.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Thomas is featured in only a few episodes in the Gospel of John. He was highly regarded, however, in various early Christian communities and still is renowned as the Apostle to India. The mid-20th-century discovery of the now famous Gospel of Thomas with its “secret sayings” has spurred even more interest in this fascinating apostle. Discussions will center on Thomas in the New Testament as well as on traditions and the veneration of Thomas in Western Christianity and in the Thomas Churches of India.

The watercolor seminar is for novice through experienced artists. Drawing skills are useful but not required. Participants will be a part of a creative community that invites them to experiment with a wide-range of traditional and non-traditional watercolor techniques and learn to create strong, individualized artistic statements.

The Middle East seminar will review the factors that make the region more unstable and dangerous than ever and attempt to assess what it means for an Israel that remains militarily dominant but whose national character may be changing as its religious right gains greater political influence.

Seminar classes are held at Björklunden’s lodge, just south of Baileys Harbor, and meet weekday mornings and some evenings. For complete course descriptions, fees and registration dates, call 920.839.2216, email [email protected] or visit lawrence.edu/s/bjorklunden/bjorkseminars.