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Thomas Power

The course introduces you to the tradition of hospitality in the Christian tradition through an examination of its practices in ancient Israel, New Testament times, and in the early Church.  Attention is given to recognizing divine hospitality by seeing God as Host and Christ as our Guest as shown in forgiveness and service. The practices of hospitality to one another are introduced with an emphasis on the abandonment of fear, identifying strangers, and moving from stranger to friend. Strategies for practicing hospitality in home and church settings, in neighborhood, community, and society including the workplace and through welcoming the other, are introduced. Throughout the emphasis is on moving away from the notion of hospitality as a form of entertainment towards a model that is wider and more inclusive, diverse in its expression, and with the intent of extending community. The underlying consideration is how do we respond to the hospitality of God in terms of our relationship with others around us. Acceptance of one's own and the other's giftedness and weaknesses is paramount. This may mean being able to respond to abilities and values that differ from our own. Practical exercises are prescribed for each section of the course that will allow you to implement some of the principles of hospitality outlined.

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The course introduces you to the tradition of hospitality in the Christian tradition through an examination of its practices in ancient Israel, New Testament times, and in the early Church.  Attention is given to recognizing divine hospitality by seeing God as Host and Christ as our Guest as shown in forgiveness and service. The practices of hospitality to one another are introduced with an emphasis on the abandonment of fear, identifying strangers, and moving from stranger to friend. Strategies for practicing hospitality in home and church settings, in neighborhood, community, and society including the workplace and through welcoming the other, are introduced. Throughout the emphasis is on moving away from the notion of hospitality as a form of entertainment towards a model that is wider and more inclusive, diverse in its expression, and with the intent of extending community. The underlying consideration is how do we respond to the hospitality of God in terms of our relationship with others around us. Acceptance of one's own and the other's giftedness and weaknesses is paramount. This may mean being able to respond to abilities and values that differ from our own. Practical exercises are prescribed for each section of the course that will allow you to implement some of the principles of hospitality outlined.

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Learning objectives

  • Understand the practice of hospitality in world religions, ancient israel, the new testament, and in the early church.
  • Define divine hospitality by viewing god as host and christ as our guest seen in forgiveness and service.
  • Discover the exercise of hospitality to one another through the abandonment of fear, identifying strangers, and moving from stranger to guest.
  • Learn strategies for practicing hospitality in home and church settings.
  • Learn how to implement practices of hospitality in neighborhood, community, and society including the workplace and through welcoming.

Syllabus

Hospitality: Past and Prospect
Introduction
Hospitality and World Religions
Hospitality in Ancient Israel
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Hospitality in the New Testament
Hospitality in the Early Church
Abraham and Hospitality
Divine Hospitality: God Our Host, Christ Our Guest
God Our Host
The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us
The Good News
Hospitality as Forgiveness and Healing
Jesus and the Leper
The Practice of Hospitality I: Welcoming the Other
Overcoming Fears
Moving from Stranger to Friend
What Hospitality Calls us to Do
Jesus' Hospitality is for All
The Practice of Hospitality II: Home and Church
Difficulties and Rewards
Home as the Locus of Hospitality
Church as Hospitable Community
Hospitality in Home and Church
The Practice of Hospitality III: Community and Society
Welcome to the Banquet!
Neighborhood as a Place of Welcome
Public Space for Hospitality: Community and Workplace
Receiving the Refugee and Immigrant 1
Receiving the Refugee and Immigrant 2
The Potential of Hospitality

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines the theological underpinnings of the Christian hospitality tradition
Thomas Power are the instructors for this course
Appropriate for learners wanting to get a good understanding of the theology of Christian hospitality
Develops strategies for practicing hospitality in both home and church settings
Explores different ways to welcome others, including strangers and immigrants

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Stranger to Friend: Hospitality in the Christian Tradition with these activities:
Study previous notes and assignments
Recall related topics and coursework to enhance understanding of the upcoming concepts on hospitality.
Browse courses on Hospitality
Show steps
  • Review lecture notes and assigned readings from prior coursework in Christian studies or related subjects.
  • Summarize key concepts and theories related to hospitality.
Read 'A Theology of Hospitality' by Miroslav Volf
Gain a comprehensive understanding of hospitality from a theological perspective, setting a strong foundation for the course.
Show steps
  • Read and comprehend key chapters related to the concept of hospitality and its theological implications.
  • Highlight and take notes on important passages for future reference.
Participate in online discussion forums
Engage in discussions with peers to exchange insights, clarify concepts, and broaden perspectives on hospitality.
Show steps
  • Join online discussion forums related to the course content.
  • Actively participate in discussions, sharing thoughts and responding to others.
Two other activities
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Watch videos on hospitality practices
Enhance understanding of practical aspects of hospitality through guided video demonstrations.
Browse courses on Videos
Show steps
  • Search for and select videos that showcase different hospitality practices.
  • Watch the videos and take notes on key points and techniques.
Volunteer at a local organization that provides hospitality services
Gain hands-on experience in practicing hospitality in a real-world setting, while making a valuable contribution to the community.
Browse courses on Volunteering
Show steps
  • Research and identify local organizations that provide hospitality services.
  • Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Commit to a specific volunteering schedule and fulfill the responsibilities.
  • Reflect on the experience and identify key lessons learned about hospitality in practice.

Career center

Learners who complete Stranger to Friend: Hospitality in the Christian Tradition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

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