Stranger to Friend

Hospitality in the Christian Tradition

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.

What's inside

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.

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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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

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Recall related topics and coursework to enhance understanding of the upcoming concepts on hospitality.

Browse courses on Hospitality

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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

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of hospitality from a theological perspective, setting a strong foundation for the course.

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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

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Engage in discussions with peers to exchange insights, clarify concepts, and broaden perspectives on hospitality.

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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

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Enhance understanding of practical aspects of hospitality through guided video demonstrations.

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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

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Gain hands-on experience in practicing hospitality in a real-world setting, while making a valuable contribution to the community.

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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: