We live in an era of anxiety. There is a widespread sense of unfolding disaster because of climate change (and other global challenges). Some communities face imminent dangers to their way of life. Others see existential threats to the future of humanity and predict the collapse of society. What might Christians say at such a moment? Christians talk of hope, but what do they mean? When Christians look to the future they sometimes also speak of apocalypse and of the end times.

Christians have long interpreted wars, natural disasters, epidemics, unexpected events in the heavens, strange weather, and a changing climate in the context of the end of history. We will discuss here ideas about the apocalypse, and about how, when, and why Christians have seen signs of the end times. We will consider what happened to churches and communities when they were overwhelmed by/ excited by apocalyptic hope. We will also look at how these ideas impacted on secular culture in the West. How have Christians spoken and misspoken on these matters, and what might Christians say now to communities both of faith and of no faith? We will also consider how should the book of scripture and the book of nature now be read together? How can Christians and those of other religious and secular perspectives dialogue about the future, and can an understanding of Christian (ideas about) history help.

Teaching will be in English with simultaneous translation in French.

Speaker

Dr Graeme Murdock, Associate Professor in European History, Trinity College Dublin

Practical information :

The seminar (full board) will begin on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 5:00 pm and will end on Saturday, June 27 at 9:00 am. The teachings will take place from Monday to Friday, in the morning from 10am to 12.30pm. Numerous excursions will be possible in the afternoons, and activities will be offered in the late afternoon or evening.

Accommodation: single or shared room (twin), either en suite (limited) or shared bathroom. Other possibilities: dormitory, camping or family apartment (limited availability – contact us).

Access: you can get to or near Les Courmettes by train, bus, plane or car.

By car: we encourage carpooling to come to Les Courmettes. Please contact us so that we can put you in touch with other people coming from your area.

By train or plane: the nearest airport is Nice; the nearest train station is Cagnes-sur-Mer or Antibes. From any of those places, please continue by bus to Vence, from where we will organize transport to Les Courmettes (shuttle 10 € / person / trip). Full directions and details are on our website.

Costs :

Registration and training fees: free participation (indicative rates: 75 euros per week and 20 euros per day)

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Accommodation
450€ single room (en-suite) / 400€ single room (shared bathroom)
350€ shared room (en-suite) / 300€ shared room (shared bathroom)
250€ dormitory
150€  camping

Due to the current situation with the coronavirus, the registration form will be put online as soon as the Courmettes can open to the public again.

If you are interested in this seminar, please send an email to jf.mouhot@arocha.org to be notified as soon as registration opens.