Spirituality Study

Beyond the Bible: An Overview of Spiritual Topics Outside of Christian Doctrine*

*Disclaimer - Much of the material in this class does not fall under traditional Christian doctrine and uses resources other than the Bible.

The Class Objective is to open our minds to explore and possibly challenge assumptions concerning topics either not in the Bible, or not explored in depth in the Bible, including mystical and legendary ones, for spiritual growth and understanding. Each week includes discussion questions and class participation. The class will be led by Joy Trowbridge, former Chaplain at Unity of Sedona, with assistance from Rev. Dr. Guillermo Marquez-Sterling and others.

Week 1 - February 3

Class Overview, and My Personal Spiritual Journey, by Joy Trowbridge.
A Brief History of Christianity, or How We Got to Where We Are, by Rev. Dr. Guillermo.

Week 2 - February 10

The Essenes, Jesus’ Early Life and Travels (the missing years) by Joy Trowbridge.
Why was this information not included in the Bible?

Week 3 - February 17

The Lost Gospels, by Joy Trowbridge and Rev. Michael Eaton.
What do they include of significance and why weren’t they included in the Bible?
Why do other bibles contain additional books? The Ethiopian Bible has 81 books to our 66, and the Catholic Bible has 73.

Week 4 - February 24

Reincarnation and Karma, by Joy Trowbridge and Rev. Dr. Marquez-Sterling. Are these topics for real and if they are, why does it matter? How compatible are these with Christianity?

Week 5- March 3

The Need for Feminine Expressions of God, i.e. Mary Magdalene and the Virgin Mary by Joy Trowbridge and Rev. Dr. Margaret Gramley. Who really were Mary Magdalene and Mother Mary? What is their significance to Jesus’ ministry? Why is Mary Magdalene an important historical figure in France?

Week 6 - March 10

Christ Consciousness, Science and Spirituality, Spiritual Laws, and Heaven, by Joy Trowbridge and Rev. Rick Bowers