Adult Forum, Spring 2008

April 6-27 — The Church and Mental Illness

A four-part series, led by Dorothy and David Smith, on how and why we, as the Church, should relate to persons suffering from mental illness and the families of those persons.  Each session will include short video clips from Mental Health Ministries and discussion of the challenges posed in the clips.  This is a different series from the one offered two years ago, and the earlier series is not a prerequisite.

Session 1 (April 6).  Mental Illness and Families of Faith.  Emphasis on the devastating effects of biological brain disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Session 2 (April 13).  Complications: Addiction and Suicide.  Focus on all-too-common efforts by the sufferer to avoid overwhelming pain.

Session 3 (April 20).  The Valley of the Shadow of Death.  Emphasis on depression among the clergy and among the aging.

Session 4 (April 27).  Discipleship: Let's Talk About It.  Overcoming stigma, finding hope, and developing resources in a caring congregation.

May 4 — The J2A pilgrims present highlights of their trip to Alaska

May 11-25 — Biology and Faith

A 3-week series led by Alec Motten. Topics include:

• Faith and  Darwinian Evolution, including how scientists and theologians find these ideas intellectually compatible, and the limitations of "Creationism" and "Intelligent Design" from a science point of view.
• Genetic Engineering and Cloning,  genetically modified food: what are the risks and concerns, and who benefits?  
• Stem cells and cloning, science behind cloning and stem cell research; why and what are the limits?
• Genetic testing and gene therapy in humans.  What is it, how much information do we want, and how do we use it?

© 2006, Saint Philip's Episcopal Church
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 218, Durham, NC 27702
Telephone 919-682-5708, Fax 919-683-1857

Webmasters: Jack Mitchell, David Smith, Gordon Mantler