Description: In these two sessions we will, among other things: (1) review the vision, mission, and rationale for the Kalos Center, (2) introduce the Kalos Center leadership team, (3) summarize the plan for upcoming classes (see below), special speakers, podcast guests, and personal therapy opportunities, (4) distribute a survey to gather information on people’s interests for future classes, speakers, and other events, and (5) address questions about all aspects of the Kalos Center.

Description: Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Mt. 22:37). So what does it mean to love God with one’s mind? In this class we will wrestle with this question and consider its implications for our lives as Christians. Along the way we will explore several related questions, such as these: What is the mind? What is reason? What is the significance of evidence for God, the resurrection of Jesus, and other core Christian beliefs? What is the role of the mind in spiritual transformation? What is the impact of sin on the mind? Why does Jesus tell us to be “shrewd” (Mt. 10:16) and what does this mean for us today?

Description: This class will explore the ways that Christians—in various times, cultural contexts, and theological traditions—have described the experience of God. How are the forms of experience similar, how different, and what can we learn from those experiences that are different from our own? We will also reflect on these questions: What is an experience of God at its core? How can I know in a particular case that it is God I am experiencing? Is it important that the Christian even have such experiences? Why or why not? Are there checks or tests for assessing other persons’ claims of religious experience?