Hope Amidst the Odyssey of These Days
At various times throughout the Old Testament, God abandoned the Israelites as a result of their sinfulness and idolatry. In their suffering and despair, their only hope was to cry out to God for salvation, and He, in His mercy, would rescue them.
In a penetrating analysis of these days, Jacques Ellul concludes that our culture is in such a period of abandonment characterized by widespread suffering and despair. While God still works in the hearts of His faithful, the culture at large struggles with false hope or no hope at all.
The Winter Institute will explore these questions through several readings, discussions, lectures, and the art exhibit “Odyssey of These Days.” We will examine the biblical perspective on the hopes of the world and hope in God—how we as Christians can navigate our own odyssey in seemingly hopeless times.
Speakers
The Odyssey of These Days
The Odyssey of These Days is an exhibit of nine paintings by Wes Hurd that will be displayed in Gutenberg’s Puccinelli Gallery during the Winter Institute. Wes will offer an interpretation of his work after the evening banquet.
Institute Details
When
Saturday, January 25
Where
Gutenberg College
1883 University Street
Eugene, OR 97403
Cost*
(Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner):
$50 (Individual); $75 (Family); $40 (Student)
An audio recording of all of the talks will be available to all participants. If you cannot make it to the conference but would still like to hear the talks, you can purchase an Audio Recording package for $20 on the registration page.
* Volunteer opportunities: We can also offer reduced costs for volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the office.
Conference Schedule
Saturday, January 25
| 8:00-8:50 | Continental Breakfast & Registration |
| 8:50-9:00 | Welcome |
| 9:00-9:45 | Lecture: Chris Swanson “Hope in Time of Abandonment” |
| 9:45–11:15 | Discussion: Reading from Ecclesiastes 1-3 |
| 11:15-11:30 | Break |
| 11:30-12:15 | Lecture: Wes Hurd “Light from the Dark Vision of Ecclesiastes” |
| 12:15-1:30 | Lunch |
| 1:30-3:00 | Discussion: Readings from Isaiah 1-5 and Romans 5:1-5 |
| 3:00-3:15 | Break |
| 3:15-4:00 | Lecture: Charley Dewberry “Where Does Our Hope Lie?” |
| 4:00-4:30 | Q&A |
| 4:30-6:00 | Break |
| 6:00-8:00 | Banquet & presentation of Odyssey of These Days |