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The Bible in Uncertain Times
The Bible has long played a role in matters of war and politics. Although sometimes used for good, Scripture is also used as a justification for violence, or other actions. This highlights the importance of reading biblical texts responsibly, and within the overall context of the Bible.
Against this backdrop, our Summer Scripture School for 2025 seeks to reflect on how the Bible is used in the context of war, politics, and power. To this end, Jessie Rogers will look at the importance of reading the Bible responsibly; Kieran O'Mahony will highlight how St. Paul navigated the politics and power of the Roman Empire, and Seán Goan will explore the Book of Revelations, so often quoted in uncertain times.
Course Overview
In-Person or Online: Participants can choose to attend in-person at St. Patrick's Pontifical University, Maynooth, online, or a combination of both. In-person is always preferable (otherwise you miss out on the tea, coffee, and croissants between talks!)
Monday– Thursday: Three presentations each day for a total of twelve overall. Each presentation is livestreamed for those attending online, and recorded for those unable to attend.
Friday: For the final day of the course, Jane Mellet (Trócaire) will give a keynote presentation followed by a panel discussion involving the three presenters.
Optional Activities (In-Person Only): For those joining us in Maynooth, there will be the option to attend daily Eucharist as part of the course. In addition, there will be an optional evening activity Monday to Thursday, aimed especially for those who choose to book accommodation in Maynooth but open to all (these evening activities will not be recorded or livestreamed).
PRESENTATION TOPICS
Jessie's four presentations will look at "hermeneutics," the technical word used for how we interpret the Bible. This is a foundational concern for biblical scholars who are often faced with difficult texts that involve violence or other actions that clash with our modern violence. Such texts are sometimes used to justify such actions when not read against the larger scope of the Bible, or other contradictory texts.
Kieran's four presentations will examine how St. Paul navigated the context of his time, namely the politics and power of the Roman Empire. For Rome, and indeed many of the people in the early first century, Caesar was lord. Of course, this clashes with a central dimension of Paul's theology: for the early Christian community, Christ is Lord.
Seán's four presentations will explore the Book of Revelation, an extraordinary text which has long fascinated scholars. Unfortunately, the rich imagery and apocalyptic themes also frequently draw attention for the wrong reasons, and the text has often been used as a prophetic announcement in uncertain times that the "end is near." Therefore, Seán will take a different approach, and seek to highlight what how the text understands the world against the backdrop of "the lamb that was slain."
On the final day of the course (Friday 20th), Jane Mellet will give a keynote presentation which will be followed by a panel discussion between Jane, our three presenters, and participants. More details on Jane's presentation will be available soon.
REGISTRATION
Pricing
Whether you attend in-person or online, registration is €55.
For those online, this price is for individuals, households, or communities.
For in-person attendees, this price is per individual only.
What Is Included
For Everyone: Access to the livestream, recordings, and resources of all presentations throughout the course.
For In-Person Attendees: Tea, coffee and croissants between presentations; optional daily Eucharist; optional evening activities (Monday-Thursday, not recorded or livestreamed). Meals and accommodation are not included.
There are
40
In-Person Places
Remaining*
* This timer is not live. It is updated periodically and therefore may not represent actual availability.
Last Update: 11:00, 09.05.25
ACCOMMODATION
For those who wish to attend in person and would like to stay in Maynooth, accommodation can be booked through Maynooth Campus, and a special discount code has been arranged for participants:
TSS_04/25
Note: If booking online, available rooms may not show up unless the code has been applied!
Maynooth Campus has a limited number of rooms available on the South Campus (a 5min walk from the venue), and numerous rooms available on the North Campus (however, this can be a 15-25min walk to the venue).
To avail of this discount, simply quote the voucher code when booking by phone (01 708 6200), email (info@maynoothcampus.com), or through their website (click "apply voucher" when selecting dates).
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