"Saul, Saul, Why Do You Persecute Me?"
Part One – St. Paul
In this first presentation, Kieran looks at how we might define "conversion" in the Bible, and how Paul himself understood his experience on the road to Damascus (Galatians 1:13–24). Against this backdrop, Kieran looks to Paul's conversion as it is described by Luke in Acts 9:1–9, and its later re-tellings in Acts 22 and 26.
"Do You Understand What You Are Reading?"
Part Two – Ethiopian Eunuch
In this second presentation, Kieran looks at the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26–40. This particular story raises many questions, and also emphasises the importance of reading Scripture – a motif which is also found at key points throughout the Gospel of Luke.
"God Has Given Even to the Gentiles the Repentance that Leads to Life"
Part Three – Cornelius
In this final presentation, Kieran performs a dramatic reading of one of the most significant conversion stories in Acts, that of Cornelius in 9:43–10:48. Not only does this story raise many questions about the inclusion of Gentiles in the Early Christian community, but–like Paul's conversion–is re-told in Luke's narrative multiple times (11:1–18 and 15:7–15).
"We Appeal to You to Be Reconciled to God."
Part One – 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2
In this first presentation, Seán looks to 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2 and outlines how Paul focuses on the transformation which results from his encounter with Christ. Unlike the narratives of the Gospels and Acts, Paul does not use the language of "repentance" or "forgiveness" in his letters.
"I Press on to Make It My Own, Because Christ Jesus Has Made Me His Own."
Part Two – Philippians
In this second presentation, Seán looks at the letter to the Philippians. Here, Paul makes clear that his encounter with Christ has not simply led to a new set of rules or morality, but a holistic transformation. This is made particularly clear by Paul's exhortation in Philippians 3:1b–4:9.
"Welcome Him as You Would Welcome Me."
Part Three – Philemon
In this final presentation, Seán looks at the short letter to Philemon. Unlike other letters, Philemon is more personal and without the deep theological thought usually associated with Paul. Despite this, its apparent simplicity nevertheless highlights how faith in Christ is transformative even in one's actions.
"Who Knows? God May Relent
and Change His Mind."
Part One – Human and Divine Repentance in Jonah
In this first presentation, Jessie explores the motif of repentance in the book of Jonah. In this text, the Hebrew word translated as "repentance" in English is more accurately rendered as "return." This word has covenant overtones and consequently concerns both human and divine dimensions of relationship.
"Your Light Shall Break Through
Like the Dawn."
Part Two – Prophetic Calls to Repentance
In this second presentation, Jessie will look at key passages from the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, highlighting the issues they emphasise in their calls for repentance. In particular, the presentation explores Isaiah 1:11–17 and 58:1–14, and Jeremiah 7:1–11 and 22:13–19.
"Steadfast Love Surrounds Those
Who Trust in the Lord."
Part Three – Penitential Psalms
In this final presentation, Jessie explores the "penitential psalms" which are psalms about asking for forgiveness, and are shaped differently to other Psalms. The presentation focuses upon the reading and exploration of the key themes and motifs in Psalm 51 and Psalm 32 which show the experience of repentance and forgiveness.