The event begins with a "Public Panel with Biblical Scholars on the Bible and the Marriage Debate, Sunday, February 11, 2007, 5-7 pm, Shelton Auditorium, CTS. The panelists are Victor Paul Furnish, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology and a United Methodist minister; Kent Harold Richards, Professor of Old Testament, Executive Director of the Society of Biblical Literature, and a United Methodist minister; and Marti Steussy, MacAllister-Petticrew Professor of Biblical Interpretation, Christian Theological Seminary, and minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Four biblical seminars will take place the following day, February 12, 2007, from 9.00 AM to 3.00 PM. The $50 registration fee includes lunch and complementary membership in SBL. Religious leaders, ordained and lay, are invited to register for two of the four biblical seminars. A concluding plenary will give everyone an opportunity to share reflections.

Preaching on Marriage, Ronald J. Allen
A consideration of issues related to preaching on marriage including the selection of biblical texts, theological considerations, and seasons in the Christian year. Developing qualities of sermons that will engage the congregation in ways that are thoughtful, critical and respectful will be considered.

Marriage and the Bible in Faith Communities, Gregory L. Glover
The pastor is expected to preach and teach about God's view of marriage, counsel couples who have already decided to marry, and troubled teens who sometimes rush toward marriage. So what is the Bible's role in these varied pastoral conversations? And how can the pastor lead the congregation into a creative encounter with the Bible about the gift of marriage and the perils of the human condition?

New Testament Resources on Marriage, Victor Paul Furnish
Understanding marriage as portrayed in the New Testament and the way these ancient texts relate to the 21st century require thoughtful perspectives. Is there a definition of marriage in the New Testament? Is it stated or implied? What are the values at work?

Old Testament Resources on Marriage, Marti Steussy
Understanding marriage as portrayed in the Old Testament and the way these ancient texts relate to the 21st century require thoughtful perspectives. Is there a definition of marriage in the Old Testament? Is it stated or implied? What are the values at work?

For more information, contact: Christian Theological Seminary, Office of Lifelong Theological Education, 1000 West 42nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Tel: (317) 931-4224. Email: LifeEd@cts.edu. Web: www.cts.edu.

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