Faith, Love, and Ethics in Washington

Since ancient times, people of faith have retreated to the mountains to meditate, to pray, and, in one way or another, to feel closer to God. People of faith are not alone. Poets, artists, political activists — all of these have sought clarity, direction, and inspiration in the beauty of solitude, stone, and clouds. The mountain, in countless traditions in the holy place where prophets ascend, saints transfigure, and leaders return, transformed and ready to transform the world.

What better place than the mountains for us to examine the topics named in the title of this course, Faith, Love, and Ethics? In the mountains, we will have a chance to explore, together, a number of historical faith perspectives. We will examine our own faith traditions — and come to name what values and convictions are moving inside of us. We’ll explore important texts and sources that are relevant to today’s world, and we’ll have a chance to try out our own voices, naming what we might believe, what we might value, and what we might be uncertain about, in a safe, brave space together.

We will travel to Holden Village, a remote wilderness community, rooted in the Lutheran tradition, that welcomes all people into the North Cascade Mountains, above Lake Chelan, Washington. Holden intentionally welcomes and embraces people of all races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. Days at Holden will revolve around meals, studies, and service, as well as intentional personal and communal reflection. Each night concludes with an ecumenical worship service.

Prior to departure, we will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

This study tour fulfills the DIV and CL requirements.