The 30th Annual Spiritual Life Institute

The Dead Sea Scrolls: History, Religion, and Scripture

June 25-29, 2012

Program

In 1947, in a cave along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea, a young Bedouin shepherd made one of the most important archeological finds of the 20th century. Forever changing our understanding of Judaism, Christianity, and the history of the Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls were copied and collected by a prominent Jewish sect during the decades that saw the rise of the early Christian community and the decline of the sacrificial system that had characterized the Jewish religion for the better part of 1,000 years. Not only have these documents provided us with invaluable information about the composition and transmission of what would eventually become the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, but the Scrolls have also shed much-needed light on the economic, theological, and political concerns of Jews living under Roman rule in the years before and after the turn of the millennium.

For the past twenty-nine years, the Spiritual Life Institute at Saint Martin’s University has explored a wide range of theological topics that are meant to inspire awareness, challenge preconceived notions, and shed light upon the spiritual journey. In this, the thirtieth annual meeting of the Spiritual Life Institute, an internationally recognized group of academics, authors, and speakers will participate in a weeklong discussion on the history, religion, and documents that are commonly referred to as the Dead Sea Scrolls. On behalf of Saint Martin’s University and the Spiritual Life Institute, I would like to invite you to join us for what is certain to be an exciting and thought provoking week!

Ian Werrett, Ph.D.
Associate professor of religious studies
Director, Spiritual Life Institute
Saint Martin's University

Fees

Academic credit
Religious studies 494 (3 semester credits) fee: $1725

Saint Martin’s University undergraduates receive three semester credits for the successful completion of RLS 494, which satisfies the general education requirement for religious studies. The requirements for those wishing to receive three semester credits include: attending all lectures and presentations, reading the required texts, participating in discussions, authoring a daily journal, and submitting a 4,000-word research paper.

Audit
Religious studies 094 (non-credit) fee: $875

For a reduced fee, students may attend the institute without receiving academic credit.

Continuing education certificate
CEC 080 (30 clock hour credits) fee: $200

Saint Martin’s University invites those who are seeking continuing education credit to attend the Spiritual Life Institute for their own personal enrichment and spiritual growth. Participants are required to attend all lectures and presentations in order to receive their certificate of continuing education.

Daily attendance fee
Spiritual Life Institute daily attendance fee (non-credit) fee: $40

For those individuals who are unable to attend the institute in its entirety, Saint Martin’s University now offers a daily attendance fee. This non-credit attendance option enables those individuals with a busy schedule or prior commitments to participate on a level that works for them. Simply select the number of days that you would like to attend the Institute, submit your payment in advance, and participate on the days that suit you best.

Evening public presentations
Fee: free

Housing
On-campus living is encouraged as an important part of the Spiritual Life Institute. Residence halls are located in a peaceful, forested setting. Please contact the University director of residence life at 360-438-4299/4546 in order to make reservations for University housing. Note: Housing fees are billed separately from the Spiritual Life Institute program tuition.

To register for academic credit or to audit this course, please click here: http://www.stmartin.edu/summer_session/registration.htm.

To register for continuing education credit or for the daily attendance option, please click here: http://www.stmartin.edu/spiritual_life/pdf/SLIRegistration.pdf.

(Please note that fees and tuition are subject to change)