ECEC - Correspondence Courses

Old Testament

The course text book contains two main sections. The first, 'The Old Testament Story', deals with the historical context. To understand the books of the Old Testament, we must have some knowledge of what they meant when they were first written. This is vital for understanding the religious message of the Old Testament, and this forms the subject of the second part of the book, 'The Old Testament Faith'.

To many people, the Old Testament can be difficult to understand. This course is designed to help discover more of its meaning and to appreciate the ways in which it reveals God's love and His relationships with His people.

Course textbook, which can be bought from No 9 Resource Centre: Introducing the Old Testament by John Drane (Lion Publications - Revised 2000 edition)

New Testament

Many people have discovered as they have read the New Testament that their lives have been changed by the teaching they have found there. At the same time, the New Testament is not always easy to understand. The social background of Jesus and the earliest Christians was very different from our own. Without some knowledge of its religious and social setting, it is easy to misunderstand what the New Testament is saying.

The aim of the course is, therefore, to help set the New Testament in a historical and social perspective, and to provide an introduction and guide.

Course textbook, which can be bought from No 9 Resource Centre: Introducing the New Testament by John Drane (Lion Publications - Revised 2000 edition)

Christian Belief

We all believe something, have some view of what life means. So 'doctrine' and belief are not something to be left solely to theologians. Christianity is faith in Jesus Christ, but what is faith? What do Christians believe? The course textbook comprises a series of articles written by an international team of contributors. The articles explain different view-points, but focus on mainstream Christianity, true to the Bible. Themes in the book include: Jesus Christ, who He was and what He taught; God and creation; the new creation in Christ, as God seeks to reconcile people to Himself and to renew them by His Spirit; new life and a restored hope. There is also a section on movements which have shaped Christian belief over the centuries.

Course textbook, which can be bought from No 9 Resource Centre: An Introduction to the Christian Faith (published by Lynx)

Methodism

This course, primarily a study of Methodist history and Methodist belief, also examines how we can learn from these to become effective in witness. The course text book describes the personal religious development of John Wesley and his proclamation of the doctrines of the Christian Church with his own particular emphases. Since it is written from the standpoint of British Methodism, supplementary sections are added to the course workbook to high- light aspects of Irish Methodism.

It would be helpful if you had available a copy of Hymns and Psalms or the Methodist Hymn Book, and copy of the Methodist Worship Book or the Methodist Service Book. If you don't have your own copy of any of these, perhaps it would be possible for you to borrow one.

Course textbook, which can be bought from No 9 Resource Centre: Methodism by Rupert Davies (Epworth Press) - Hymn books and service books also available

Celtic Spirituality

Celtic Spirituality is the common heritage of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The course will explore early Celtic history, the development of Christianity in Ireland, and some of the early Celtic Christians. The main characteristics of the spirituality, such as being rooted in the Trinity, a love of Scripture and a love of the natural world, will also be examined. The Celts maintained a link between faith and the every-day. Praying and working were not separated. Could the same be said of us?

The set textbook, The Celtic Way, looks at the origins and development of Celtic Christianity. A copy of the booklet, St. Patrick Writes, is also needed and this will be included with the course workbook at no additional cost.

Course textbook, which can be bought from No 9 Resource Centre: The Celtic Way by Ian Bradley (Darton, Longman and Todd)

E-Course

ECEC is in the process of putting together a new, computer-based Correspondence Course. Instead of a workbook, students will receive a CD-ROM to use in their computers. Support will be given through e-mail with the tutor and an online 'message board' for the community of students following the course, wherever they may be in the world.

We anticipate beginning the course at some stage this year, depending on demand. You can use the form below to add your name to our contact list when the course becomes available.