Stranger to Friend: Hospitality in the Christian Tradition

The course introduces you to the tradition of hospitality in the Christian tradition through an examination of its practices in ancient Israel, New Testament times, and in the early Church.  Attention is given to recognizing divine hospitality by seeing God as Host and Christ as our Guest as shown in forgiveness and in service. The practices of hospitality to one another are introduced with an emphasis on the abandonment of fear, identifying strangers, and moving from stranger to friend as a strategy for change. Strategies for practicing hospitality in home and church settings, in neighborhood, community, and society including the workplace and through welcoming the other, are introduced. Throughout the emphasis is on moving away from the notion of hospitality as a form of entertainment towards a model that is wider and more inclusive, diverse in its expression, and with the intent of extending community. The underlying consideration is how do we respond to the hospitality of God in terms of our relationship with others around us. Acceptance of one's own and the other's giftedness and weaknesses is paramount. This may mean being able to respond to abilities and values that differ from our own. Practical exercises are prescribed for each section of the course that will allow you to implement some of the principles of hospitality outlined.