New Testament Letters in 1st Century and Middle Eastern Perspective is a 1-week Spring Intensive course with Dr. Arley Loewen being offered April 26 – 30 through Steinbach Bible College.

Date & Times: April 26-30, 2021 (9:00am-4:00pm)

Instructor: Dr. Arley Loewen is a specialist in Persian culture, having earned an MA in Persian Studies from Pakistan and a PhD in Middle Eastern Civilizations (Univ. of Toronto). Arley is director of Pamir Ministries (Est. 1992), a media-discipleship ministry with Operation Mobilization.

He started Rahmat Publications in 2005 as a project of Op Mercy Afghanistan. He runs leadership seminars for Afghan professionals and students throughout Afghanistan and the region. Arley analyzes Middle Eastern cultures and explores how human relationships and leadership issues play out shame / honor and patron-client societies.

He also teaches on Islam-Christian relations in Canada as well as cultural, biblical courses in colleges, seminaries and faith-based institutions.

The Loewens lived in Pakistan for many years and then in Afghanistan with their two teenage daughters for four years (2003-07).

Description: The 1^st century Christians had no church to join. They came out of cultural practices and religious beliefs that were counter to their new life as Jesus’ followers. What should they believe and how should they live? In this course, we will try to read the New Testament letters from a 1^st century perspective. We will also explore cultural and religious themes of the modern Middle East, as they resonate with ancient biblical culture. We will gain a deeper appreciation of the New Testament epistles as we explore the texts in light of the social, religious and political milieu of the 1^st century world.

Cost: Available for credit ($837) or for audit ($418.50).

Available live streamed online (on-campus attendance pending restrictions/capacity limits).

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