Peace at the Last: The meaning of life in the light of death

ONLINE COURSE

Sept. 24-Oct. 29

Event Title
	Peace at the Last: The meaning of life in the light of death
When does it start?
	09/24/2026
When does it end?
	10/29/2026
Event Host and/or Location
	The Urban Well at Saint James Episcopal Church
What kind of event is it?
	Online Course
Event Details
	In this session of the Mercy Seminar, we will focus on Christian understandings of resurrection and eternal life, beginning with the hope of future resurrection life in the letters of Paul and the expectation of eternal life now in the Gospel of John. We will follow the development of these themes in the Christian and Spiritualist traditions, including the provocative visions of the journey of the soul after death in the thought of Emanuel Swedenborg. Classes meet on six consecutive Thursday evenings via Zoom from 7:00 to 8:30 PM EST. Each term stands alone, but together they offer a layered understanding as our knowledge of the issues grows. All sessions are recorded and available to participants for asynchronous viewing. Now in its seventh year, the 2026 Mercy Seminar invites you to explore the profound insights that different faith traditions offer about embracing life and navigating death with grace. How can the certainty of death inspire us to cultivate a deeper focus and a heart full of gratitude, transforming potential feelings of anxiety into a courageous appreciation for the present moment? Is death merely “nothing at all,” or does it open the gateway to an eternal adventure beyond this life? Join us as we delve into selected sacred readings from Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim scriptures, along with enlightening contemporary secular spiritual writings. Together, we will uncover the wisdom that encourages us to live our best lives and face death not with fear, but with hope and understanding. The Urban Well is a ministry of Saint James Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA.
Website
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