Certificate in Contextual Theology: Israel/Palestine
The 12-day ‘Luke in the Holy Land’ study tour is based in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth, and leads to the Cliff College Certificate in Contextual Theology (Israel/Palestine). This study tour considers how we read scripture contextually against the backdrop of the land exploring biblical, theological and contemporary themes.
This short course gives students the opportunity to explore the text in context, whilst walking the streets of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth. Teaching is delivered via a series of evening lectures, group seminars and individual study, guided and led by Cliff College staff and local guides. There are opportunities to meet with members from a variety of local communities both in formal and informal settings.
Accommodation for the study tour is on the Via Dolorosa of the Old City of Jerusalem, in Beit Sahour, Bethlehem in the south, and in the heart of the Old City of Nazareth in the north. Our classrooms will include:
- the Mount of Olives
- the Western Wall and Temple Mount
- the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- the Garden of Gethsemane and the Holocaust Museum of Yad Vashem
- the Sea of Galilee
- the town of Capernaum
- Nazareth village
During the trip, there will also be the opportunity to meet with several of the Micah68 project partners.
Assessment and Certificate
Participation in the study tour together with the submitted assessment following the trip leads to the Cliff College Certificate in Contextual Theology (Israel/Palestine). The student assessment is flexible to suit the needs and interests of the participants and could be one of the questions already set, a more personal theological reflection or a question relating to a specific issue of interest as agreed by the course leader. Assessment is via one piece of assignment work of 3000 words, and academic guidance is given by the course leadership during the study tour.
Going on the Luke in the Holy Land trip was an experience like no other. You visit places that you’ve read about in the Bible and see things that will both challenge and affirm your faith. You get to meet the locals and see first-hand the differences in both the culture and context. A fantastic trip which I would recommend to anyone.
Dates: Friday 30 June – Tuesday 11 July 2023 (please note these dates may vary by a day either way, depending on flight times yet to be released).
Cost of the trip: £1795.00. The deadline for booking is Friday 31 March, and a £500 deposit is required to secure your booking.
Participants will need to meet the group for departure from Luton airport.
In preparation for the study tour, the group leaders will arrange a Zoom meeting for all participants to meet ahead of the trip, to discuss the itinerary, and to answer any questions.
For more details on this trip, please contact admissions@cliffcollege.ac.uk or call us on 01246 584200.
Please note:
With Cliff undergraduate students already booked, there are currently 10 places available on this tour. Priority is given to Methodist members. Applications are taken on a first-come-first-served basis.
- This is mainly a walking tour, and participants will need to be in good physical health and be able to walk up to five miles per day in warm 30+ degree temperatures. Transfers within Israel/Palestine are by both private and public transport.