Psalms: Anatomy of the Soul 

October 12-15, 2023

Course Description: Participants will explore the Psalms as a source of faith, formation, devotion and worship. The course derives its title from John Calvin:

“…to call this book, I think not Inappropriately. The Anatomy of all the Parts of the Soul” (pp. xxxvi-xxxvii) He explains the reason for this: "…there is not an emotion of which any one can be conscious that is not here represented as in a mirror. ...All the griefs, sorrows, fears, doubts, hopes, cares, perplexities, in short, all the distracting emotions with which the minds of men are wont to be agitated."

As we study the Psalms together we will:

  • Review the types of Psalms, their use and significance in worship and music;
  • Explore the use of Psalms in the daily patterns of prayer;
  • Identify how Psalms continue to resonate with life experiences;
  • Practice disciplines to deepen our experience and love for the Psalms.

Location: Montreat Conference Center 

With: Paul Lang is the Head of staff of Cary Presbyterian Church in Cary, North Carolina. A graduate of Furman University (BA Music), Paul earned a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary.  Paul has been developing a new congregation based on a ministry of adult faith formation called The Pilgrimage. To learn more and to download the ministry’s free mobile app, go to https://www.thepilgrimage.net. Paul and Sarah (his wife of 32 years) have two sons, Daniel, and Benjamin. 

Schedule: The course will begin at 5:30pm on Thursday, October 12 and conclude Sunday, October 15, at noon. The schedule includes morning and evening prayers, small group conversations and free time to enjoy the beauty of Montreat.

Program Fee: $410, early bird discount of $50 off until June 30th.

Housing: Register for housing directly through Montreat. 

Meals: Meals are included in your Montreat housing registration. Individual meals may be purchased at the Assembly Inn.

Additional Information: Columbia Theological Seminar requires all participants meeting for in-person events to be vaccinated and boosted against the COVID-19 virus. Masking is not mandatory but recommended. Any changes in policy will be announced via email.

Contact: lifelonglearning@ctsnet.edu

Earning CEUs for this course: If you desire to earn a certificate confirming earned CEUs in this course, please contact the Center for Lifelong Learning.

In order to qualify for CEUs in this course you must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. Confirm that you have read the assigned text.
  2. Participated in the full course and all discussions.
  3. Completed any assignments, papers, and projects.
  4. Completed the course evaluation.
  5. Made a formal request for a CEU certificate.