Short Courses

Russian literature, and especially the work of Leo Tolstoy—known for his lengthy novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina—can be intimidating. A master of expressing the human condition, with all its joys and, perhaps more famously, its tragedies, Tolstoy was also a deeply religious writer working within a complex and rich Christian tradition.

Written mostly later in his life, these readable and engaging short stories raise some of the most difficult questions of the Christian life. The title story, Walk in the Light While There Is Light, explores the parallel lives of two men in Tarsus during the time of the early church. Along with other short stories from the same series, it provides opportunities to explore the roles of faith, reason, and love in the lives of those who follow Christ.

Meeting every Tuesday in September, the group will often focus on just one short story each week. While the discussion will build with each new story, you are welcome to join as you are able! Feel free to reach out to Connie Bayliss with any questions.

Course readings: Walk in the Light while There is Light and Where Love is, There God is Also, two collections of several short stories by Tolstoy, both compiled by Lawrence Jordan. Additional readings drawing from Tolstoy's longer works, as well as those by other authors, may be shared and read during course meetings.

Register for this course using the link below!