Confessing The Beatitudes
2011–2012 Horizons Bible Study. Illustrations by Ann Kim
The Beatitudes are some of the most beloved teachings of Jesus, yet they may well be some of the most pointed. We may miss their point, however, if we do not study them within their literary, historical, and cultural contexts. In this study, Margaret Aymer invites us to consider the Beatitudes as they might have been heard when Jesus spoke them — during the time of the Roman Empire. While great in many respects, Rome was a cruel and brutal regime that did not stop short of executing anyone who challenged its authority. As you study the Beatitudes, it will be important to remember this context.
Confessing the Beatitudes is aptly named, as we are invited at the end of each lesson to enter into a process of confession. The ancient practice of confession marks Christians as a people who recognize the truth, learn about the truth, and speak the truth — both about God and about ourselves. Through reading the Accra Confession of 2004, and creating our own confessions, we live out our trust in the grace of God through Jesus Christ. Confession in this heartfelt manner is a concrete way for us to make the Beatitudes part of our journey of discipleship as we move from confession to action.
Rita Boyer
PDS# HZN11100; $8
(plus shipping and handling, 10% of order total, $5.25 minimum, $65 maximum
Ecumenical edition (available spring 2011)
HZN11102, $8*
Korean edition (available late summer 2011)
Translated by Kwangae Yoon
with Suggestions for Leaders by Hyeyeon Yoon
HZN11120, $8*
Spanish edition (available summer 2011)
HZN11110, $8*
Large-print edition
HZN11150, $12*
Audio CD edition (available summer 2011)
Slightly abridged version; no Suggestions for Leaders
HZN11172, $15/set*
Confessing the Beatitudes Companion DVD
Margaret Aymer teaches each lesson of the study and includes questions and discussions to consider for your group. Also includes lesson summaries, main points outline for each lesson and role-playing skits.
HZN11103, $20.00*
Pendant/charm (available spring 2011; limited quantity)
features Ann Kim’s art inspired by the fifth beatitude
HZN11300; $10.00*
Global Food Crisis Resource
Receive the Global Food Crisis resource mentioned in Lesson Four of Confessing the Beatitudes. Visit the Presbyterian Hunger Program website for more information on the Global Food Crisis.
FREE
Processus Confessionis
A Group Confession Worksheet
FREE
Workshop for Leaders
An introduction to this Bible study
FREE
Large Print Page Relations Guide
This guide compares the page numbering of the regular print edition of the Journeys Through Revelation Bible study with the large print edition of the Revelation Bible study.
FREE
Lesson Main Points Outlines
Pulled from each lesson of the 2011-2012 Horizons Bible study, each portion will provide you with a brief outline that covers the main points of each lesson.
FREE
Lesson Summaries
These summaries are pulled from each lesson of the 2011-2012 Horizons Bible study. They provide you with a brief overview of the important aspects of each lesson.
FREE
Ecumenical Edition Errata Sheet
FREE
The Faces of the Beatitudes:
Skits from the Time of Jesus
(role-playing skits)
These role-playing skits provide important, often humorous insights into the New Testament world in which Jesus taught the Beatitudes. Ideal for personal devotion and for public performance!
FREE
Promotional poster
HZN-11–410, FREE
Bulletin Cover
FREE
Suggestions for Leaders Handouts
An introduction to this Bible study
FREE
Video Web Exclusives
Twelve web exclusive videos from Margaret Aymer, the author of the 2011–2012 PW/Horizons Bible Study, Confessing the Beatitudes. Subscribe to thePW YouTube Channel to receive an email notification when new videos are added to the channel.
FREE
Confessing the Beatitudes blog!
From August 2011–May 2012, author Margaret Aymer will blog monthly about each lesson in the study. She’ll also be checking weekly for your comments and thoughts. Click here to beginBlogging the Beatitudes.
* (plus shipping and handling, 10% of order total, $5.25 minimum, $65 maximum)
Margaret Aymer is a associate professor of New Testament and chair of biblical studies at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), serving within the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. Margaret is author of First Pure, Then Peaceable: Frederick Douglass, Darkness and the Epistle of James (New York: T&T, 2007) as well as various academic and liturgical articles, and other resources.
Rita Boyer is a certified Christian educator who has served churches in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for the past thirty years. She is director of Christian Education at Prospect Presbyterian Church in Maplewood, New Jersey. A graduate of Union Theological Seminary — Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Rita has written curriculum for We Believe, as well as articles for Horizons magazine.
About the Artist
Ann Kim was born in Seoul, Korea, and began her career as a textile designer and illustrator. In 1994, her Christian walk of faith crossed over into her profession; her paintings were transformed and her ministry began. Through national and international exhibitions, she has become recognized as a visual artist whose art is infused with Christian themes. She has redefined “biblical art” into something modern, contemplative, and ecumenical. Learn more about Kim and her art atwww.annkimgallery.com.