Introduction to PAX Story Arc
This course is part of a series of courses based on issues of the multi-sensory, multimedia publication StoryArc1. Each course focuses on a key topic that young Christians of color want to know about yet are challenged to find relevant, thoughtful, biblically based resources that answer their questions. We have curated a diverse collection of Jesus centered art, scholarship, and storytelling, primarily created by people of color, that provides teaching, guidance, and opportunities for reflection. Many of the contributors are experts in their field, while others are everyday Christians on their own journey of discovery. Each has a valuable perspective to share on what it means to be a peacemaker and follower of Jesus in today’s world.
1. All StoryArc issues can be found online at madeforpax.org.

Cosmic Peace

Partner PAX
Learning Pillar Contemplative Activism
Rigor Level Medium

This study may be unlike any other Bible study you’ve participated in. In addition to studying Scripture, you will also be reading essays and personal testimonies, experiencing spoken word and poetry, meditating on visual art, and listening to or watching in-depth interviews and panels. We hope you will experience this as a spiritual feast for your senses and your soul, inspiring you in your journey to learn more about the character of God and the discipleship he calls each of us to.

Here is a bird’s-eye view of this six-week study:
Session 1 Opening Introduces the topic and creates space to reflect on the ideas,
teachings, questions, and doubts the group is bringing into the  study.
Session 2 Manifesto Overviews the topic and explores the foundational spiritual
truth that guides the rest of the sessions.
Session 3 Myth Names and deconstructs common false beliefs and false
teachings about this topic within church and society.
Session 4 Material Delves into Jesus-centered, biblically based teachings on the
topic and its implications for how we live.
Session 5 Motion Explores meaningful ways to embrace relevant embodied
practices in our everyday lives.
Session 6 Closing Reviews the main themes from the study and facilitates next
steps to apply learnings in practical and meaningful ways.

Learning Objectives

This course takes you on a deep exploration of how cosmic peace can break through into our imperfect world and imperfect relationships. By the time you complete all six sessions of this study on cosmic peace, you will:

  1. gain a biblical perspective of cosmic peace as a reality of the kingdom of God;

  2. understand the myths that dismiss or diminish peace in and around us; and

  3. learn how to pursue peace in your own life, both in the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Course Components

Opening

  • Opening | Introduction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Opening | Pulse Check

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Opening | Spoken Word

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Opening | Path Point Statements

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Opening | Application Activity

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Opening | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Manifesto

  • Manifesto | Introduction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Manifesto | Reflection

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Manifesto | Essay Excerpt

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Manifesto | Revisited

    apple-on-books
    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Manifesto | Application Activity

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Manifesto | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Myth

  • Myth | Introduction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Myth | Reflection

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Myth | Personal Story Excerpt

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Myth | Prayer Meditation

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Myth | Application Activity

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Myth | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Material

  • Material | Introduction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Material | Reflection

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Material | Essay Excerpt

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Material | Poem

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Material | Application Activity

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Material | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Motion

  • Motion | Introduction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Motion | Reflection

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Motion | Essay Excerpt

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Motion | Artwork

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Motion | Application Activity

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Motion | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Closing

  • Closing | Introduction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Closing | Path Point Statements Revisited

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Closing | Personal Assessment

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Closing | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Cosmic Peace

Taught by Drew Jackson

This six-session course offers a unique and immersive exploration of cosmic peace through Scripture, personal testimonies, essays, visual art, poetry, and engaging interviews. Participants will journey from reflection and foundational truths to examining common misconceptions about peace, discovering Jesus-centered biblical teachings, and learning practical ways to embody peace in everyday life. Through this multisensory experience, learners will develop a deeper understanding of cosmic peace as a reality of God's kingdom, recognize barriers that diminish peace, and gain meaningful tools to pursue peace within themselves, their relationships, and the world around them.

Drew Jackson

Meet Your Instructor,
Drew Jackson

Drew Jackson is a poet, speaker, and public theologian. He is author of God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming and Touch the Earth: Poems on The Way. His work has appeared in Oneing from the Center for Action and Contemplation, The Isolation Journals with Suleika Jaouad, Made for Pax, The Journal from the Centre for Public Christianity, Fathom Magazine, and other publications.

Drew received his B.A. in Political Science from the Univ. of Chicago and his M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He currently works as the Director of Mission Integration for the Center for Action and Contemplation, and lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and daughters.

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