May 20, 2009

Cavins’ workshop on Holy Land terrain to bring Bible to life at conference

National Catholic Bible Conference set June 26-27

By Julie Filby

Similar to how props on a Broadway stage bring a production to life, understanding the geography of the Holy Land—or the “stage” where the stories took place—brings the Bible to life.

“Geography of the Bible” is one of more than 20 workshops to be presented at the fourth annual National Catholic Bible Conference June 26-27 in Denver.

“God uses geography—rivers, valleys, mountains and cities—to tell his story,” said renowned speaker and author Jeff Cavins, presenter of the workshop. “Often the geographical location is key to the story.”

The stage where God chose to reveal himself, Israel, is not very big. It is only 50 miles wide and 150 miles long. Cavins explained that one reason this small strip of land is so fascinating is because four ecological zones converge there.

“It’s an amazing country,” he said. “You can go sledding in Jerusalem—and from the snow on the Mount of Olives you can look east and see the desert by the Dead Sea, where it’s 80 degrees.”

During the workshop Cavins will explain maps, describe the diversity of the land, discuss repeating themes in the Bible and address the question: Why did God chose that particular land?

“Israel is a land bridge that connects Europe and Africa,” he said. “On that land, there is a major highway. Whoever controls that highway controls world influence—including trade and religion.”

That is one reason news from the Middle East continues to make headlines nearly every day—and a motive for Pope Benedict’s recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

“There is still something about that land that people want,” Cavins said.

Historically pontiffs’ visits have helped bring change and healing to the tumultuous area. The pope’s voice is a voice of peace, or a bridge, conveying the presence of God in the region. The word “pontiff” originally meant “bridge.”

“I come, like so many others before me, to pray at the holy places, to pray especially for peace—peace here in the Holy Land, and peace throughout the world,” Pope Benedict told leaders during his trip. “Unfortunately for decades peace has tragically eluded the inhabitants of this holy land.”

In addition to the geography workshop, Cavins will give two other presentations.

“What Ticks You Off and How to Deal With It” will focus on the book of James. Cavins will address inner conflict and how to keep people, places and things in proper relationship to God.

“How Love Acts” is his keynote presentation that will speak to the two worlds people often face: the ideal world and the real world. Cavins will discuss how to embrace both by applying the secret St. Paul spoke of when he said: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

This year’s conference, sponsored by the Augustine Institute, Ascension Press and the Denver Catholic Biblical School, will begin with Mass and a keynote address by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. This will be followed by two days of presentations from 10 of the country’s most gifted Biblical scholars including Sarah Christmyer, Tim Gray, Mary Healy, Deb Holiday, Curtis Martin, Brant Pitre, Thomas Smith, Edward Sri and Peter Williamson.

“Whether you’ve never studied the Bible before or you have a Ph.D., there will be something for you at this conference,” Cavins said.

With 550 already registered, the conference is expected to reach its capacity of 900. It will be held at St. Thomas More Parish at 8035 S. Quebec St. in Centennial. For more information or to register, visit CatholicBibleConference.com or call 888-842-2853. Group discounts and scholarships are available.