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Christianity and Culture, Is Liberalism a Dirty Word?, History of Broadway

Program Number: 20981RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/19/2013 - 5/24/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Montreat, North Carolina
Price starting at: $558.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Multi-Topic; History & Culture
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Activity Particulars

All facilities are in one building, with approximately 300 yards walking required; a few stairs. Outside areas are mountainous, with inclines and uneven terrain.




Date Specific Information

5-19-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Montreat Conference Center.



Christianity and Culture: From Mt. Sinai to Montreat

Look at the continuing and age-old relations between faith (particularly the Christian faith) and various cultures, especially our own. While we look at various stages of history, individuals will be encouraged to apply this knowledge to America today.



Is Liberalism a Dirty Word?

Or a blueprint for the good of man? Liberal values were critical to our founding fathers. Now they are under attack. What’s changed? Using the Great Books Shared Inquiry Method, we will search for the roots of Liberalism and Conservatism and then explore how they've evolved to impact political thinking today.



History of Broadway: Sing Along

Let’s trace the evolution of the Broadway musical from the 1920s to the 1980s and beyond. Discuss the combination of music, dance, plot, character and setting that make up the ideal mix and why it can be so hard to achieve. Along the way, we'll share anecdotes about writers, composers, and performers and sing a song or two from each of the musicals we discuss.




Montreat

Originally founded as a spiritual retreat center, Montreat, nestled on Lake Susan at the foot of Graybeard Mountain, continues to be a peaceful destination for those seeking respite. Footpaths weave through the 4,000 acres of surrounding woodlands and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer other recreational opportunities.
Accommodations
Beautiful conference center overlooking small lake in the center of Montreat. Spacious lounges, classrooms, fireplace and dining facilities in same building.
Meals and Lodgings
   Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
  Montreat, NC 5 nights
 Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Type: Conference Center
  Description: This stately hotel overlooks a small lake. It has a beautiful, spacious lobby with a fireplace. The building was made from native stone that sparkles with mica.
  Ship Information: Items to be shipped to guests (UPS/Fed Express, etc.) should be addressed to the participant, c/o Tracy Bailey, 401 Assembly Drive, Montreat, NC 28757. Items sent regular mail should be addressed the same as above, but use P. O. Box 969.
  Contact info: 401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757 USA
phone: 828-669-2911 x316
web: www.montreat.org/generalhousingoptions
  Room amenities: Rooms have a desk, clock radio, kleenex, closets and bed lamps. Blankets, sheets, pillows, bath mat, and a towel set will be provided (clean towels available daily). No phones or televisions in the rooms.
  Facility amenities: Internet access (with personal laptop) in the lobby private baths for all participants. Television and courtesy telephone in the lobby
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior:  Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 - 5:30 p.m., at the Assembly Inn. You will be staying at Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center that night.
  End of Program:
12:30 p.m. at the Assembly Inn. You will be staying at Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Free parking at the Assembly Inn in Montreat.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Montreat, NC
  Nearest city or town:  Black Mountain, NC; nearest large town: Asheville, NC
  Nearest highway: Route 9 to Interstate 40
  Nearest airport:  Asheville Regional Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Montreat, NC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Asheville, NC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Black Mountain Cab
phone: 828-230-1121
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$55
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

35 miles
   

Road Scholar coordinator at Montreat can arrange shared rides. The base price is $55, and more is added per person for additional passengers, and the total divided among all. For example, 3 people in one trip would be $75 and $25 per person. 2 people -- $33 per person 4 people -- $22 per person 5 people -- $19 per person 6 people -- $18 per person
 

Greenville, SC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

1 1/2 hours, all interstate 
 

Charlotte, NC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours, all interstate 
 

Knoxville, TN

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours, all interstate 
 

Asheville, NC

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
same as listed for airport
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

18 miles
   

arrange for transport with Road Scholar coordinator at Montreat; she will coordinate times with other participants.
 
Driving Directions
  From All Points - to Interstate 40 Come to Western North Carolina via Interstate 40; use exit 64 for Black Mountain/Montreat/Route 9 (15 miles east of Asheville, NC). At the exit, turn north on Route 9 (go through one traffic light, across a railroad track and another traffic light, and up the hill to the traffic light). Go straight across where Route 9 becomes Montreat Road, and travel approximately two miles to the Montreat entrance (stone gate). From the gate, continue approximatley 1 1/2 miles to the middle of the conference center. The Assembly Inn is on the hill on the left, across from Lake Susan. Pull up to the front door of the Inn to unload, and then park your car in marked spaces along the lake or the Inn. Please note: do not trust a map or GPS that tries to bring you in on Route 9 (except for the last few miles) instead of Interstate 40 (unless you desire to travel along very sharp curves, up and down mountains). Also, do not take Flat Creek Road... come up Montreat Road (Route 9 North).
Elevation Note: Participants may wish to hike on their own in surrounding mountains, which peak elev. exceed 5,400.

Equipment Requirements: Anyone wishing to enjoy outdoor activities (walking, hiking) should bring hiking boots or shoes with tread on bottom.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Orientation
(Sunday, May 19)
   
 Afternoon: Arrival at the Assembly Inn, check in between 4 - 5:30 p.m. Spend some time walking around the beautiful grounds. Concrete and gravel path surrounds Lake Susan... or venture out with your map to explore the campus.
 Dinner: Join us for a scrumptious dinner in the Galax Dining Room, located on the first floor of the Assembly Inn. A full salad bar, choice of two different entrées, vegetables, rolls/bread, fruit and dessert will tempt your taste buds and your appetite! Sweet/Unsweetened tea, milk, coffee, water with tea, etc. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
 Evening: Our opening program and orientation will be at 7 p.m. in Convocation Hall, also in the Assembly Inn. We'll spend some time reviewing the schedule for the week, and you'll have an opportunity to meet and hear from your instructors. Our evening will close with some "get to know you" activities and fellowship/games/puzzles in the lobby.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Beginning explorations of our three courses
(Monday, May 20)
   
 Breakfast: (early coffee available around 6:30 a.m.) Our breakfast buffet is served from 7:30 - 8:30 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. Is breakfast your favorite meal of the day? If so, you're in for a treat! Breakfast options change daily, incorporating lots of your favorites... biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, grits, hash browns, French toast, pancakes, oatmeal (not the packaged kind either), and lots of others. Standard offerings include fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola, baked pastries, orange juice (and another juice option). Fresh coffee or hot tea will start your morning off right!
 Morning: Our early morning course will focus on Christianity and Culture, with Douglas Johnson. We will look at both culture and the Christian faith. We start out with two questions: What would be an acceptable definition of culture? What would be an acceptable definition of Christianity? We then have a very short review of the books listed. This is primarily to engender thought on the issue. After a break for something to drink and some goodies, we will return to the classroom for our course titled "Is Liberalism a Dirty Word," with Robert Wiley. This morning, we'll be exploring the question 'which "ism" is better for man in a political society?' Trace the philosophical roots of Liberalism - Aristotle.
 Lunch: Lunch is served in the Galax dining room (typically from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. The lunch menu varies each day, but normally features a salad bar, sandwich fixings, soup, and a yummy (light) dessert to top it off.
 Afternoon: Time for some musical fun! Let's look at the History of Broadway and explore the 20s and 30s. The early days of Broadway were the days of Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, Kern and Hammerstein, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter. The shows were often silly and forgettable, and usually nothing more than vehicles for the stars involved. But the music was sublime. Throughout the week, we will discuss the writers and composers of the great shows, as well as some of the notable performers. We will examine how sociological forces (the changing roles of women and minorities, the youth movement of the 60’s) and technological innovations (radio, television, the LP album) have shaped the Broadway musical. And best of all, we will sing some of the great songs we remember from the good old days. After class time, you'll have an opportunity to explore the Heritage Center and take a guided walk around Montreat.
 Dinner: Assembly Inn Dining Room, Dinner, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
 Evening: "Fun in the Mountains" recreational program. Games/cards and tv available in the lobby of the Inn for fellowship.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Further explorations of our three courses.
(Tuesday, May 21)
   
 Breakfast: Whether you like muffins, pancakes or waffles, bacon or sausage, grits or oatmeal, biscuits and gravy, or a bowl of cereal and some fruit.... breakfast in the Galax Dining Room, served from 7:30 - 8:30 is sure to please! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
 Morning: Our early morning class, "Christianity and Culture," will discuss the problem as it is confronted in the Old and New Testaments. "Biblical Backgrounds." We will look at some issues in the Hebrew Bible, particularly the Book of Exodus as a cultural event, later developments that threaten the cultural integrity of the People of Israel, and their reactions to them. We will them look at the New Testament, especially at Paul’s attempt to relate the Christian message to the surrounding Greco-Roman culture. We'll have a break and come back to the classroom for our presentation and discussion on whether Liberalism is a dirty word. Today, we'll trace the philosophical roots of Conservatism -- John Locke, We'll also compare and evaluate Aristotle and Locke.
 Lunch: Time to eat again! Lunch will be served in the Galax Dining room on the first floor of the Assembly Inn. Today's feature: Taco Tuesday! Enjoy Mexican dishes... build your own tacos or burritos, make a Mexican salad, All the trimmings make for a delicious and fun lunch... including tortilla chips and melted cheese... sour cream and peppers. Top it all off with some warm peach cobbler and ice cream. Yum Yum!
 Afternoon: After all this hard work on politics and religion, it's time for some more fun! This afternoon, in our course on the History of Broadway, we will discuss the 40s. Oklahoma revolutionized our whole way of thinking about the Broadway musical, and ushered in the Golden Age dominated by Rodgers and Hammerstein. A new unity of story, character, and music prevailed, and instead of being a harmless evening’s diversion, a Broadway show was now a serious work of art. Following class, there is an opportunity for a hike in the mountains. Led by a Montreat volunteer, who helped to build the hiking trail, you can explore flora (and perhaps fauna) as you walk along a mountain ridge on a trail built specifically with our Road Scholar participants in mind.
 Dinner: Galax Dining Room in the Assembly Inn welcomes us for dinner from 5:30 - 6:30. This is typically what we call the "holiday meal." Turkey, dressing, ham, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie perhaps?
 Evening: More fun for the evening. Let's relax and enjoy a musical concert or a storyteller to tickle our funny bones!
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Two courses in the morning, free afternoon, and course in the evening.
(Wednesday, May 22)
   
 Breakfast: Another great breakfast buffet in the Galax Dining Room at the Assembly Inn, served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
 Morning: This morning, our early morning course will look at the interplay of early Christianity with the prevailing Greek and Roman cultures. We'll also take a peek at the Middle Ages. Issues in the early church. The struggles of the early centuries, as the church and the surrounding cultures confront one another. The question of the use, or rejections, by Christians, of the philosophies of the day as a way of understanding the Faith. Politically, we will look at the persecutions of Christians, and the eventual “settlement” under Constantine. After a morning refreshment break, with some coffee and goodies to aid our learning, we'll return to the classroom for our continued evaluation of whether Liberalism is a dirty word. We'll look at conservatism and liberalism in action: opinion and legislation.
 Lunch: Lunch buffet in the Galax Dining Room of the Assembly Inn.
 Afternoon: Free time in the afternoon for relaxation or exploration of the area. Lots of suggestions and directions will be provided.
 Dinner: Dinner in the Galax Dining Room of the Assembly Inn, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Have you gained your required five pounds yet? Still a couple of days to work on it.. so don't worry.
 Evening: Let's continue our trip down memory lane as we look at the 50s and 60s in the History of Broadway. The 50s were arguably Broadways' finest decade, with classic shows by Lerner and Loewe, Frank Loesser, Adler and Ross, and Meredith Wilson. During the 60s, the shows became more daring, going into places such as Russian ghettos, Nazi nightclubs, and Spanish prisons that would have been unthinkable a decade earlier. And music, for better or worse, became more tightly integrated with the book. Stephen Sondheim and Jerry Herman are among the outstanding creative forces.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: The Enlightenment, Founding Fathers, and the 70s and beyond in Broadway Music
(Thursday, May 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet, served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. If you haven't tried the grits yet, you really should!
 Morning: Our early morning course focuses on the Enlightenment, and the roots of the modern world. We will also examine its effects on the United States. We skip to one of the roots of modernity, and thus of America, the Enlightenment and its relationship – usually hostile – to Christianity. We will also take a short trip through the dominant political and social thoughts of the Nineteenth Century. We'll have a refreshment break around 10:15 a.m. and return to the classroom for our course on Liberalism. Two widely held myths exploded: that the Founding Fathers were conservative, and Original Intent trumps all.
 Lunch: Lunch buffet in the Galax Dining Room.
 Afternoon: Finishing up our course on The History of Broadway... more music, and some more sing-along. The Seventies and Beyond! Choreography, which had always been there, becomes a more important element. Some critics argue that the shows...as the shows...become more and more about scenic spectacle, they become less and less about memorable music.
 Dinner: Dinner is served in the Galax Dining Room from 5:30 - 6:30. Thursday night's feature is usally "Italian night." spagetti, lasagna, salads, bread, and lots of great dessert.
 Evening: A fun evening with some local entertainment... either a musical concert or a storyteller. Games/cards/tv in lobby for fellowship
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Final classes and discussions
(Friday, May 24)
   
 Breakfast: Last breakfast buffet in the Galax Dining Room at the Assembly Inn, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Splurge on those biscuits and gravy... you can work it off when you get home!
 Morning: During our final early morning class, we will apply all we have learned and discussed to some important contemporary issues, such as the relation of church and state. "America." A quick trip through the American experience and the interaction of it with Christianity, from the Bill of Rights to present situation. How much have they influenced, and perhaps corrupted, one another? Contemporary issues, such as school prayer and religious toleration and relativism will be considered. At the morning break, you'll have time for checkout (required by 11 a.m.) Our second morning class presents the question of Liberalism and Conservatism today: where do we go from here? After our classes end at 12:15, we'll have a brief closing program before lunch.
 Lunch: Lunch and Goodbyes in the Galax Dining Room of the Assembly Inn 12:30 - 1:30 (box lunches provided for those who do not wish to stay through lunch)
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Montreat, NC Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Asheville Chamber has specific information on Asheville and the surrounding area. Plenty of shops and places to visit! Enjoy a trolley tour of the city... For additional information, visit www.ashevillechamber.org
  Biltmore Estate
George Vanderbilt's 255-room mansion built at the end of the 19th Century, with a magnificent art collection and gardens covering 35 acres. For additional information, visit www.biltmore.com
  Black Mountain / Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce located in downtown Black Mountain. Phone number 828 669-2300 Quaint small town with lots of unique shops to explore. Several of these shops are "art" based -- with items the owners make. Information on all area attractions! For additional information, visit www.exploreblackmountain.com
  Black Mountain Golf Course
Boasts the world's longest fairway. Beautiful course with views of the mountains on all sides. For additional information, visit townofblackmountain.org
  Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachians -- and offer some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. Hiking trails abound, both in Montreat and in the surrounding area with seasonal flora and fauna.
  Carl Sandburg Home
A simple farmhouse and goat farm donated to the Park Service by Mrs. Sandburg after the famous author and poet's death. Video about the Sandburgs--his literary work--and hers in breeding goats. House kept as though they could come home any minute! For additional information, visit nps.gov/carl
  Cherokee Indian Village
The Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and Unto These Hills outdoor play (seasonal).
  Chimney Rock Park
Located in the Hickory Nut Gorge. Enjoy an elevator ride up 26 stores in a granite shaft to the chimney level. Gorgeous views from the top of the "chimney," and lots of hiking trails. Admission fee required. For additional information, visit chimneyrockpark.com
  Folk Art Center
Home of the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild (located on the Blue Ridge Parkway) in east Asheville For additional information, visit southernhighlandguild.org/folkart.html
  Grandfather Mountain
Located in Linvolle, NC; attractions include a mile-high swinging bridge, natural habitat area, and hiking trails For additional information, visit grandfather.com
  Harrah's Casino
Harrah's Casino on the Cherokee Indian Reservation For additional information, visit www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/che/index.html
  Linville Caverns
A 35-minute walking tour through caverns deep under the Humpback Mountain. For additional information, visit linvillecaverns.com
  Thomas Wolfe Home
The childhood home of the famous author -- includes a video about him. House has been made into a museum. For additional information, visit www.wolfememorial.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


The Great Jesus Debates: 4 Early Church Battles About the Person and Work of Jesus


Author: Douglas Johnson


Description: This book reviews the major Christological controversies in the Early Church that shaped the language the church uses when she speaks of the person and work of Jesus Christ. The presentation of the mateials is done in a very practical way so that the reader will appreciate the relevance of Christological terminology when understanding who Jesus truly is in daily life. The focus of the book is to take what seems to be abstract language and discussion and make the theology concrete by explaining how it relates to our salvation. To be ignorant of these debates is to be ignorant of how we Christians came to be who we are. To know about them is to have a fuller understanding of our faith and what it means for our lives today.



Christ and Culture


Author: H. Richard Niebuhr


Protestant, Catholic, Jew


Author: Will Herberg


The Heavenly City of the Eighteenth-Century Philosophers


Author: Carl Becker


Christianity and the American Democracy


Author: Hugh Heclo


Diversity and Mistrust


Author: Stephen Macedo


Everything is Coming Up Roses


Author: Ethan Mordden


Oh, What a Beautiful Morning


Author: Ethan Mordden


One More Kiss


Author: Ethan Mordden


Open a New Window


Author: Ethan Mordden


Sing for Your Supper


Author: Ethan Mordden




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