Wartburg College faculty and staff will discuss “The Saint John’s Bible” during the college’s Keep on Learning community education series beginning Thursday, Nov. 6.

Participants will learn the history of illuminated Bibles and how imagery can help with reflection of scripture during “‘The Saint John’s Bible,’ Illuminating the Word of God for a New Millennium.”

“The Saint John’s Bible” is a handwritten, illuminated Bible commissioned by Saint John’s Abbey and University and created by renowned calligrapher Donald Jackson. The Bible is divided into seven volumes. Two volumes — the Pentateuch and the Gospels and Acts — are on display at Wartburg through the end of the year.

Keep on Learning classes continue Nov. 13, 20 and Dec. 4 in the Heritage Room of Saemann Student Center. Coffee will be served at 9 a.m., followed by the class from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Parking is available near Saemann Student Center for those entering campus by Wartburg Boulevard. 

Class topics include:

From Inspiration to Illumination (Nov. 6) — Learn the process of creating the Bible and turn the pages of the full-size, museum-quality art reproduction in this class led by Gail Sexton, coordinator of church relations and faith community outreach, and Karen Lehmann, information literacy librarian.

A Modern Manuscript Through Medieval Methods (Nov. 13) — Erika Lindgren, associate professor of history, and Rachel Clark, assistant professor of English, will explore the history of illustrated Bibles with connections to “The Saint John’s Bible.”

Christmas with Wartburg Inspired by “The Saint John’s Bible” (Nov. 20) — Chris Knudson, director of creative strategy, will discuss the creation of the Christmas with Wartburg backdrop and the production of the show.

Seeing the Word: The Art of “The Saint John’s Bible” (Dec. 4) — Ignite your spiritual imagination as you explore sacred scripture through the illuminations of “The Saint John’s Bible” with David Herwaldt, assistant professor of art. Participants also can learn about Visio Divina (Latin for Holy Seeing), a meditative practice using visual images to prayerfully reflect on scripture.

Pre-registration is not required. The first class of each session is free; a $30 fee is due at the second class and covers the rest of the course. 

The Wartburg Alumni & Parent Relations Office coordinates Keep on Learning with the assistance of a volunteer committee. For more information, call 319-352-8491, email alumni@wartburg.edu or visit www.wartburg.edu/kol.