I will be giving lectures on another glorious tour to some of the Greek Islands this coming May 14-26. This will be fantastic. Some blog members came with me on a similar trip last year, but to different islands. It was life-long-memorable. If it’s humanly possible, think about joining up! Space will be limited – so if you’re interested, check out the brochure I provide below at the bottom of the post. It will give you all the details you would need to know, and I’m happy to address any questions you have.
Here is what I say about the trip in the description.
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The Greek Islands are some of my favorite places on earth. I’ve been on a number of occasions, and this Thalassa Journey is taking me there again. Wanna come with me? We will be island-hopping to some of the most scenic sites in the world – stunningly gorgeous landscapes and seascapes, incredibly beautiful villages and towns, museums, monasteries, churches, and archaeological sites: some of the oldest remnants of western civilization. I can’t tell you how excited I am about this trip.
Some of the places we’ll be going to will be new for me. The seldom-visited island of Tinos, site of a major annual Greek Orthodox pilgrimage, is prized for its natural beauty and also known for its long tradition of support for artists, including the sculptor Yannoulis Chalepas, who has influenced several subsequent generations of artists and whose work we will see in several places.
Paros is the source of an extremely high-quality marble, which has produced the wealth to build the picturesque towns of Parikia and Lefkes, and its tiny neighbor, Antiparos, is home to one of the finest walled settlements in the Cycladic Islands. Other places on our itinerary I’ve visited before and am eager to see again, especially Crete, the home of the Minoan civilization that predates, well, virtually every other western civilization, whose architectural and artistic remains continue to inspire awe today. Most people see Minoan art only in books and museums. We’ll see it up close and in person.
On the trip I’ll be lecturing on “The Greek Philosophers and the Apostle Paul.” My talks will be based on my forthcoming book, The Origins of Altruism: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Conscience of the West.” I will discuss how ancient Greek thinkers from Plato onward understood both why and how people should live ethical lives; and then I will reflect on how later Christians changed ethical thinking in significant ways while promoting many of the ancient Greek views as well. One of my ultimate goals is to consider lessons from the ancient world that can help us find satisfying and fulfilling lives today.
When I’m not lecturing, I’ll be living the good life myself, with you, my fellow travelers – joining the activities, enjoying the sites, discussing whatever strikes our mutual fancy, answering questions, eating great food, drinking great drink, and generally having an amazing time. It simply doesn’t get any better than this.
I hope you can join me!
I couldn’t agree more, it really doesn’t get any better than this! I don’t see the contact info for who I should reach out to—is it the same person as before? I’m going to make another attempt to reserve my seat and take some time off work. This sounds absolutely fantastic! I really hope I can join you all this time!
I can’t seem to find the attached brochure.
It’s there now.
I’m not seeing a brochure here…
It’s there now.
Where’s the brochure?
It’s there now.
The Free Resources of the Week emails I have received the past several weeks are greatly appreciated. Is there a way to access these articles from the blog website?
I’m afraid I’m not sure — I haven’t been involved with the Free Resources emails. Best way to find out: click Help and make in inquiry there.
Bart – I’m just now reading Joshua Schachterle’s article “What is the Bible?” and think I see something that needs improvement. In the section titled When Was the Old Testament Put Together?, after describing the Old Testaments’s 39 books and 14 additional books of the Apochrypha, we hear of the canonization of “the current 24 books of the OT” according to McDonald and Sanders. It’s not a typo because it’s mentioned twice. Could Dr. Schachterle or you explain what is meant, and could a sentence be added to the article to say what books are being lumped together or excluded to get the number 24 as the current size of the OT?
Ah, right. He’s correct but I can see how it’s confusing. In the HEBREW Bible there are 24 books, not 39. It’s actually the same books, but they get numbered differently (e.g., the twelve minor prophets in our Bible count as *one* book in the Hebrew Bible).
I wish! Above my pay grade unfortunately.
Oh my God, Bart, you’re doing it again. I think we’ll be there again! We’ll push our Eastern Europe river cruise to 2026.
WHOA!! That would be great!
And we’ll be skipping our eldest granddaughter’s high school graduation! Ouch! But I promised myself when we retuned from our Greek Island Hopping this year, that if you did it again in ‘25, we were going. So, I’m letting go of the guilt and going!
Let go of the guilt! This’ll be great.
I’m thrilled to share that I have fully purchased the trip and secured travel insurance. My flights are booked and paid for, and I’ve received approval for my paid time off from work. I can’t wait for this journey! I am determined to fully embrace my role as a tourist and soak in all that Greece has to offer. As a believer in Greek mythology, this trip holds a special place in my heart and is truly meaningful. I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see you in Greece, Bart!
Well done!
Thank you so much! I can hardly express how excited I am. As a heavy civil superintendent, finding a suitable cover can be quite challenging, but I’m really looking forward to this experience. I can’t wait to enjoy the wonderful food and drinks that Greece has to offer, especially while engaging in inspiring conversations. The thought of sipping a glass of wine there fills me with joy.
I know I have six months to prepare and get into better shape. It will be truly heartwarming to witness the temples dedicated to the Olympian gods; I’m sure it will melt my heart. I’m especially eager to see the Temple of Zeus—what a sight that will be!
I’m also happy to share that I’ll have my passport ready in about four weeks, and I’m all set for my trip in May!
Costco’s Spanakopita closest I’ll get to Greece https://cuisineadventuresfoods.com/products/spanakopita-costco-us-retail/