Classes

Our New Life Seminary classes offer weekly opportunities for studying the long history and traditions of our people, particularly,  but not solely, those related to Kemet.

Classes are facilitated by excellent instructors who encourage us to ask questions, engage in debate and share resources that help us learn and grow together.

Typically, classes meet before our regular Sunday worship celebrations and are also, on occasion, available during the week. New Life Seminary classes are free to Wo’se members, inititates,  guests, friends and members of the larger African minded community.

Classes start 9am at our Oakland Site. For more information on our children’s school, Ile Omode, click here

Introduction to African History – Growing Up in Brazil

Facilitator: Lead Minister Gregory Hodge

An overview and survey of the immense record of the birthplace of mankind. This course follows the development of Civilization along the Nile Valley, Monomotapa (Southern Africa), the Ghana/Mali/Songhai Empires, and elsewhere throughout the Continent. We will give particular attention to our people’s history in Brazil, through the lens of “Growing Up” narratives which will include Zumbi of Palmares, Luiz Gama, Carolina de Jesus and others.

African Historians

Facilitator: Prof. Manu Ampim

A thorough examination of classical African historians and their contributions to the legacy and heritage of African civilization and culture. These intellectual giants include Diop, ben- Jochannan, Van Sertima, Ch. Williams, Clarke, Jackson, Obenga, Hansberry, Hilliard, Finch, Jeffries, Assante, Karenga, and many others. Participants are also apprised as to whatconstitutes scholarship and primary research. sample class.

The Book of Coming Forth By Day

Facilitator: Jahi Awakoaiye

This course focuses specifically on the sacred text referred to by European Egyptologists as The Egyptian Book of the Dead, which deals with Remetch (AE) conceptions of the netcheru, funerary practices, judgment, and passage in the afterlife. Universal law (Ma’at) and moralitywill also be discussed.

The Husia

Facilitator: Lead Min. Gregory Hodge

An overview of Remetch (Ancient Egyptian)*(AE) literature and sacred writings as compiled by Maulana Karenga in his text The Husia. The focus of this class is on key passages,spiritual growth and practice.

Participants will, upon completing this course, have a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural teachings of the Remetch, and how they relate to African Spirituality in general.

Medu Netjer

Facilitator: Jahi Awakoaiye

This course provides the symbols, vocabulary, grammar and practice necessary for an introductory understanding of Medu Netjer, the classic language of ancient Kemet (AE). At the end of this six-week experience, you will be able to: 1) identify and write the most frequently used symbols; 2) show competence in using basic vocabulary; 3) demonstrate knowledge of grammar and syntax; 4) and apply this expertise in reading inscriptions taken from original monuments, artifacts and papyri. These accomplishments will enable you to deepen your understanding of ancient Kemet and enable you to more fully enjoy travel tours, museum exhibits and other experiences pertaining to this African civilization.

The Creations

Facilitatior: Raymond Davis, Ph.D.

An analysis of five major accounts of the creation of the divine powers (netcheru), the universe, the biosphere and humans according to the ancient Remetch (AE). This course provides the basic vocabulary, themes and controversies in Remetch (AE) Spirituality including its place in African cosmology, ethics and morality. The course will also consider the Remetch view of redemption, resurrection and the afterlife. There is no required textbook. All necessary materials will be handed out in class.

Sacred Rituals of Ancient Kemet

Facilitator: Raymond Davis, Ph.D.

An overview of the fundamental rituals of the “Ancient Egyptian” (Remetch) spirituality.

Topics will include the difference between a temple and a church; types of temples and the duties of the “priests”; temple and personal rituals including cardinal orientation, foundation, consecration, purification, libation, praises and offerings. Participants are expected to create or share a personal shrine and its rituals, preferably one reflecting African principles. Suggested background: African Origins/Roots of World Religions, The Creations, Intro to Medw Netcher or their equivalents. While these previous courses are recommended, they are not required in order to benefit from this class.

African Origins/Roots of World Religions

Facilitator: Keita Kenyatta, DRP

An examination of the transmission and transformation of the African Mythological and Spiritual Narrative, and the eventual emergence in Hebraism/Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, et al. The course will trace the flow of religious tradition along the Nile into the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Europe; as well an examination of those forces acting upon its original perspective. The sources for contemporary doctrine and its effects will also be considered.