A School for Prophets: Getting to Know Amos

by Greg Singleton

Amos the Patron Saint of Contrarians?As both Pastor Erik Christensen and Professor Ray Pickett have reminded us, prophets are truth tellers.  Given the human talent for self-delusion (individually and collectively) truth tellers often swim against the tide of popular opinion.  Why, then, might one single out one of the prophets as a nominee for a distinction shared by all prophets in general?  Amos (8^th century BCE) was such a contrarian—and specialist in contradiction—that his claim to the prophetic office rests in large part on his declaration that he was not a prophet.  Listed among the minor prophets, the Book of Amos contains the phrase most quoted by both religious and secular activists over the past four centuries.  The irony of the minor status and major influence is somehow appropriate for this contrarian of contrarians.Join us on July 14 and 21 at 9 am as we encounter this ancient prophet with a great deal to say to modern and post-modern audiences.  Along the way we will get some help from predictable sources (such as St. Luke the Evangelist) and some unexpected commentators (such as playwright / screenwriter David Mamet).