Sea of Galilee from Mount Arbel, Israel
The Galilean Institute initiative has been inspired by the global 2033 bimillennial celebration preparations. The year 2033 will mark the 2000th anniversary of the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth and the establishment of the first Christian community in Jerusalem.[1] This community became known in Greek as the “ecclesia” – the called-out ones, the assembly or church. This “ecclesia” celebrates its formal birth at Pentecost – 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus as Christ. (Also see www.Ecclesia2000.org.) This community spread Christ’s redemptive message of love, grace, peace, and a new life throughout Judea and Samaria and eventually touched every part of the world. Jesus Christ has been the most influential figure in world history -- impacting culture, politics, religion, art, music, literature, education, and science.
Location:
These 2000th anniversary celebrations will turn the whole world’s attention to the Holy Land. The Institute will be located in Galilee, Israel near the Sea of Galilee between Tiberius and Capernaum – in close proximity to many sites of Jesus’ ministry referenced in the gospels. The multi-hectare site will overlook the Sea of Galilee and will be chosen in consultation with Christian educational ministries and the Israeli government to ensure security and access by the millions of Christian pilgrims anticipated from 2028 through 2038 AD. The site will allow for the continued expansion of colleges, residence halls, conference centers, gardens, and clinics with the Institute as hub.
The Galilean Institute will consist of 4 operational units: the Museum & Exhibition Center, the Great Theater, the Media Studio and the Research Center & Graduate College. Construction will be overseen by an expert Architectural Board. Architecture and construction materials will be in harmony with the surrounding region. There will be ubiquitous use of stone and natural materials and the intent to maintain the natural landscape and views.
The Museum & Exhibition Center will be physically housed in a 20,000 square meters, multi-story building intended to host visitors from all over the world. The M&E Center will display exhibits reflecting the influence of Christ and Christians on religion, culture, history, science and politics evidenced through artifacts, art, literature, history and music. A 400-seat auditorium will be part of the museum presenting concerts, videos and lectures.
The 4,000 seat Great Theater design will be an outdoor amphitheater for re-enactments, plays, pageants, and concerts. The Theater will be a focal point for multiple celebrations commemorating the 2000th anniversary of Christ’s ministry. The Galilean Institute will be partially sustained through revenues from events in The Great Theater and the Museum.
The 6,000 square meters Media Studio will contain the most modern technical equipment for the production and distribution of educational materials – audio and video.
The 7,000 square meters Research Center & Graduate College linked to the Museum will host resident and visiting scholars and students, facilitating their studies. The center will house a library and research resources and will produce courses for resident and online scholarship. The Graduate College of Biblical Studies will offer courses (traditional and online) and study-abroad opportunities in partnership with leading international universities and Christian colleges. The emphasis will be on high-quality, affordable Biblical education. To deliver this, the Galilean will administer the Galilean Education Consortium as a course sharing collaborative. The Research Center will be a resource hub for the expansion of new colleges and conference centers affiliated with the Institute. As a private academic institution, the Galilean will be a nexus for the free examination of history, religion, literature, and culture unconstrained by international politics.
Construction will be overseen by an expert Architectural Board with the master plan, design and construction specifications approved by the appropriate Israeli ministries.
Matthew 28:7 “Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.”
[1] For dating reference see: http://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2014/04/april-3-ad-33
(CC BY-NC) Galilean Institute
Location:
These 2000th anniversary celebrations will turn the whole world’s attention to the Holy Land. The Institute will be located in Galilee, Israel near the Sea of Galilee between Tiberius and Capernaum – in close proximity to many sites of Jesus’ ministry referenced in the gospels. The multi-hectare site will overlook the Sea of Galilee and will be chosen in consultation with Christian educational ministries and the Israeli government to ensure security and access by the millions of Christian pilgrims anticipated from 2028 through 2038 AD. The site will allow for the continued expansion of colleges, residence halls, conference centers, gardens, and clinics with the Institute as hub.
The Galilean Institute will consist of 4 operational units: the Museum & Exhibition Center, the Great Theater, the Media Studio and the Research Center & Graduate College. Construction will be overseen by an expert Architectural Board. Architecture and construction materials will be in harmony with the surrounding region. There will be ubiquitous use of stone and natural materials and the intent to maintain the natural landscape and views.
The Museum & Exhibition Center will be physically housed in a 20,000 square meters, multi-story building intended to host visitors from all over the world. The M&E Center will display exhibits reflecting the influence of Christ and Christians on religion, culture, history, science and politics evidenced through artifacts, art, literature, history and music. A 400-seat auditorium will be part of the museum presenting concerts, videos and lectures.
The 4,000 seat Great Theater design will be an outdoor amphitheater for re-enactments, plays, pageants, and concerts. The Theater will be a focal point for multiple celebrations commemorating the 2000th anniversary of Christ’s ministry. The Galilean Institute will be partially sustained through revenues from events in The Great Theater and the Museum.
The 6,000 square meters Media Studio will contain the most modern technical equipment for the production and distribution of educational materials – audio and video.
The 7,000 square meters Research Center & Graduate College linked to the Museum will host resident and visiting scholars and students, facilitating their studies. The center will house a library and research resources and will produce courses for resident and online scholarship. The Graduate College of Biblical Studies will offer courses (traditional and online) and study-abroad opportunities in partnership with leading international universities and Christian colleges. The emphasis will be on high-quality, affordable Biblical education. To deliver this, the Galilean will administer the Galilean Education Consortium as a course sharing collaborative. The Research Center will be a resource hub for the expansion of new colleges and conference centers affiliated with the Institute. As a private academic institution, the Galilean will be a nexus for the free examination of history, religion, literature, and culture unconstrained by international politics.
Construction will be overseen by an expert Architectural Board with the master plan, design and construction specifications approved by the appropriate Israeli ministries.
Matthew 28:7 “Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.”
[1] For dating reference see: http://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2014/04/april-3-ad-33
(CC BY-NC) Galilean Institute
