If you're not a regular churchgoer and/or don't see yourself as a Christian, then there are various courses that help you ask questions about spirituality, faith and church - in a no-holds-barred, no-question-off-limits environment. These courses are set in an informal context, often with a meal, and provide a safe context where no question is “too silly” or “off limits”.

Alpha

The best known course is Alpha. Over 2 million people in the UK have done Alpha. "What Alpha offers, and what is attracting thousands of people, is permission, rare in secular culture, to discuss the big questions - life and death and their meaning." (The Guardian). Its 10 sessions, which can be done as a 10-week course or on DVD with a couple of friends, includes talks by Nicky Gumbel, a former barrister turned church-leader. Nicky is a great speaker and you'll find his arguments compelling. Or perhaps not!? Alpha offers a context to discuss questions like who is Jesus; why did he die; how can we have faith; etc. >> More at www.alpha.org/uk

Journeys

Journeys is a series of 20-minute TV-documentary-style programmes that ask questions like is there a spiritual side to me; do God and heaven exist, and what are they like; does this faith thing work in real life. Even-handedly presented by Rob Harley, the stories of the people you meet on Journeys makes compelling viewing, whatever you end up deciding about their view of God. It also makes a great introduction to Alpha. >> Click here for a 2-minute video introduction to Journeys.

How do I get on a course

Click here for details of churches in and around Thame that are running these courses. Some may run courses at regular intervals, while others may run courses (perhaps using DVDs) as they are needed. So, if you're interested, get in touch with them and see what they can offer!