OLLI Fall 2026_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 16
Study Groups
Study Groups offer an opportunity to investigate
topics in depth. Most study groups typically meet
once a week for four to eight weeks.
IMPORTANT! To participate in most study groups,
an active email account and internet access is
necessary.
Christian Nationalism: The Integration of Faith
and National Identify
Tuesdays, September 1 – 29
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Peoria Next Innovation Center
Explore the relationship between American
national identity and Christian faith, with a
focus on Christian Nationalism—a controversial
perspective on the connection between
Christianity and government. Beginning with the
belief that America was founded as a Christian
nation, Christian nationalists argue that the
country has strayed from its roots and should
reestablish itself as a Christian nation. Together,
we will examine the cultural, religious, and
political origins of these ideas and why they have
become especially prominent today. Discussion
topics will include the range of views within
Christian Nationalism, the relationship between
church and state, and the connection between
religious conviction and patriotism.
$45 – Facilitated by Frank Wheeler, a retired
professor of biblical and religious studies and
frequent OLLI instructor.
Seats available: 12
Getz Fire Equipment gave
OLLI an in depth tour of their
company which has been in the
Peoria area over 65 years.
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STUDY GROUPS
Hollywood Goes to War!
A Look at 5 Movies about WWII
Tuesdays, September 1 – October 6
(no session on 9/15)
12:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Peoria Next Innovation Center
Since its inception, Hollywood has often turned
to war as a central theme, beginning with Wings,
the first film to win the Academy Award for
Best Picture. In this study group, five OLLI film
enthusiasts will lead discussions on films set
during World War II, examining how these movies
portray war and its impact on those caught in
it. Schedule of films in order include: Hacksaw
Ridge, Denise Hocker; Flags Of Our Fathers,
Randy Wilson; Das Boot, Reid Hansen; Midway,
Rich Henz; Patton*, Gary Nelson. *Patton will be
shown on the big screen at the Peoria Riverfront
Museum. Members enrolled in this study
group are automatically enrolled for the movie
screening. All films are available through Amazon
Prime, other streaming services, or on DVD at your
local library.
$45 – Our experienced OLLI facilitators are listed
above.
Seats available: 20
