John Bell: Adventures in Eden

What do these stories in common: a woman who talks to snakes, a fruit tree which ruins the taste buds, a landlover who builds a floating zoo, a world-beating political project which ruins the nation, a god who prefers market gardening to shepherding? If you look in the first chapters of the book of Genesis, you will find all these. But what have they to do with the earth’s ecosystem, the rise of new empires, the role of women and international relations?

John Bell believes these ancient stories have profound truths which speak into the age we live in and the faith we share.

Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.

Where: The Iona Abbey

When: 10.04.2027 – 16.04.2027

Led by: John Bell

About the programme

Adventures in Eden, a week led by John Bell, is a faith-based learning experience combines worship, teaching, and reflective pilgrimage-style reflection time, helping participants engage deeply with Scripture and contemporary life.

Meet the Programme Leader(s)

John Bell is an ordained minister, a member of the Iona Community and a writer and occasional broadcaster. He is a much-loved contributor at Greenbelt Festival. He teaches and lectures worldwide on issues of faith, social justice, music and liturgy.

What to expect

Each day follows a gentle rhythm of work, rest and worship.

You will have the opportunity to take part in guided reflections, small group conversations and the weekly pilgrimage on Iona. There is also plenty of time to walk, rest, pray or simply be.

This is a reflective pilgrimage experience with community, so you will share meals in the refectory and take part in simple shared tasks alongside other guests. These small rhythms help shape the life of the community during your stay.

Worship in the Abbey Church is at the heart of each day, and you are warmly invited to take part. For those seeking a reflective experience or a Christian pilgrimage experience in the UK, Time and Space offers a gentle pattern of belonging, rest and renewal.