Courses

An examination of the emergence and development of Christian thought of the Magisterial and Anabaptist wings of 16th century Reformation. This course invites students into a deeper understanding of the complexities of Reformation thought through close readings of primary source material from significant individuals, movements and councils

An examination of the emergence and development of Christian thought of the nineteenth, twentieth, & twenty-first centuries. This course invites students into a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern Christian thought through close readings of primary source material from significant theologies and theologians of the period with a view to how they influence Christianity today. The approach is both inter-confessional and international in scope and seeks to allow students to grapple with important theological issues in local, national, and global contexts.

A detailed examination of the background and development of Christian thought and life in the period spanning the Apostolic Fathers through to the Council of Nicaea (325). The course analyzes the complex formulation of Pre-Nicene Christianity through the writings of some of its most influential thinkers, leaders, and movements (both orthodox and heretical) with an eye toward identifying major developments in early Christian theology and practice. An attempt is also made to understand the variety of Christianities which contended for dominance as the church strove to define itself and to establish its place in the world.

Does Christian doctrine necessarily develop or is it delivered once and for all in the Bible? This question forms the main concern of this course as it exposes students to the idea of doctrinal development in Christian theology. Through a selection of ideas, persons, issues, and institutions that have contributed to the idea of doctrinal development it encourages students to grapple with the inevitable change of history as it relates to Christian doctrine.

An examination of the methodological approaches to the study of theology. Methods such as historical/systematic/dogmatic theology, dialectical theology, constructive theology, analytical theology, postmodern/deconstructive theology and existential theology will be covered in terms of the historical roots, main proponents and fundamental principles of each of these methods.

Since the 1960’s Christian theology has undergone a sea change in Western thought, having shifted from theoretical concerns of dogma to matters of praxis and social justice. At the forefront of these changes there arose a theological movement broadly known as “Liberation Theology.” Though the basic form of this movement was born in the socially repressed regions of Latin America, under the leadership of Catholic theologians like Gustavo Gutierrez, the main tenets of its approach to theology have been adopted and adapted by many other groups who feel a kinship with the oppressed peoples of the developing world. This course explores the main lines of this approach to theology through a sampling and analysis of offerings from these various groups, including, Latin American theology, Black theology, Feminist/Womanist theology, and Gay/LGBTQ theologies.

Topics vary from year to year.

An in-depth examination of special topics or issues in Christian Thought.