Christianity was a demonstrably global faith (with its center of gravity in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East) before it became a predominantly Western religion (c.1500). Now, after roughly five centuries, it has once again reemerged as a hugely non-Western phenomenon. A full historical account reveals a faith that is inherently global because it is …
View course details “Beyond Empire: Rethinking the History of Global Christianity”
Presented by the O’Driscoll Forum on Preaching and the Arts & the Anglican Foundation of Canada: Register Now! How is the proclamation of the Gospel integral to pastoral leadership? In what ways does the challenge of leading a faith-based organization enrich and challenge the ministry of preaching? This class will give students the opportunity to …
View course details “Leading From the Pulpit”
How do we practice spiritual presence in challenging times? And let spirituality lead us to action? When communities are polarized, and peace is unpopular, these are urgent questions. Together, we will explore answers from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Each tradition offers powerful tools to critique institutional power, confront the ego, open the heart, and explore …
View course details “Interfaith Spirituality for Polarized Times”
By comparing and contrasting Paul with Leonard Cohen, another “Apostle to the Gentiles,” this course explores radically new perspectives on the lives and writings of both. Themes include: 1/ Paul, Leonard, and Judaism, 2/ asceticism, 3/ mysticism, 4/ Paul, Leonard, and Jesus, 5/ Paul, Leonard and women, 6/ Paul, Leonard, and masculinity, 7/ Paul and …
View course details “Prophets of Love: St. Paul and Leonard Cohen”
Much of the Bible originated as oral tradition, stories that were told and retold over the years. Jesus told stories as a key part of his instructional technique, and these stories were retold by his followers. Today, the Bible is a written text, but one way of bringing the stories alive is to remember their …
View course details “Telling the Bible: Stories and Interpretation with Children”
Where was God when this happened?! How can religious people commit such atrocities?! What can a religious leader say after such a horrendous event?! This course explores such questions by analyzing theological responses to human tragedy and cultural shock. Discussion will attend to issues of theodicy, religious terrorism and natural disasters through the perspectives of …
View course details “Religion at Ground Zero”
This Learning Hub course will be located in Kelowna, BC. Accommodation, and some meals, will be provided through the Lilly Endowment Pathways Project support of this course. Travel subsidies will also be available. The usual VST course registration fee will apply. Auditors are welcome but are not eligible for the travel or accommodation subsidies. In …
View course details “Where Theology Meets the Soil: Experiential Learning in the Okanagan”
The goal of this class is to explore the theme of “Lost at Sea” through the lens of a sacramental theology of Baptism and Creation. Just as the Spirit hovered over the waters of Creation to bring forth life from the chaos, so does Christ enter the waters of the Jordan River to initiate the …
View course details “Lost at Sea: Searching for a Sacramental Theology”
Trauma research clearly outlines the impact of colonialism on First Nations peoples of North America. This course will examine the neurobiology of trauma and the spiritual aspect of colonialism as a curse. The unity of ancestral law and the teachings of Christ are a solid resource for healing, wholeness and wellness.
This course explores the “why” behind Indigenous leadership, framed by global Indigenous perspectives related to self-determination, cultural identity, community well-being and the recognition of Indigenous rights. It examines the intersection of these themes with Indigenous Christian leadership, using Māori contexts in Aotearoa New Zealand as a comparative illustration. Learners will engage with Western leadership theories such …
View course details “Exploring Indigenous Perspectives in Church Leadership: A Māori Lens”
