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”
Prophets of Love: St. Paul and Leonard Cohen
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 …
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Religion at Ground Zero
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”
Lost at Sea: Searching for a Sacramental Theology
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”
Exploring Indigenous Perspectives in Church Leadership: A Māori Lens
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 …
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Gay Magic: Writing Down Our Queer and Trans Lives
In this workshop we will read and write all the brilliance and beauty of what we have survived and what we are building. Using prompts, free-writes, the magnificent muck of our lives, and the full wing-span of our imaginations, we will create new writing across genres. Be prepared to dig deep. In our writing, we …
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Word and Sacrament: Mission in a Post-Christian World
Description TBD Taught by the Rev. Dr. Dan Alger
Ministry in a Missiological Perspective
Course Description TBD Taught by the Rev. Dr. Jacob Rodriguez
Beyond Culture Wars Fostering Solidarity in an Age of Polarization Conference
Martin Luther University College and the Institute for Christian Studies will present the conference, “Beyond Culture Wars: Fostering Solidarity in an Age of Polarization.” Hosted at the campus of Martin Luther University College (Wilfrid Laurier University), this event will be an education and discussion forum for faith communities, and for the larger public, to counter …
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Asian and Asian American Christianity
This course introduces the development in Asian and Asian American study of Christianity by senior scholars from various disciplines, including theology, biblical studies, practical theology, mission, inter-religious dialogue, and gender and religion. It will challenge Eurocentrism in scholarship and explore methodology, emerging issues, and debates in the various fields using Asian/American identity as a critical …
View course details “Asian and Asian American Christianity”