This course introduces students to the practice of theology through exploring some of the major themes in systematic theology: the doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology), the doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology), the doctrine of salvation (Soteriology), and the doctrine of the “Last Things” (Eschatology). Theology, as understood in this course, is a disciplined reflection …
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The History of Christianity in Asia
Christianity was born in Asia. But it never became the predominant religion of the continent as it did in Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Americas. Even so, diverse cultural groups across the Asian landmass encountered the gospel in the early, medieval, and modern periods of its cross-cultural transmission from Asian and European missions. These encounters …
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History of Christianity II
This survey course invites students to encounter the story of Christianity from the Protestant Reformation (beginning in 1517) to the end of the twentieth century. It highlights the experiences of Christian communities in the ‘Old World’ (Asia, Africa, and Europe) and the ‘New World’ (the Americas and Oceania) as they move through the major turning …
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Facing Choices: Ethics in the Anglican Tradition
Ethics in the Anglican tradition draws on a rich history of discourse as we strive to engage with our faith, living it out in an imperfect world and Church. Whether we are struggling to justify sacramental liturgy and church hierarchy in the face of Puritan attack, or determining church policy on inclusion of women and LGBTQIA+ people, Anglicans …
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Early and Medieval Christian Spirituality
In this course, students will learn the origins of Christian monastic, mendicant, and mystical spiritualities by immersing themselves in the pre-Reformation literature and spiritual practices of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, the Benedictines, the Cistercians, the Celtic Christians, the Franciscans, and the Medieval English Mystics. By doing so, students will recover spiritual nourishment and riches …
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Beyond Empire: Rethinking the History of Global Christianity
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 …
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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 …
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Trauma and Colonialism: Transformational Teachings
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.
School for Lay Ministry Learning Community
Transform Your Ministry in Just One Year with Theologically-Sound Training & Leadership Development From preaching and teaching to providing pastoral care or designing worship, faith leaders, like you, serve their congregations in various roles. Often, you do so without the theological background or seminary degrees your colleagues may have. With the School for Lay Ministry, …
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Do Black Lives Matter to God? A Theological Exploration of Evil, Suffering, Resistance, and Divine Accountability
With Naomi Washington-Leapheart This retreat asks the question: If God is benevolent, just, and powerful, how can (does) evil persist in the lives of Black people living in the United States? In this retreat that will include both you and students from Rev. Naomi’s Villanova religious studies class by the same name, we will explore …
View course details “Do Black Lives Matter to God? A Theological Exploration of Evil, Suffering, Resistance, and Divine Accountability”