OSTS Courses for the year 2018/2019
Fall Term 2018 (September 17 – November 26, 2018)
First-hour courses (7:30 – 8:20 p.m.)
Course A: Understanding the Stories in Genesis: Rabbi Dr. Reuven P. Bulka C.M
A long-standing lecturer at OSTS, Rabbi Dr. Bulka is a widely respected writer, broadcaster, and religious leader in Ottawa.
The second half of Genesis contains some perplexing episodes involving Biblical personalities. The apparent clash between Isaac and Rebecca, the volatile relationship between Jacob and Esau, between Jacob and Laban, the disconnect between Laban and his daughters Leah and Rachel, and the protracted clash of Joseph and his brothers will be analyzed through careful study of the Biblical text.
Course B: Revelation across Religions: Fr. Louis Roy O.P.
Fr. Roy teaches theology and spirituality at the Dominican University College in Ottawa. He has published books in English, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
We shall examine the main characteristics of various world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and Christianity with as much objectivity and respect as possible. Participants will be invited to identify and discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each of those religions, especially from the perspective of faith and revelation.
Course C: New Ways of Ministry with SBNR Young Adults (Spiritual But Not Religious): Rev. Dr. Sherwood
Tom Sherwood is a Minister with the United Church of Canada and Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton University.
Tom’s book, “Listening to The Echo”, quotes hundreds of thoughtful, spiritual, ethical young adults as they explain why they reject the religious institutions of their families. They are the “Echo Generation” – the children of Baby Boomers, the Echo from the Boom. But they do not echo their parents’ opinions or values. They express a new spirituality in their beliefs and practices. This course will consider new ministries that are connecting with them, enriched by Tom’s interviews with guests from some of those ministries.
Second-hour courses (8:40 – 9:30 p.m.)
Course D: A Liberating Word from the Mountain Top – The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes
Rev. Kevin Flynn is an Anglican priest and director of the Anglican Studies Program at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario. He is also part of a broad network of Christians who practice yoga, meditation and prayer.
Are these teachings, rules, and attitudes to be held as aspects of character that are moral imperatives, conditions for Christian living, or aspirations to be lived into? The course will explore how these teachings may be understood and experienced for personal and social freedom.
Course E: Coptic Orthodox Christianity: Fr. Shenouda Boutros and Deacon Mike Gawargy
Rev. Fr. Shenouda Boutros has served in Egypt, Germany, and England and most recently in Ottawa for over 25 years. He is renowned for in-depth Biblical studies and Coptic Hymnology.
Mike Gawargy is a local IT leader who serves as deacon at Saint Mary’s Coptic Church.
This course provides a comprehensive overview and understanding of the Coptic Church – a church prophesied about in Old Testament scripture, founded by Saint Mark the Evangelist and Apostle, founded in a land blessed by the Holy Family’s visit to Egypt, carrying a rich heritage of tradition and spiritual treasures, surviving and thriving over the course of twenty centuries despite eras or persecution. From its origins in Alexandria to its modern day global presence, we look at the founding biblical figures, history, culture, liturgy, sacraments, saints and martyrs, monastic elements, and current clerical leaders. Come learn how the Coptic Church continues to spread Christ’s message of salvation and hope in the modern era.
Course F: Learning A New Way to Pray: Tracking the Trajectory of Reformation in the Church: Pr. Malina
The Rev. Martin Malina is pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Nepean and has served as Dean of the Ottawa Ministry Area of ELCIC Lutheran congregations. Martin sat on the Christian Council of the Capital Area and is a patron of the Multifaith Housing Initiative, Ottawa.
In 2017, Christians worldwide marked the 500th anniversary of Reformation by gathering together in several contexts to pray. During the anniversary year, diverse assemblies recognized that the 16th century Reformation left a legacy of division in the church defined more by conflict and competition than the way of Jesus who prayed for his followers, “that they may be one.” Protestants and Catholics have committed to turning the tide, and prayed for the healing of old wounds. In this course, participants will explore together the ‘architecture’ of relationships in the church today. We will examine these commitments to greater visible expressions of unity while recognizing ongoing points of difference. Participants will move outside comfort zones to experience Christian unity in contexts other than their own denomination, all in order to grow in appreciation of the ‘other’ and thereby contribute to the trajectory towards greater, visible unity in the church for the next 500 years.