Course Catalogue 2024-2025

Through the experience of reading and reflecting on the entire text of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament as well as key select passages, participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the sources, history, and development of the canonical books of the Latter Prophets and Writings in critical relation to their place in ancient Near Eastern culture and history. Attention will be given to issues such prophetic movements, reform movements, exile/deportation and return, wisdom and apocalyptic as shaping forces in biblical identity. Lectures and exegetical sessions will seek to assist participants with methodologies that will build their confidence and competence in engaging the texts in the context of the pastoral life of the church and in relation to contemporary culture and discourse.

Through the experience of reading and reflecting on the entire text of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament as well as key select passages, participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the sources, history, and development of the canonical books of the Latter Prophets and Writings in critical relation to their place in ancient Near Eastern culture and history. Attention will be given to issues such prophetic movements, reform movements, exile/deportation and return, wisdom and apocalyptic as shaping forces in biblical identity. Lectures and exegetical sessions will seek to assist participants with methodologies that will build their confidence and competence in engaging the texts in the context of the pastoral life of the church and in relation to contemporary culture and discourse.

An introduction to the history, theology and practice of Christian public worship, with particular reference to the practices of Reformed and Methodist liturgical traditions, set in the context of ecumenical developments and in relation to resources of The United Church of Canada. Topics include orders of service, forms of prayer, calendar, lectionary, liturgical space, eucharist, baptism, funerals, weddings, pastoral liturgies and ritualization. Biblical, historical, theological and pastoral dimensions will be explored. (Fulfills testamur requirement for United Church of Canada candidates for ordered ministry and admissions.)

This course introduces not only the systematic but also the constructive and contextual character of Christian theology. Participants will (1) become further acquainted with the sources, methods, tasks, and traditions of Christian theology; (2) become familiar with important theological themes, especially as they respond to intellectual and social challenges presented by historical contexts; (3) be encouraged to do theology, thinking creatively about faith in a contemporary context. Basic Christian themes considered will include God and creation, evil and providence, the human condition, Jesus Christ and salvation, the Church, and eschatology. Theological perspectives addressed will include formative and alternative theological traditions.

This course introduces students to the central categories of Christian theology as these loci have been developed in what the Christian tradition has called Systematic Theology. The course will focus on how these major doctrinal themes have been articulated in the Reformed Protestant tradition, and set this perspective in dialogue with other traditional, contemporary, and ecumenical perspectives in theology. Each topic will be explored in relation to its classical formulation as well as with reference to modern (and postmodern) reassessments of the classical tradition in the cultural and global context of the Christian churches in the 21st century.

Introduction to theology and the elements of Catholic theology. Revelation, Faith, Tradition, Church doctrine, infallibility, biblical inspiration.

Introduction to theology and the elements of Catholic theology. Revelation, Faith, Tradition, Church doctrine, infallibility, biblical inspiration.

Introduction to theology and the elements of Catholic theology. Revelation, Faith, Tradition, Church doctrine, infallibility, biblical inspiration.

Introduction to theology and the elements of Catholic theology. Revelation, Faith, Tradition, Church doctrine, infallibility, biblical inspiration.

Exploring key issues and themes in Christian theology, this course examines questions like the following: How are Christians to make judgments about the appropriate sources, norms, and ends of Christian theology, and how do these relate to wider spheres of intellectual and practical spheres of life? Attention will be given to differing approaches to the traditional topics in theology, including the concept of God, the doctrine of Creation, the nature of humanity, and the problem of evil. With attention to various perspectives and approaches to these issues, class sessions illustrate how different decisions about the nature of theology have a wide range of implications for how one conceives of Christian belief and practice.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of two central Christian doctrines - the Trinity and the person of Christ - as well as reflection on the role of Holy Scripture and the nature of theology. This is the first part of a two-part sequence in basic Christian doctrine.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of two central Christian doctrines - the Trinity and the person of Christ - as well as reflection on the role of Holy Scripture and the nature of theology. This is the first part of a two-part sequence in basic Christian doctrine.