Previous Years' Course Catalogues

In 1936 Christian chaplain Anton Boisen wrote that people with mental illnesses are often forgotten by the church. As we consider his words from the vantage point of the early part of the twenty-first century, how much of what he said still rings true? This question is important as more people are being diagnosed with mental illnesses than ever before in Canada. How can spiritual leaders in faith communities create space for people experiencing mental distress? What can community members do to support those in their faith community who have mental health concerns and who are often marginalized by both society and the church? In this course students will consider the history of mental health/madness in relation to Christian theology. Students will explore ways that injustice and oppression exist in the history of mental distress and consider how to address these issues within their contexts. We will question contemporary controversies in mental health research and policy such as the creation of the DSM and the pharmaceutical industry and explore how these relate to theology/spirituality. We will explore Christian responses to mental distress as well as first person narratives of people with lived experience of mental illness. Working together, we will develop outside of the box thinking regarding inventing and implementing ideas for ministry with/spiritual care for people with mental health concerns within a Canadian context.

In 1936 Christian chaplain Anton Boisen wrote that people with mental illnesses are often forgotten by the church.  As we consider his words from the vantage point of the early part of the twenty-first century, how much of what he said still rings true? This question is important as more people are being diagnosed with mental illnesses than ever before in Canada. How can spiritual leaders in faith communities create space for people experiencing mental distress? What can community members do to support those in their faith community who have mental health concerns and who are often marginalized by both society and the church? In this course students will consider the history of mental health/madness  in relation to Christian theology. Students will explore ways that injustice and oppression exist in the history of mental distress and consider how to address these issues within their contexts. We will question contemporary controversies in mental health research and policy such as the creation of the DSM and the pharmaceutical industry and explore how these relate to theology/spirituality. We will explore Christian responses to mental distress as well as first person narratives of people with lived experience of mental illness. Working together, we will develop outside of the box  thinking regarding inventing and implementing ideas for ministry with/spiritual care for people with mental health concerns within a Canadian context.

In 1936 Christian chaplain Anton Boisen wrote that people with mental illnesses are often “forgotten by the church.” As we consider his words from the vantage point of the early part of the twenty-first century, how much of what he said still rings true? This question is important as more people are being diagnosed with mental illnesses than ever before in Canada. How can spiritual leaders in faith communities create space for people experiencing mental distress? What can community members do to support those in their faith community who have mental health concerns and who are often marginalized by both society and the church? In this course students will consider the history of mental health/“madness” in relation to Christian theology. Students will explore ways that injustice and oppression exist in the history of mental distress and consider how to address these issues within their contexts. We will question contemporary controversies in mental health research and policy such as the creation of the DSM and the pharmaceutical industry and explore how these relate to theology/spirituality. We will explore Christian responses to mental distress as well as first person narratives of people with lived experience of mental illness. Working together, we will develop “outside of the box” thinking regarding inventing and implementing ideas for ministry with/spiritual care for people with mental health concerns within a Canadian context.

Clergy and lay leaders often encounter people struggling to cope with psychological difficulties. It is important that they be able to recognize common psychological problems and have the basic skills to respond constructively and compassionately. This is not a counseling course; it provides psychological knowledge key to providing effective pastoral care. The course is offered in seminar format, and course evaluations will be based on a set of written assignments and a group presentation.

People engaged in ministry life regularly come in contact with those who are dealing with their own or a loved ones' mental health issues or psychological distress. Furthermore, people in ministry often struggle with such psychclogical problems themselves. It is of some importance then to be equipped to recognize the signs of psychological difficulties and distress, and to have some basic skills in responding constructively and compassionately within the appropriate limits of pastoral training and competence. People engaged In ministry life also need to have given thought to what rote the church or their community-based ministry might have in ministering to those with psychological disorders, and to their family membars and friends.

Clergy and lay leaders often encounter people struggling to cope with psychological difficulties. It is important that they be able to recognize common psychological problems and have the basic skills to respond constructively and compassionately. This is not a counseling course; it provides psychological knowledge key to providing effective pastoral care.

People engaged in ministry life regularly come in contact with those who are dealing with their own or a loved ones' mental health issues or psychological distress. Furthermore, people in ministry often struggle with such psychclogical problems themselves. It is of some importance then to be equipped to recognize the signs of psychological difficulties and distress, and to have some basic skills in responding constructively and compassionately within the appropriate limits of pastoral training and competence. People engaged In ministry life also need to have given thought to what rote the church or their community-based ministry might have in ministering to those with psychological disorders, and to their family members and friends.

This course will be an introduction to the role and function of the Orthodox priest within the parish setting as well as other pastoral and chaplaincy roles (both clerical and lay). Students will be introduced to selected writings ranging from Scripture to the Fathers to contemporary theologians. We will be covering themes such as vocation, ordination, counseling, confession, and parish and personal life. While this course will briefly explore the biblical and historical origins and development of the priesthood and pastoral roles, its primary focus will be on the contemporary role of the priest or lay pastor in the modern world and parish life.

This course will be an introduction to the role and function of the Orthodox priest within the parish setting as well as other pastoral and chaplaincy roles (both clerical and lay). Students will be introduced to selected writings ranging from Scripture to the Fathers to contemporary theologians. We will be covering themes such as vocation, ordination, counseling, confession, and parish and personal life. While this course will briefly explore the biblical and historical origins and development of the priesthood and pastoral roles, its primary focus will be on the contemporary role of the priest or lay pastor in the modern world and parish life.

This course will be an introduction to the role and function of the Orthodox priest within the parish setting as well as other pastoral and chaplaincy roles (both clerical and lay). Students will be introduced to selected writings ranging from Scripture to the Fathers to contemporary theologians. We will be covering themes such as vocation, ordination, counseling, confession, and parish and personal life. While this course will briefly explore the biblical and historical origins and development of the priesthood and pastoral roles, its primary focus will be on the contemporary role of the priest or lay pastor in the modern world and parish life.

This course will be an introduction to the role and function of the Orthodox priest within the parish setting as well as other pastoral and chaplaincy roles (both clerical and lay). Students will be introduced to selected writings ranging from Scripture to the Fathers to contemporary theologians. We will be covering themes such as vocation, ordination, counseling, confession, and parish and personal life. While this course will briefly explore the biblical and historical origins and development of the priesthood and pastoral roles, its primary focus will be on the contemporary role of the priest or lay pastor in the modern world and parish life.

This course will be an introduction to the role and function of the Orthodox priest within the parish setting as well as other pastoral and chaplaincy roles (both clerical and lay). Students will be introduced to selected writings ranging from Scripture to the Fathers to contemporary theologians. We will be covering themes such as vocation, ordination, counseling, confession, and parish and personal life. While this course will briefly explore the biblical and historical origins and development of the priesthood and pastoral roles, its primary focus will be on the contemporary role of the priest or lay pastor in the modern world and parish life.