Course Catalogue 2025-2026

We will imagine the book of Numbers as a ‘dream’ (nightmare?) experience that can teach us about the kinds of skills communities and their leaders require to cope with life and death in a risk-filled environment. At its promptings we will explore specific congregational leadership issues including, planning, assessing resources, drawing forth, developing and changing volunteer leadership, mission, building vision and making change, recognizing and nurturing what gives a community life, coping with the reality of communal death, and above all, the life and death risk of traveling with the living God.

An introduction to the theology and practice of evangelism in contemporary society. We will look critically at different evangelistic practices in light of scripture and culture, and consider how healthy evangelism might affect leadership, parish life, worship, preaching, lay ministry, outreach programs and personal relationships.

An introduction to the theology and practice of evangelism in contemporary society. We will look critically at different evangelistic practices in light of scripture and culture, and consider how healthy evangelism might affect leadership, parish life, worship, preaching, lay ministry, outreach programs and personal relationships.

Introduction to the gospel and letters of John concerning authorship, unity, historicity and the situation of the Johannine church. Exploration of basic themes in this tradition and what they reveal about the life of Jesus and believing in him. Exegesis of selected passages from the Gospel and 1 John.

This course explores the discipline of comparative theology through key texts, theological practices, and methods, especially as elaborated by Francis X. Clooney and related scholars. Students will engage in cross-religious reading, reflection on theological commitments, and the challenges and opportunities of learning from religious traditions other than one's own.

This course introduces students to the historical, philosophical, and theological dialogue between Christianity and traditional Chinese thought. By examining key concepts in Confucianism, Daoism, and Chinese Buddhism alongside core Christian theological doctrines, students will gain insights into both the intersections and tensions between these traditions. Through comparative analysis of primary texts, the course fosters an appreciation for cross-cultural and interreligious dialogue, and highlights opportunities for mutual understanding between Christianity and Chinese thought in contemporary contexts.

This course introduces students to the historical, philosophical, and theological dialogue between Christianity and traditional Chinese thought. By examining key concepts in Confucianism, Daoism, and Chinese Buddhism alongside core Christian theological doctrines, students will gain insights into both the intersections and tensions between these traditions. Through comparative analysis of primary texts, the course fosters an appreciation for cross-cultural and interreligious dialogue, and highlights opportunities for mutual understanding between Christianity and Chinese thought in contemporary contexts.

The Book of Revelation (The Apocalypse of John) is arguably the most perplexing book of the New Testament, full of strange visions and confusing images, many of which are disturbing to read. Those who brave its pages are usually left bewildered, unsure what to make of it, and questioning what benefits or dangers it offers the contemporary world. Perhaps this is why Revelation often remains either neglected or misunderstood, despite its significance in Christian history, its influence on popular culture, and its vital importance for the church today. This course will follow the book chapter by chapter, working through the whole text, examining its historical context, literary shape, and theological significance.

A survey of the Pauline literature from the Thessalonian correspondence to the Pastoral Letters. A critical study of primary and secondary sources for understanding Paul's life and ministry, followed by a detailed exegesis of selected texts. Key concepts in 'Pauline theology'.

In this course, we will examine different theories of human nature by reading philosophical, psychological, religious, and personal accounts. Our examination will be guided by two focusing questions: “What makes me happy?” and “What keeps me from being happy?”. We will address these questions on both individual and communal levels. In the second half of the course, we will focus on addiction as an impediment to happiness.

This course offers an introduction to anthropology as a philosophical discipline. We will look at its fundamental questions, the principal steps of its historical development, and its major proponents, including Philosophische Anthropologie as it emerged in 20^thcentury Germany. We will examine the current relevance of anthropology within philosophy and for wider public debates, including those on current ecological, technological, theological, and other ethical issues.

This course is a philosophical examination of some fundamental questions in Christian metaphysics: How do we make sense of reality? Can we prove that God exists? How are God and the world related? More specifically, if God created the world, how do the Big Bang and evolution fit into the picture?