Course Catalogue 2023-2024

This course will introduce students to the methods and study of the history of Christianity. It will also provide a survey knowledge of major events and trends in Christian history which will be required for other Knox College courses. These courses will expect that students will know the historical context of monasticism, the Wesleys, etc. As a survey course, topics will not be covered in extensive detail or in great depth: rather the course will allow students to place events in their proper chronological order and cultural context which will allow for more detailed study of topics in later courses at TST and as needed in congregational ministry or further graduate study.

Institutional conflict, when led skillfully, can be a source of creativity and growth, but when avoided, becomes a means to stagnation and decline. This course focuses on the basics of the personal qualities and skills needed by leaders who assist congregations and other religious institutions to meet conflict and change in a spiritually and theologically grounded, healthy, and productive manner.

Survey of New Testament world, authors, theologies. Introduction to the historical-critical and other methods of exegesis. Focus on the relation of hermeneutic to Christian Theological traditions; determining the senses of Scripture, the intent of the author, the structures in the texts; stance of the reader.

Survey of New Testament world, authors, theologies. Introduction to the historical-critical and other methods of exegesis. Focus on the relation of hermeneutic to Christian Theological traditions; determining the senses of Scripture, the intent of the author, the structures in the texts; stance of the reader.

Survey of New Testament world, authors, theologies. Introduction to the historical-critical and other methods of exegesis. Focus on the relation of hermeneutic to Christian Theological traditions; determining the senses of Scripture, the intent of the author, the structures in the texts; stance of the reader.

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 main themes in theology, with attention to the nature of theological argumentation. Trinity, creation, theological anthropology, Jesus Christ, ecclesiology, other religions, eschatology, Anabaptist-Mennonite theology, political theology, modernity/ postmodernity, the vocation of the theologian.

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 will offer scriptural, historical, and theological foundations to help liturgists understand and then lead worship in a Reformed setting.

This course examines the historical development and contemporary practice of theology as an exercise of intellectual probity and religious commitment. Topics include the origins of Christian theology, its historical development, the relationship of religious narrative to religious doctrine, faith and reason, revelation and authority, tradition and development. The course introduces Bernard Lonergan.

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