Course Catalogue 2026-2027

It is often said that that religious texts provoke and sanction violence, and even that religion itself is inherently violent. Utilizing various analytical models, we will examine representative texts from both the Old and New Testaments in dialogue with the insights of Rene Girard, Eugen Drewermann, C.G. Jung, Walter Wink, and others. Central to our study of the pertinent NT texts is an exploration of the symbolic world of apocalypticism (both Jewish and Christian), as well as the destructive potential of the Passion narratives. Special attention will also be given to the myth of redemptive violence and the misuse of religious language and symbols. The course will also explore pastoral and theological approaches to sensitive biblical passages today.

It is often said that religious texts provoke and sanction violence, and even that religion itself is inherently violent. Utilizing the mimetic violence model, we will analyze representative texts from both Old and New Testaments in dialogue with the works of Ren

Postmodernity as a cultural phenomenon, implications in various areas of cultural endeavour (including politics, philosophy, psychology, theology, the arts, and science), and work toward an integral Christian worldview that gives guidance in a post-modern world. A particular concern will be to plumb the resources of Scripture for such a cultural context.Lectures, seminar discussions, multimedia. Reflection paper (25%), participation (25%), major paper (50%).

A seminar format historical retracing and ethical consideration of various truth and reconciliation commissions (TRCs) or Justice, Truth, and Reconciliation Commissions (JTRC) in different countries across the world. A survey exploration of the social, political, economic, and religious context specific factors which gave birth to adopting TRCs or JTRCs in different countries, and the larger societal ethical implications they bring to notions of truth-telling, restorative and redistributive justice, social equity, and reconciliation. Emphasis on key themes, historical events, and actors. This course responds in part to Canada's TRC's calls to action # 49 & 60.

A seminar format historical retracing and ethical consideration of various truth and reconciliation commissions (TRCs) or Justice, Truth, and Reconciliation Commissions (JTRC) in different countries across the world. A survey exploration of the social, political, economic, and religious context specific factors which gave birth to adopting TRCs or JTRCs in different countries, and the larger societal ethical implications they bring to notions of truth-telling, restorative and redistributive justice, social equity, and reconciliation. Emphasis on key themes, historical events, and actors. This course responds in part to Canada's TRC's calls to action # 49 & 60.

Building upon what is broadly understood as liberation discourses and theologies, this course explores the salient methodological features and topics of emerging decolonial thinking and discourses. We will study the various theoretical shifts as articulated by decolonial thinkers and examine how these complex theoretical currents signal a reconfiguration of inherited forms of knowledge, understanding of the world, ethical perspectives, constructions of morality, and the theological task. The focus of this course is to gain insight into the main ideas, specific methodologies, and key authors involved in the development and proliferation of these diverse theoretical currents, and their relevance for the task of theology and ministry.

Building upon what is broadly understood as liberation discourses and theologies, this course explores the salient methodological features and topics of emerging decolonial thinking and discourses. We will study the various theoretical shifts as articulated by decolonial thinkers and examine how these complex theoretical currents signal a reconfiguration of inherited forms of knowledge, understanding of the world, ethical perspectives, constructions of morality, and the theological task. The focus of this course is to gain insight into the main ideas, specific methodologies, and key authors involved in the development and proliferation of these diverse theoretical currents, and their relevance for the task of theology and ministry.

Building upon what is broadly understood as liberation discourses and theologies, this course explores the salientmethodological featuresand topicsof emerging decolonial thinking and discourses. We will study the various theoreticalshifts as articulated by decolonial thinkers and examine how these complex theoretical currents signal a reconfiguration of inherited forms of knowledge, understanding of the world, ethical perspectives, constructions of morality, and the theological task. The focus of this course is to gain insight intothe main ideas, specific methodologies, and key authors involved in the development and proliferation of these diverse theoretical currents, and their relevance for the task of theology and ministry. The course will include lectures, seminars, and readings, and will be evaluated by way of class participation and class presentations, book reviews and final essay.

Queer Theory challenges feminist theory's and gay and lesbian studies' focus on tolerance and inclusion with radical deconstructive critiques of the institutions and practices that produce gender and sexuality norms to begin with. Theologies in dialogue with queer theory thus presuppose the full inclusion of LGTBQ people in the life and leadership of churches- rather than argue for it- to articulate constructive theological projects out of queer practices. In this course, students engage foundational texts in queer/genderqueer Theologies to begin constructing their own theological positions in a context that disrupts binary understandings of gender and heteronormative views of sexuality. Doctrines of God, Christology and soteriology will be addressed, as will theological interpretations of marriage, family and kinship networks.

Queer Theory challenges feminist theory's and gay and lesbian studies' focus on tolerance and inclusion with radical deconstructive critiques of the institutions and practices that produce gender and sexuality norms to begin with. Theologies in dialogue with queer theory thus presuppose the full inclusion of LGTBQ people in the life and leadership of churches- rather than argue for it- to articulate constructive theological projects out of queer practices. In this course, students engage foundational texts in queer/genderqueer Theologies to begin constructing their own theological positions in a context that disrupts binary understandings of gender and heteronormative views of sexuality. Doctrines of God, Christology and soteriology will be addressed, as will theological interpretations of marriage, family and kinship networks. Foundational courses in theology required as pre-requisites. This course fulfills the Emmanuel College designated elective in Theology.

Queer Theory challenges feminist theory's and gay and lesbian studies' focus on tolerance and inclusion with radical deconstructive critiques of the institutions and practices that produce gender and sexuality norms to begin with. Theologies in dialogue with queer theory thus presuppose the full inclusion of LGTBQ people in the life and leadership of churches- rather than argue for it- to articulate constructive theological projects out of queer practices. In this course, students engage foundational texts in queer/genderqueer Theologies to begin constructing their own theological positions in a context that disrupts binary understandings of gender and heteronormative views of sexuality. Doctrines of God, Christology and soteriology will be addressed, as will theological interpretations of marriage, family and kinship networks.

An exploration of doing theology in the Canadian Context. Using a multidisciplinary approach (literary, social, political and economic) the course will examine how this particular context affects how we think, pray and act as Christians.