Core Courses

THEOLOGY ON THE WAY

Instructor: Dr. Derek Hatch

The Christian life is filled with challenges and opportunities. Over the centuries, Christians have sought to do theology (reflection on life’s BIG questions that points toward God) as speaking to and engaging the world as we encounter it. The task is not always easy, but this course helps students discover theology as a companion on the way of life.

RESILIENT FAITH AND BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION IN A CHANGING WORLD

Instructor: Christy Messick

This course explores how resilient faith can be cultivated by engaging Scripture in ways that reflect justice, inclusivity, and love. Through thoughtful biblical interpretation, students will learn how their faith can adapt to contemporary challenges while maintaining deep roots in spiritual wisdom.

Elective Courses

THROUGH THE FIRE: RACE, RESILIENCE, AND JUSTICE IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT

Instructor: Paradise Stanford

This course examines the enduring power of faith in the face of injustice by focusing on the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. We will explore how this narrative of resilience, as they stood against oppression and persecution, parallels the experiences of marginalized racial groups, especially Black Christians. The story will serve as a framework to discuss race, resilience, and justice, while drawing connections to Black liberation theology, feminist thought, and the broader Christian call to action against racial injustice. 

JESUS AND THE BUDDHA WALK INTO A COFFEE SHOP: DEEPENING SPIRITUAL WISDOM THROUGH INTERFAITH DIALOGUE

Instructor: Dr. Michelle Johnson

What if Jesus and Buddha got coffee together one day? What would they have in common? In this course we explore how some important ideas in Buddhism such as suffering, compassion, mindfulness, and meditation relate to important ideas in the Christian tradition. And we explore how these connection points can help us both care for our soul and deepen our understanding of Christian wisdom.

PERSISTENT FAITH IN THE POLITICAL STORM

Instructor: Dr. Bill Swinford

This is a time of substantial unrest in our domestic politics and in our relationships with other countries. We find ourselves increasingly hampered and harmed by political, economic, social, and even religious divides. But there always is hope. We will explore how our individual and shared beliefs in the love and grace of God can heal the anxieties we experience as individuals and the schisms we experience as members of a broader community.