October 2020 Course Descriptions
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October Overview
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Adult Catechesis and Formation
The primary focus of the class is on the ancient and modern catechumenate, especially in terms of preparation for baptism and confirmation. The course will also look at other formation issues for adults, particularly vocational discernment and spiritual direction.
Book List
Doctrines of the First Person
This course will explore classical doctrines of the First Person, including God, Trinity, Creation, Providence, Humanity, and Sin. Special attention will be given to the sub-themes of religion and science and the problem of evil and suffering.
Book List
Old Testament I
Old Testament I will focus on methods for biblical study, major topics like covenant, law, and prophecy, and will provide students with a clear sense of historical and cultural context for these materials. While this is a survey, it will emphasize those “must know” concepts, personages, events, and literary genres essential to a basic knowledge of the Old Testament.
Book List
Pastoral Theology
This course surveys the many aspects of pastoral care and counseling for the parish priest and deacon. The course examines the biblical and theological foundations of pastoral care and counseling (including its history and the basic models in use today), the placement of this form of ministry in the context of parish life, how pastoral care and counseling fit into the community context of mental health services, legal and ethical issues involved, resources available, and various occasions for care and counsel from the pastor.
Book List
The primary focus of the class is on the ancient and modern catechumenate, especially in terms of preparation for baptism and confirmation. The course will also look at other formation issues for adults, particularly vocational discernment and spiritual direction.
Book List
- Bass, Diana Butler. Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. HarperOne, 2012.
- Everist, Norma Cook. The Church as Learning Community: A Comprehensive Guide to Christian Education. Abigdon Press, 2002.
- Fowler, James W. Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian: Adult Development and Christian Faith. Jossey-Bass, 2000.
- Westerhoff, John H. III. Will Our Children Have Faith? Wipf & Stock, 1999.
Recommended but not required: - Tickle, Phyllis. The Great Emergence: How Christianity is Changing and Why. Baker Books, 2008.
- The Rev. Dr. Bill Fasel is a recently retired Episcopal priest. He currently serves part time as the Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership Development in the Diocese of West Missouri.
Doctrines of the First Person
This course will explore classical doctrines of the First Person, including God, Trinity, Creation, Providence, Humanity, and Sin. Special attention will be given to the sub-themes of religion and science and the problem of evil and suffering.
Book List
- McGrath, Alister. Christian Theology: An Introduction, 6th edition. Wiley Blackwell, 2016
- Schaab, Gloria L. If God Is for Us: Christian Perspectives on God and Suffering. Anselm Academic, 2016.
- Dr. Wilburn (Bill) T. Stancil is Professor Emeritus of Theology and Religious Studies at Rockhurst University, Kansas City. In his 40-year teaching career, he taught theology at four different universities and theological seminaries. Dr. Stancil is a licensed lay preacher in the Episcopal Church and a frequent speaker to churches of many denominations in the Kansas City area.
Old Testament I
Old Testament I will focus on methods for biblical study, major topics like covenant, law, and prophecy, and will provide students with a clear sense of historical and cultural context for these materials. While this is a survey, it will emphasize those “must know” concepts, personages, events, and literary genres essential to a basic knowledge of the Old Testament.
Book List
- V. Matthews & J. Moyer, The Old Testament: Text and Context (3rd edition; Baker, 2012)
- V. Matthews & D. Benjamin, Old Testament Parallels (4th edition; Paulist, 2016)
- Dr. Victor Matthews is a Professor of Religious Studies and Dean of the College of Humanities and Public Affairs at Missouri State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, specializing in the social world of ancient Israel. He currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Examining Chaplains for the Diocese of West Missouri.
Pastoral Theology
This course surveys the many aspects of pastoral care and counseling for the parish priest and deacon. The course examines the biblical and theological foundations of pastoral care and counseling (including its history and the basic models in use today), the placement of this form of ministry in the context of parish life, how pastoral care and counseling fit into the community context of mental health services, legal and ethical issues involved, resources available, and various occasions for care and counsel from the pastor.
Book List
- Clinebell, Howard and McKeever, Bridget Clare, Basic Types of Pastoral Care & Counseling: Resources for the Ministry of Healing & Growth, 2011.
- The Rev. Dr. James R. Beck is Senior Professor of Counseling at Denver Seminary in Englewood, Colorado. In retirement, he lives in rural Clay Center, Kansas and is Clerk of the Vestry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church there. His teaching career was preceded by clinical work at Valley Psychological Center in Carmichael, California and by a Christian Education staff position at First Baptist Church in Corvallis, Oregon. He earned a Th.M. at Dallas Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. at Rosemead School of Psychology. He and his wife have two children, six grandchildren, and two greats.