Diocesan School of Theology starts new term August 15

The Diocesan School of Theology is now registering students for the 2009-2010 academic year that begins Saturday, August 15, 2009.

The Diocesan School of Theology offers individuals in this and neighboring dioceses, an opportunity for in-depth study in Scripture, Church History, Theology, and Liturgy. Classes meet the third Saturday of the month, August through May, at the Bishop's Center for Ministry on Youree Drive in Shreveport. Classes are open to all who seek a greater knowledge of our shared faith. The program offers a solid foundation for teachers in Christian formation programs, those engaged in Bible study groups, and those seeking a study program to assist them in their spiritual growth.

Individuals enrolled in Diocesan School courses can work towards completion of a nine-course Diploma of Christian Studies as part of the discernment process and/or lay leadership preparation. The Diploma program consists of the following courses: Old Testament I and II, New Testament I and II, Church History I and II, Book of Common Prayer, and two electives, one of which must be from the Theology offerings. The program can be completed in three years.

Course Offering for 2009-2010:
9:00 a.m. - New Testament I, Anglican Theology
1:00 p.m. - New Testament II, Systematic Theology, and Church History I
4:00 pm -   Old Testament II


Students may take a maximum of three courses. Tuition is $225 per course. Checks should be made out to The Diocese of Western Louisiana with "Diocesan School Tuition" in the memo line. Tuition payments should be given to John Robert prior to the second class meeting.

School Calendar:
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010

Course Descriptions:

Church History I:
This course is a survey of the history of the Christian Church from the Apostolic age to the era of Reformation. Topics to be explored include the rise of institutional Christianity, the historic episcopate, major church councils, the formation of orthodoxy in response to heresy, the role of the Church as a secular power in medieval Europe, and the decay and decline of the late Middle Ages.

Anglican Theology: This course is an examination and historical introduction to major theologians and perspectives that shaped the Church of England from the time of the sixteenth century Reformation through the nineteenth century. This course will also explore the continuing influence of these various viewpoints upon global Anglicanism and the Episcopal Church. Systematic Theology: This course is an exploration of the nature and content of Christian revelation with an emphasis on how faith is lived-out through the mission and ministry of the Church. A broad range of Christian writers form the basis for study. The class format includes both lectures and facilitated theological reflection/discussion. Some background in philosophy is helpful, but is not a prerequisite.

Old Testament II: This course is the second year of a two-year study of the Old Testament that focuses on the major texts from Isaiah to the end of the Old Testament period. The examination of the prophetic and wisdom literature will introduce students to the historical background, theological development and literary criticism of these texts. Principal text: Bernard Anderson, Understanding the Old Testament

New Testament I:
This course is a general introduction to the synoptic gospels, the Gospel according to John, and the Johannine Letters in the context of early Christianity as it emerged and developed in the Greco-Roman world. It focuses on historical, literary and theological issues that readers of the New Testament must deal with in order to come to an informed interpretation of this most important collection of early Christian literature. Text: Raymond Brown, Introduction to the New Testament.

New Testament II: This course is an introduction to the letters of the Pauline Corpus and the petrine Corpus, together with the Letters of James and Jude and the Revelation to John, in the context of early Christianity as it emerged and developed in the Greco-Roman world. It focuses on historical, literary, and theological issues that readers of the New Testament must deal with in order to come to an informed interpretation of this most important collection of early Christian literature. Text: Raymond Brown, Introduction to the New Testament.

To register, contact:
The Reverend Dr. Bill McBride, Dean
fatherbill176@gmail.com
Office: (318) 635-5354 Cell: (318) 471-9007

Mr. John Robert, Registrar
JRLITURGIST@aol.com


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