2011 Summer Theological Academy Course Menu

All Scholars (youth participants) take the Plenary Course, and then choose one theme course for the entire 2 week Academy

Plenary Course

Christian Faith in a Multi-Religious World: The Gospel and the World’s Religions

Rev. Dr. Kristen Johnston Largen, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Gettysburg Seminary

There is no denying or avoiding the fact that in our 21st Century context, an integral aspect of the global society in which we all live is its multi-     religious character.  Christianity grows and thrives among a variety of non-Christian religions that are also growing and thriving, and the existence of these religions demands our attention and our respect.   In today’s world, it is no longer possible to either interpret or proclaim the Christian gospel faithfully without an awareness of and consideration of those who believe differently than we.  Thus, all Christians must be willing to engage non-Christian believers with openness and honesty, with a desire not only to speak but to listen, with the will not only to change but to be changed.  In order to do this essential theological work faithfully, it is necessary to have some knowledge of non-Christian religions, and also to understand the means by which Christians might engage fruitfully in comparative dialogue, not only for the sake of the other, but to strength and deepen our own faith; not only for the wellbeing of the global church, but for nurture and health of the whole world community.

Theme Courses

Follow Christ and Mend the Earth

Rev. Dr. Gil Waldkoenig, Professor of Church & Society, Gettysburg Seminary

The central actions of Christian discipleship—baptism, communion and gathering around the Word—set you in the middle of the world-wide movement to care for the environment.  You don’t have to apologize at church for loving the earth, and you don’t have to hide your Christian faith around environmentalists.  Learn how a tree-hugger and cross-clinger can be the same person.  Explore care of creation in other faith groups and the partnerships that eco-justice inspires.  Discover how to boldly tell & show others that God invites all to join the healing of the earth.

Christian Faith and the Philosophical Life

Rev. Dr. Nelson Rivera, Associate Professor, Systematic Theology and Hispanic Ministry, Philadelphia Seminary

This course is an introduction to the meaning of the Christian faith in relation to the life of the mind, ethics, and public witness. Our study intends to be an answer to preoccupations with the lack of attention to the meaning of life in both secondary and higher education. The readings for the course are explorations on the role that the intelligence of faith has played in these reflections throughout history. What is the significance that the examined life has for Christian thought and the praxis of faith?

The Theology of Paul and Contemporary Literature

Dr. Derek R. Nelson, Associate Professor of Religion and Co-Director of Thiel Global Institute, Thiel College

This course approaches key themes in the theology of the apostle Paul.  It does so in two ways.  First, we will read key texts from Paul’s epistles and consider them in their various 1st century contexts (social-historical, rhetorical, and philosophical).  Second, we will see what implications these themes in his thought – themes such as forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation, law, sin, and grace – might have by exploring contemporary literature.  We will read short stories and novels which center on one more of these major themes, in order to understand more fully in our own day what Paul was saying in his.