Previous Years' Course Catalogues

This course should be of interest to specialists in Bible and in Theology. It explores the related themes of time, participation in Christ and 'theosis' in Paul. The standard understandings of Paul's view of time are either that he thought in terms of salvation history- time as progressive and directed by God towards a goal; or that the apostle thought apocalyptically - time has been interrupted by God's work in Christ. The course will study and discuss important works advocating these influential views. Opinions on Paul's conception of time are fundamental for interpretation of his central concepts, including the related themes of participation in Christ and theosis. The course will consider significant works on these themes and it offers opportunity to engage with some pivotal Pauline scholarship.

This course should be of interest to specialists in Bible and in Theology. It explores the related themes of time, participation in Christ and 'theosis' in Paul. The standard understandings of Paul's view of time are either that he thought in terms of salvation history- time as progressive and directed by God towards a goal; or that the apostle thought apocalyptically - time has been interrupted by God's work in Christ. The course will study and discuss important works advocating these influential views. Opinions on Paul's conception of time are fundamental for interpretation of his central concepts, including the related themes of participation in Christ and theosis. The course will consider significant works on these themes and it offers opportunity to engage with some pivotal Pauline scholarship.

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 examine representative texts from both the Old and New Testaments in dialogue with the insights of René Girard, Eugen Drewermann, C.G. Jung, Walter Wink, and others. Central to our study of the pertinent NT tests is an exploration of the symbolic world of apocalypticism (both Jewish and Christian), as well as teh 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 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.

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. Teaching method: seminars, lectures, multimedia. Evaluation is based upon essays (one 5-7 page essay, one 15-20 page essay)and participation.

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. Teaching method: seminars, lectures, multimedia. Evaluation is based upon essays (one 5-7 page essay, one 15-20 page essay)and participation.

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.

The course will look at the Reformed and Methodist traditions associated with the theologies of John Calvin and John Wesley, their roots, development, and intersection, particularly in Canada. Themes such as mission, evangelism, engagement with society, theological convergences and controversies will be explored, with specific reference to The Presbyterian Church in Canada, The United Church of Canada, and their antecedent denominations.

The course will look at the Reformed and Methodist traditions associated with the theologies of John Calvin and John Wesley, their roots, development, and intersection, particularly in Canada. Themes such as mission, evangelism, engagement with society, theological convergences and controversies will be explored, with specific reference to The Presbyterian Church in Canada, The United Church of Canada, and their antecedent denominations. Lectures and discussion. Evaluation: Informed participation in group discussions; mid-term writing assignment; final project. This course will be held at Knox College

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 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.

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.