Course Catalogue 2024-2025

Taking into account recent paradigm shifts in the theology of mission, this course invites participants to consider the relationship of mission to biblical sources, culture and context, unity and diversity in the church, post-colonism and intercultural engagement, and especially religious pluralism. The goal is to foster critical theological reflection on how the church might best understand and embody its mission in a multifaceted and globalizing world situation today. Methodology: lectures/discussions. Evaluations are based upon a mid-term paper, final research paper, and class participation. Prerequisite: Completion of first credit group or Level II.

The Roman Catholic Church is in the midst of a Synodal process, one which Pope Francis has declared to be the ongoing manner of proceeding for the Church. "The Synod is not a parliament or an opinion poll; the Synod is an ecclesial event and its protagonist is the Holy Spirit." This course will trace the theological origins from Vatican II (Lumen Gentium and the particular focus on the People of God) and key characteristics of the process (listening, spiritual conversation, discernment, all of which have a significant theological foundation). The responses already received from the universal church will be considered including concern for: the ecumenical and inter-faith engagements that have occurred; the importance of co-responsibility; the participation of women and young people; and a universal concern for minority groups; the ongoing need for formation. The course will also consider the challenges that the process faces as it continues.

This course will use the Christian preaching in the first millennium as a laboratory to inform and develop the composition and delivery of contemporary homilies. We will discuss their methods of biblical exegesis, deployment of classical rhetoric, contributions to moral formation, and the development of Christian doctrine. Beyond exercises in composition and delivery of homilies, course also gives students an opportunity to refine peer review and self-assessment skills.

For educators, ministry personnel, artists, administrators, teachers, who seek to integrate creativity in pastoral practice, the course will examine theories of creativity in order to explore the historical development of the concept as it influences cognition, learning and innovation. In addition we will study theories of play and the place of imagination in fostering spiritual formation and human development. Students with an interest in the arts are also welcome to participate in this seminar.

This course is a close reading of the English text of Calvin's Institutio Christianae religionis of 1559. We begin by situating Calvin's theology in the historical and theological context of the 16th century Reformation before turning to a careful examination of the Institutes' major doctrinal themes and their significance both for Calvin's context and the subsequent history of Protestant theology.

The New Testament and early Christianity originated in an "interfaith" context, which entailed the worship of deities from across the broader Mediterranean and Near Eastern world. Whether it be Mithras from Persia or Isis from Egypt or deceased emperors of Rome or (yes) the God of Israel, veneration of these gods shaped not only religious life but society itself. In this course, students will gain a better understanding of these gods and their relationship to religious, social, economic, political, and gendered (among others) dimensions of shared human existence.

This course will provide an opportunity for students to discuss and reflect on the contemporary realities of medical practice which challenge some basic assumptions as to when death occurs and when is a person "dead". In addition, students will examine contemporary efforts to rediscover old wisdoms concerning care for dying patients and ways in which communities of faith might reclaim some of the ancient practices of ars moriendi, the "art of dying." Students examine the phenomena of chronic illness, suffering and dying from a variety of historical, biblical, theological, pastoral care, medical-physiological, psychosocial from a cross cultural perspective. Students also examine contemporary modalities of care for persons at the end of life, including tertiary palliative care, the hospice movement and ancillary "death with dignity" organizations. Course goals include developing the student's ability to care for persons with chronic and terminal illness in ways that are shaped by a variety of theological and religio-cultural understandings of suffering, dying and death. To do so with integrity, students will also explore dimensions of what constitutes health and wholeness, as well as grief and mourning and burial rituals from various religio-cultural perspectives.

Is Chrisitianity a sacrifical religion? What does it mean to say "Christ died for our sins"? Do we offer Christ in the Eucharist? This course will explore the interrelated concepts of "atonement" and "sacrifice" as they are used in Christian theology, especially in the doctrine of the work of Christ, in ecclesiology, and in sacramentology. Readings will include both classic and modern authors, including Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Luther, M. Douglas, Milgrom, Girard, Mascall, Boersma, Hunsinger. Some attention will be paid to postmodern discussions concerning the logic of gift-giving and exchange ( Maus, Derrida, Milbank, Cavanaugh).

This course examines the social determinants of addiction and considers the past and current influences on addiction counselling and approaches to treatment. In doing so it expands the biopsychosocial perspective of the field of psychology and addiction to include spirituality and cultural sensitivity as important determinants in assessment and treatment choices. The course will introduce students to specific assessment, interviewing and treatment modalities that are used in addiction counselling. Students will gain an understanding of the experience of addiction and the importance of the motivation to change. Students will gain an overview of relapse prevention as well as crisis intervention and the contexts of therapy for addiction treatment. Students will practice motivational interviewing and gain a basic understanding of how Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) is used in treatment programs in the greater Toronto area. Students will also wrestle with spiritual and theological understandings of addiction. This course has been designed for training professionals who will practice in institutional contexts (including addiction treatment centres, hospitals, hospices, schools, and prisons) and in congregational or social ministry contexts.

This course will examine a variety of theological voices coming out of contexts of abuse. How do we do theology in churches which include both survivors and perpetrators of violence? We will be reading about sin, repentance, restorative justice, healing, and forgiveness in the contexts of child abuse, spousal violence, and abuse by clergy. How do churches help or hinder those in need of healing?

This course examines diverse models for assessing the acute and chronic distress that stems from the psychological, emotional, social, and/or spiritual dimensions of life. In this program, students are equipped to assess various forms of distress and to develop plans for providing therapy that are based on evidenced-based research and best practices. Students will explore theories in the field of assessment (spiritual assessment, psychological assessment, DSM-V, MMSE, and so forth) and they will engage in experiential learning opportunities (case studies, role plays, and so forth) that develop their assessment and care planning skills. This course has been designed for professionals who practice in institutional contexts (hospital, hospice, schools, prison, and so forth) and in congregational or social ministry contexts.

The cross-disciplinary (pastoral and theological) course will help students reflect deeply on pastoral practice through interdisciplinary engagement with emerging issues that challenge the practice of pastoral ministry in today’s world. Issues addressed would include the pervasive impact of climate change on physical and mental health, changing family structures, sexuality, and gender, economic privation, racism, and other systemic injustices that undermine the sense of hope in a better future posing immense challenges for the effective practice of pastoral ministry.