Course Catalogue 2026-2027

Exploring key issues and themes in Christian theology, this course examines questions like the following: How are Christians to make judgments about the appropriate sources, norms, and ends of Christian theology, and how do these relate to wider spheres of intellectual and practical spheres of life? Attention will be given to differing approaches to the traditional topics in theology, including the concept of God, the doctrine of Creation, the nature of humanity, and the problem of evil. With attention to various perspectives and approaches to these issues, class sessions illustrate how different decisions about the nature of theology have a wide range of implications for how one conceives of Christian belief and practice.

Exploring key issues and themes in Christian theology, this course examines questions like the following: How are Christians to make judgments about the appropriate sources, norms, and ends of Christian theology, and how do these relate to wider spheres of intellectual and practical spheres of life? Attention will be given to differing approaches to the traditional topics in theology, including the concept of God, the doctrine of Creation, the nature of humanity, and the problem of evil. With attention to various perspectives and approaches to these issues, class sessions illustrate how different decisions about the nature of theology have a wide range of implications for how one conceives of Christian belief and practice.

This course aims to provide an introduction to key points of intersection between theology, spirituality and the-arts across two millennia. Employing a broad-definition of the arts, it will include visual arts, music, liturgy, literature, -film and media. It will explore theological, historical, and pastoral applications of the arts viewed as primary source material, forms of spiritual expression, and sources of inspiration, healing and social critique. It will also address both the theoretical and practical aspects of the ongoing relationship between theology and the arts. Select topics are discussed weekly with the participation of faculty guests from across TST.

This course aims to provide an introduction to key points of intersection between theology, spirituality and the-arts across two millennia. Employing a broad-definition of the arts, it will include visual arts, music, liturgy, literature, -film and media. It will explore theological, historical, and pastoral applications of the arts viewed as primary source material, forms of spiritual expression, and sources of inspiration, healing and social critique. It will also address both the theoretical and practical aspects of the ongoing relationship between theology and the arts. Select topics are discussed weekly with the participation of faculty guests from across TST.

This course explores the faith and beliefs of the Coptic, Syriac, Indian, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Armenian Churches collectively known as the Ancient Oriental Orthodox Churches or the pre-Chalcedonian Churches. Hidden behind ancient languages and in mostly Christian minorities, the Oriental family of Orthodox Christianity often goes unnoticed. This course aims to unveil the basic dogmas of Oriental Orthodoxy and the historical development of each communion. Dogmas in Oriental Orthodoxy are drawn from its Tradition encompassing scripture, liturgical texts, patristic writings, and iconography. The course explores the Trinity, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, cosmology, ecumenism and Christian life through the lens of Oriental Orthodox Tradition. Elements of convergence and divergence between the six Churches making up the Oriental Orthodox communion will be considered in terms of historical circumstances, liturgical practices, and iconographic canons.

This course explores the faith and beliefs of the Coptic, Syriac, Indian, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Armenian Churches collectively known as the Ancient Oriental Orthodox Churches or the pre-Chalcedonian Churches. Hidden behind ancient languages and in mostly Christian minorities, the Oriental family of Orthodox Christianity often goes unnoticed. This course aims to unveil the basic dogmas of Oriental Orthodoxy and the historical development of each communion. Dogmas in Oriental Orthodoxy are drawn from its Tradition encompassing scripture, liturgical texts, patristic writings, and iconography. The course explores the Trinity, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, cosmology, ecumenism and Christian life through the lens of Oriental Orthodox Tradition. Elements of convergence and divergence between the six Churches making up the Oriental Orthodox communion will be considered in terms of historical circumstances, liturgical practices, and iconographic canons.

This course explores the faith and beliefs of the Coptic, Syriac, Indian, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Armenian Churches collectively known as the Ancient Oriental Orthodox Churches or the pre-Chalcedonian Churches. Hidden behind ancient languages and in mostly Christian minorities, the Oriental family of Orthodox Christianity often goes unnoticed. This course aims to unveil the basic dogmas of Oriental Orthodoxy and the historical development of each communion. Dogmas in Oriental Orthodoxy are drawn from its Tradition encompassing scripture, liturgical texts, patristic writings, and iconography. The course explores the Trinity, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, cosmology, ecumenism and Christian life through the lens of Oriental Orthodox Tradition. Elements of convergence and divergence between the six Churches making up the Oriental Orthodox communion will be considered in terms of historical circumstances, liturgical practices, and iconographic canons.

Introduction to the art and science of preaching. Topics: exegesis and hermeneutics for the purpose of preaching, techniques of sermon preparation, structure and delivery.

This course will explore various theories of human development, stages of human growth, and lifespan spiritual journey in correlation to human growth, and will discuss implications for Christian Ministry. We will reflect on our own growth and journey along with theories of human growth and spiritual journey.

Exploration of the content of New Testament writings, especially the canonical gospels and Pauline corpus. Emphasis will be placed upon understanding these writings in their original socio-historical contexts, and on methods of interpretation.

The focus of this course is on the various methodologies for reading and analyzing the New Testament rather than theology and spirituality. The sad events of our own world illustrate some of the dangers of superficial and overly literal readings of religious writings. Biblical literacy should not be the privilege or duty of a select few, but the right and responsibility of all Christians. The purpose of our study is to provide the tools necessary for an in-depth reading of the New Testament utilizing a variety of methodologies. No one methodology is definitive or exhaustive; each one examines the text from a different perspective and reveals another aspect or layer of the passage in question. Although the material might seem technical and esoteric at times, providing the people of God with a biblical message that is rich, life-giving, and based on a sound understanding of the text is an eminently pastoral undertaking.

Strong and effective communication and counseling skills are crucial for all helping professionals
{therapists, spiritual care practitioners, congregational pastors). This course will combine lectures with experiential learning to provide helping professionals with the foundational skills of building rapport, empathic listening, effective questioning, interviewing and responding skills, structuring a session, and spiritual care giving. The students will practice the skills of building the therapeutic relationship based on Person-Centered, Humanist-Existential and Family Systems theories. We will explore how our own values and beliefs impact the helping relationship. The sensitive integration of spiritually-oriented questions into the therapeutic conversation will be discussed as well as spiritually oriented interventions and practices that promote healing and wholeness. The principles of documentation in a variety of settings {congregational, private practice, healthcare) will be discussed.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy {a goal-directed collaborative approach to psychotherapeutic change), a Constructivist theory, will be explored and the skills of solution-focused therapy will be applied in small groups. And finally, students will develop the skills of ending well. The