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.

Study of Hebrew grammar, providing a continuation of NML250Y /SMB1101Y (Introduction to Biblical Hebrew). Through extensive reading of ancient (biblical and non-biblical) Hebrew texts, grammar is reviewed and consolidated, and vocabulary expanded.

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 offers a historical survey of the development of Humanistic Buddhism in China and Taiwan. The material is organized into four thematic phases: (1) the formulation of modern Buddhist reform ideals from the late nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century; (2) the institutional consolidation of Humanistic Buddhism in postwar Taiwan, from the late 1940s to the 1980s; (3) divergent trajectories after 1980, including the rise of large transnational Buddhist organizations in Taiwan and the revival of Humanistic Buddhist discourse in contemporary China; and (4) emerging directions in the twenty-first century as Humanistic Buddhism adapts to global, social, economic, environmental, and cultural conditions. Students will examine the multiple figures, communities, and lineages that shaped these developments, recognizing that Humanistic Buddhism has never been a monolithic or static project. A central aim is to develop a critical understanding of what constitutes "Humanistic Buddhism," and to explore how this conceptual category encompasses diverse narratives responding to shifting intellectual, political, and institutional environments. The course also provides foundational grounding for the study of socially engaged Buddhism and broader pathways toward modern Buddhist practice.

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.