Center for Christian Studies

Theology

Mission: Theology is the study of God, or faith through understanding, and focuses on God’s character, nature, actions, and revelation.

Core: Courses focus on the basic doctrinal understandings from a Reformed tradition perspective, with attention to the three persons of God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

200 Level: Courses address particular theological doctrines or themes.

300 Level: Courses focus on more in-depth study of particular theologians or theological movements.

Theme Courses marked with this symbol (at left) are directly related to the theme for the 2007 - 2008 year Changing Times...Changing Seasons, which focuses on Daniel 2:21.

Theology Course: 2007 - 2008
100 Level
What We Believe (Intensive Course)

200 Level
The Meaning of a Presbyterian Calling

300 Level
Using Science to Study Religion

TERM 1
(Click to print Term 1 Registration Form)

T106 • What We Believe (Intensive Course)
Randolph L. C. Weber
Sundays, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
September 16 and September 23

Designed for persons interested in exploring the nature of Christian faith and/or membership in the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, the class will include a review of core Christian doctrine, key tenets of Reformed faith, an overview of worship and the sacraments, and an
in-depth look at Fifth Avenue’s mission and ministry, an examination of the meaning of faith and membership and the history of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. The course also offers the opportunity to meet all pastors. Lunch and worship will be included. Those desiring to unite with the church will meet with Session members and be recognized by the congregation at the following Sunday worship service.

T228 • The Meaning of Presbyterian Calling
Thomas Gillespie
Sunday, September 23
11:15 am - 12:30 pm

In this one-day seminar, Dr. Gillespie will turn to the scriptures as well as church history and polity to answer the question “Why is it that Christians are called into the ministry and congregations call pastors while everyone else in the church chooses their vocation and are hired, appointed, or employed?” As FAPC begins its formal search for a new senior pastor, this course will help our congregation understand this important process from a theological perspective.

TERM 3
(Click to print Term 3 Registration Form)

T340 • Using Science to Study Religion
Andrew Rick-Miller
Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
January 15 to February 12

What’s going on in the brain when we pray? Is faith good for our health? What can we learn about virtues like forgiveness and altruism by studying them with the tools of science? What do we know about the origins of a religious sense in humans? Increasingly, science is being used as a tool to help us study religion. In this course we will look at some ways scientists are investigating religion. No scientific expertise is required.