MEC501 – Dangerous Religious Ideas

Courses, Theology

The recent emphasis on Christian nationalism underlines a fact that the faithful often don’t want to acknowledge: Religions include qualities that can make belief a dangerous and destructive force. Based on the book by Rabbi Dr. Rachel Mikva, “Dangerous Religious Ideas” will examine four issues in the Abrahamic faith traditions (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity). It will challenge assumptions about which religious ideas are dangerous, analyze the way in which religion causes harm and destruction, argue that all three Abrahamic religions developed methods for self-critique, and encourage examination of inter-religious ideas and engagement.

WA206 – Leading Like Nehemiah

Courses, Theology, Wesley Academy

The story of Nehemiah’s amazing work in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem is well known. Less well known, though, are the unique lessons he personifies for being a leader today. In this course, learners will explore a number of these leadership themes, including the role of prayer, the discernment of vision, the development of a team, and the work to persevere through inevitable challenges.

LSM375 – Patterned by Grace: How Worship Shapes Us

Courses, Lay Servant Ministries, Theology

What do you long to encounter in worship? How does ritual—its rhythms, gestures, and patterns—shape your life, your ethics, and your witness to the Word? And what awakens the power and grace that make worship come alive? This course is designed for lay persons, pastors, and church staff who want to discover—or rediscover—the formational and transformational work of the Spirit in the Church’s historic worship.

WA210 – Passionately Christian, Compassionately Interreligious

Courses, Theology, Wesley Academy

This course will expand students’ religious knowledge through a respectful study of core beliefs and practices of the major world religions, challenge and enhance our spiritual practice by learning from God’s witnesses in different places, and provoke theological wisdom that can rejoice in the particularity of Christ while respectfully celebrating the universality of God.

WA204 – Religion and Science: Pathways to Truth

Courses, Theology, Wesley Academy

Must we reject belief in God to accept the findings of science? Dr. Francis S. Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, hosts this ground-breaking series in which several leading scientists, theologians, and philosophers explore the contrasts and similarities between religion and science. This group of experts considers if and how religion and science might coexist and even complement one another in the 21st century.