Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Confessing Church
Mondays, 7-8 p.m., Aug 25 to Dec 15
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s legacy of resistance to the Nazism has become an unparalleled touchstone for the Christian witness against fascism, racism, authoritarianism, nationalism, and especially the church’s complicity in them. While many are familiar with the outline of Bonhoeffer’s life and eventual murder by the Nazis for his work, the theological and ethical vision that animated his work is lesser known, and especially his views on the vital role of the church in the world. In this class, we will discuss selections from Bonhoeffer’s writing, from his early theological work to his prison papers. Throughout the course, we will explore ways that Bonhoeffer’s context may help illuminate the church’s contemporary situation and provide guidance and inspiration for our witness today. Register here!
Introduction to Political Theology
Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Aug 28 – Oct 16
In the current political moment, many people in The Episcopal Church and beyond are searching for a faithful response. This course helps by introducing students to the academic field of political theology. Using Elizabeth Phillips’s book, Political Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed, students will be introduced to the history of political theology, an outline of its major approaches, and a sampling of major theologians (e.g., Augustine, Aquinas, Bonhoeffer, Reinhold Niebuhr, Moltmann, Metz, Cone, Sobrino, Stringfellow, O’Donovan, Hauerwas, Martin Luther King, Jr., Ruether). In addition to studying the history of and major approaches in political theology, students will be encouraged to develop and defend their own approach to political theology. This 7 week class will meet on Zoom Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 pm beginning August 28th and ending October 16th. Register here!
Bound Together: Baptism, Eucharist, and the Church
Mondays, 7-8 p.m., Sep 3 – Oct 6
Inviting the unbaptized to participate in the Eucharist has become an increasingly common practice in churches, as Christian communities explore ways to use the sacraments as an expression of openness and service. Join the Rev. Shawn Strout for a discussion of his new book Bound Together: Baptism, Eucharist, and the Church. In the book, Strout argues that baptism and the Eucharist form an indissoluble bond that is central to Christian initiation and community. This course will run on Monday nights from 7:00-8:00pm Eastern, beginning September 8 and ending October 6. Register here!