Lay Academy of Theology
The Lay Academy of Theology offers non-credit evening classes and other study opportunities led by Beeson faculty for interested laity as well as ministers desiring continuing education. For more information you may contact Devon Bagwell (205.726.2731).
Three ways to register:
1) Register Online
2) Mail in a Registration Form
3) Call 205.726.2731
EVENING COURSES FOR FALL 2010
A Theology of Christian Living
This course will examine biblical teachings regarding how God has made it possible for you to become a Christian and to live as a Christian. Under the leadership of
Dr. Fisher Humphreys, this course will review some principal components of Christian living, giving special attention to moral life and spiritual practices. It will study the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and love) and the four cardinal virtues (wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance), as well as other virtues mentioned in the New Testament such as gratitude and humility. It will then focus on spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and contemplation. This class will also review the various uses of Scripture, including lectio divina, and will discuss other spiritual practices. Next, attention will be given to decision-making, wisdom, spiritual gifts, and service to others. Finally, the course will review the ways Christian life is cultivated by sharing in the life of a community, hearing the community’s stories, participating in the community’s practices, and education.
Fisher Humphreys (B.A., Mississippi College; M.A., Loyola University; M.Litt., Oxford University; B.D., Th.D., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) taught in the area of systematic theology at Beeson Divinity School from 1990 until his retirement. Prior to his arrival at Beeson, Humphreys had a long and distinguished career at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has authored over ten books and numerous journal articles and continues to contribute to theological study as a writer and lecturer in numerous venues throughout the country.
Schedule: Six Monday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. beginning September 20, 2010.
Cost: $79 IF REGISTERED PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 13; $105 thereafter—plus the cost of the textbook, Mending the Heart* by John Claypool. Available at the Beeson Bookshop in advance (205-726-2286).
Stories of Great Christians
When is the last time you read a biography of a great Christian? If you think our children and grandchildren need some heroes, heroines, and role models besides athletes and entertainment stars, join Dr. Lyle Dorsett in exploring the fascinating stories of some men and women who brought great glory to God through lives of service to Him. Examine the life of Brother Bryan, pastor of Birmingham’s Third Presbyterian Church from 1889 until his death in 1941, as well as the lives of other people such as Corrie Ten Boom, Dr. George Washington Carver, and a host of others who helped change this world by loving God through serving the people of their time. If you are interested in discovering why God could use an uneducated shoe store salesman from Boston to change the English-speaking world in the 19th century, you might find why he can use you and me.
Lyle Dorsett (B.A., M.A., University of Missouri-Kansas City; Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia; Post-Doctoral Studies, Iliff School of Theology) is Beeson’s Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism and teaches courses in evangelism and Church history.
Schedule: Six Tuesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. beginning September 28, 2010.
Cost: $79 IF REGISTERED PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 21; $105 thereafter.
Things to Come
Join us as Dr. Allen Ross leads a study through the Old Testament prophecies that will reveal understanding, insight, and purpose in the fulfillment of God’s Word. In order for this study to provide a survey of the prophecies of the Old Testament, it will study the passages in their contexts to see the occasions for the prophecies and in historical order to see the progressive revelation of the eternal plan of God. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore this portion of God’s Word with a scholar who has dedicated a great portion of his career and ministry to a fuller understanding of these passages!
Allen P. Ross (B.A., Bob Jones University; Th.M., Th.D., Dallas Theological Seminary; Ph.D., University of Cambridge) teaches at Beeson Divinity School in the areas of Old Testament and Hebrew.
Schedule: Eight Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. beginning September 30, 2010.
Cost: $79 IF REGISTERED PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 23; $105 thereafter.
WEEKEND OPPORTUNITY
The Basics of Writing-to-Publish Books and Articles: The Foundations You Need to Know to Get Published
If you’re interested in the nuts and bolts of writing to publish, you might be interested in joining us for this unique one day workshop. Taught by Denise George and Carolyn Tomlin, this seminar is an intensive, deep, no-nonsense, no frills opportunity to gain the knowledge and tools needed to find good ideas, research the marketplace, choose the right vehicle in which to present your idea, and how to approach an editor or publisher in a professional manner. Additionally, you’ll write and critique four basic types of popular articles, design a professional query letter, and much, much more.
Denise George is author of 24 books, including:
What Pastors Wish Church Members Knew (Zondervan);
What Women Wish Pastors Knew (Zondervan);
The Secret Holocaust Diaries (Tyndale House), and more than 1,500 magazine articles. She teaches "The Writing Minister" (a semester long writing-to-publish class) at Beeson Divinity School and is the co-founder/co-teacher of
Boot Camp for Christian Writers, a one day writing-to-publish seminar held throughout the United States.
Carolyn Tomlin has been in the field of education for over 33 years and has retired as a professor at Union University. She is the author of 8 books and over 3,000 articles in the secular and Christian market, including regular contributions to LifeWay publications. Additionally, Tomlin is the co-founder/co-teacher of
Boot Camp for Christian Writers, a one day writing-to-publish seminar held throughout the United States.
Schedule: Saturday, October 9, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Lunch is included.)
Cost: $109, IF REGISTERED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1; $135 thereafter.
JANUARY WEEKDAY SEMINAR
King James at 400: How we got our Bible
Once again, we are pleased to have Dr. Gerald Bray join us for a week of insight and study. This year is the 400th anniversary of the writing of the King James Bible. Dr. Bray will help us all revisit the history, origins, and development of this important English translation of God’s Word. Additionally, participants can expect to gain a greater understanding of the influence behind the authorization of this text and why it still has a significant place and importance in the Christian church today.
Gerald Bray (B.A., McGill University; M.Litt., D.Litt., University de Paris–Sorbonne) is Director of Research with The Latimer Trust in London. He also serves as Research Professor at Beeson Divinity School and teaches in the areas of Church History, Historical Theology, and Latin.
Schedule: Monday, January 24, 2011 through Friday, January 28, 2011, 2–4 p.m.
Cost: $79 IF REGISTERED PRIOR TO JANUARY 10; $105 thereafter—plus the cost of the textbook, Translating the Bible. From William Tyndale to King James* by Gerald Bray. Available at the Beeson Bookshop in advance (205-726-2286).
*Registrants are encouraged to read the textbooks prior to attending the opening session.
