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.
Evening Courses
The Megilloth: Ruth, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and Esther
The Megilloth or the Five Scrolls is a portion of the Old Testament’s third section, the Writings. The Writings deal with so much of “life on the ground” in view of the Law and the Prophets. These five books are no exception. Under the leadership of Dr. Mark Gignilliat, this study will take an aerial view of these five books and their canonical/scriptural significance.
Schedule
Six Monday nights, 6-8 p.m., beginning Sept. 28, 2020.
CLASS WILL ONLY BE OFFERED ONLINE
Cost
$59.00 If registered prior to Sept. 21 or $85.00 thereafter.
Created in the Image of God
"What is man that you, God, are mindful of him?!” the Psalmist exclaims in wonder. In this class, Dr. Piotr Małysz returns to shed light on how the Bible views human beings. Contemporary culture seems to have lost its bearings, time and again sending us in search of the real, authentic me and, when the quest fails, repeatedly suggesting some more or less extreme makeover. Our culture makes technological promises that, even if we don’t yet know what we are, we can perhaps be more than we are. But are things really so hopeless? What does it mean, as the creatures we are, to be created, both male and female, as Genesis teaches “in the image of God?” What does scripture and the Christian tradition have to say about what we are—about freedom and choice, about individuals and communities, about racial diversity and gender, about the human body and mind, about our place and role in the world, and not least about love and death? What does God want from us? And how can we come to embody God’s plan? Come join this exciting and timely discussion!
M.Div., Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN; Th.D., Harvard University) joined the faculty of Beeson Divinity School in 2011 and teaches church history and doctrine.
Schedule
Six Wednesday nights, 6-8 p.m., beginning Sept. 30, 2020.
CLASS WILL ONLY BE OFFERED ONLINE
Cost
$59.00 If registered prior to Sept. 23 or $85.00 thereafter.
Weekday Seminars
Finding Joy in The Gospel's Progress: Paul's Letter to Christians in Philippi
How can we find joy in the midst of difficult circumstances? For Paul, it was a matter of watching how God was able to advance the gospel in the midst of imprisonment and persecution. Join Dr. Frank Thielman as he guides us through this close look at Paul’s encouraging word to Christians in the Roman colony of Philippi and discover ways in which the gospel can advance and Christians can find joy even in hardship. Don’t miss this incredible study!
Schedule
Six Wednesday afternoons, 2-4 p.m., beginning Sept. 30, 2020.
CLASS WILL ONLY BE OFFERED ONLINE
Cost
$59.00 If registered prior to September 23 or $85.00 thereafter.
Classical Creeds: Apostle's Creed, Nicene Creed, and The Athanasian Creed
Dr. Gerald Bray returns to offer this course that will look at the great creeds of the early Church. The first is the Apostles' Creed, with its background in baptismal formulas, the second is the Nicene Creed, designed to combat heresy, and the third is the Athanasian Creed, which is the oldest systematic theology that the Church possesses. We shall follow their development over time and consider their theology of the Trinity and of Jesus Christ in detail. This offering promises to be an incredible exploration into these often forgotten statements of our faith.
Schedule
Six Thursday afternoons, 1-3 p.m., beginning Oct. 1, 2020.
CLASS WILL ONLY BE OFFERED ONLINE
Cost
$59.00 If registered prior to September 24 or $85.00 thereafter.
Registration Options
There are three ways to register:
- Register Online (with Visa or Master Card)
- Register by Mail (with check)
- Call (205) 726-2338 or (800) 888-8266 ext. 2338