ESC2 Challenging God: Church and the Existential Peril of Nuclear Weapons in the 21st Century

This course will examine the reality of the nuclear threat today and the imperative of the church, informed by a theology of gratitude and compassion, to speak as disciples of Jesus Christ.

The threat of nuclear weapons, described by the Indian writer Arundhati Roy as“humankind’s challenge to God, worded quite simply: We have the power to destroy everything you have created,” is greater now than it has ever been. Yet with few exceptions, the church is silent.

This course will examine the reality of the nuclear threat today and the imperative of the church, informed by a theology of gratitude and compassion, to speak as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, participants will:

  • understand clearly the threat posed by nuclear weapons today
  • be able to articulate a theologically sound response to the existential threat of nuclear weapons
  • be aware of the costs — moral, economic and environmental— nuclear weapons exact from us as a society and as individual moral beings
  • be able to access resources and identify organizations working to address nuclear issues
  • inside and outside the church identify appropriate, effective actions Christians can take to address the threat of nuclear weapons

Required Readings

  • Zak, Dan.  Almighty: Courage, Resistance and Existential Peril in the Nuclear Age.  New York, Blue Rider Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House, 2016.

 

99.00
SKU _ESC2_Challenging_God__Church_and_the_Existential_Peril_of_Nuclear_Weapons_in_the_21st_Century
Course Type:

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

INTEREST-BASED COURSES  - EP00412

This course is an introduction to Environmental Justice through the faith lens. We will explore God’s design for humanity and the great need to reshape the narrative that exists today.

Learning Objectives

  • To illustrate that all of creation is sacred both the land and all the people and all the flora and fauna.
  • To demonstrate the Holy Scripture’s call to justice for all people.
  • To distinguish between:
    • the old paradigm of the biblical narrative that permitted creation to be viewed as a resource and not a sacred body
    • to re-introduce a different paradigm where humans and creation are seen as two of the many parts of God’s whole creation.
  • To explain the ways in which our planet continues to be harmed by pollutants.
  • To evaluate and relate the extent of pollution in communities on the margins.
  • To illustrate the harmful effects of pollution on people in general and specifically in vulnerable communities.
  • To name, describe and assess the various methods of advocacy presently available for vulnerable communities.

 Required Texts 

  • The Bible
  • The Quest For Environmental Justice by Dr Robert Bullard and Maxine Waters

 

99.00
SKU ENVIRONMENTAL_JUSTICE
* Course Type:

GOOD SABBATH! RESTORING YOUR SOUL

INTEREST-BASED COURSES - EP00403

“Good Sabbath!” Hardly a greeting heard much among Christians gathering for worship. Even the term, Sabbath, may sound “ancient” to some or “curious” to others. This course is an invitation to reflect on the implications of Sabbath for contemporary living. Does the Sabbath speak to us in our lives in Jesus Christ? Is Sabbath good for you, for us? We will consider four key themes of Sabbath, one each week.

At the end of the course, participants will:

  • To demonstrate an understanding of Sabbath in the Judeo-Christian tradition
  • To consider the Sabbath theme of memory (remember)
  • To appraise the role of Sabbath in contemporary Christian living

 Required Texts 

 Resources (not required, but suggested for further reading

  • Baab, Lynn (2005). Sabbath Keeping: Finding Freedom in the Rhythms of Rest. IVP Press.
  • Brueggamenn, Walter. (2014) Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now. Westminster John Knoxx Press.
  • Muller, Wayne (2000). Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives. Bantam Books.
  • Shaper, Donna (1999). Sabbath Keeping. Crowley Publications.
  • Weems, Renita (2000). Listening for God: A Minister’s Journey through Silence and Doubt.

 

99.00
SKU GOD_SABBATH__RESTORING_YOUR_SOUL
Course Type:

SINGING THE BIBLE FOR MUSICIANS, WORSHIP LEADERS, AND EVERYONE ELSE, TOO

INTEREST-BASED COURSES - EP00405

Most of us probably know at least a few Bible stories and memory verses because of children’s songs learned from teachers, parents, and grandparents. Our hymnody and contemporary music teach Biblical stories and themes, as well. In this course, we will look at favorite hymns and other worship songs.

At the end of the course, participants will:

  • Identify the Biblical themes and passages associated with sacred songs in a variety of styles.
  • Name and use resources for worship planning that connect music with Biblical themes and passages.
  • Select appropriate music (communally sung and choral/ensemble) for sample worship services based on Biblical themes and passages.

Required Texts 

  • A Bible of choice
  • Access to the hymnal used in participant’s current setting plus one additional hymnal published since 1985
  • Optional: access to a choral or instrumental music library at a church or school

 

 

0.00
SKU SINGING_THE_BIBLE_FOR_MUSICIANS__WORSHIP_LEADERS__AND_EVERYONE_ELSE__TOO
Course Type:

​THE OPIOID CRISIS – A CHRISTIAN SOLUTION

INTEREST-BASED COURSES - EP00411 

The Opioid Crisis has hit epic proportions across the United States. Over 75,000 deaths per year are attributed to drug misuse. And the effects to the family is devastating. It is clear that secular society is unable to combat the crisis alone as the numbers have been steadily rising. It is time for the Christian and faith-based communities to actively engage.

At the end of the course, participants will:

  • To understand why this epidemic is different than the epidemic of the 1970’s
  • To understand that addiction is a mental disease and not a lifestyle choice
  • To understand the guilt and denial experienced by families of those afflicted
  • To understand the efforts of secular society and why they can’t solve the problem
  • To learn about current resources available for the afflicted and families
  • To network, partner, and collaborate with Christian-based recovery ministries
  • To develop an executable plan for ministering to congregations enveloped in the crisis

Required Texts 

  • “Dopesick” by Beth Macy (MACY, B. (2018). DOPESICK. S.l.: HEAD OF ZEUS.) 385 pages

 

99.00
SKU ___THE_OPIOID_CRISIS_____A_CHRISTIAN_SOLUTION
* Course Type:

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT FRIENDSHIP

INTEREST-BASED COURSES -EP00404 

99.00
SKU _WHAT_DOES_THE_BIBLE_SAY_ABOUT_FRIENDSHIP
Course Type:

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Affordable

PATHWAYS believes that quality theological education should be available to any who want it. That’s why we provide a cost-effective online theological program accessible to all. 4-week Explorer courses are only $124, 6-week courses just $350, 9-week courses Supervised Ministry courses are $470, and our 12-week UCC History and Polity course is only $625.

Flexible

Because classes are not bound by geography and have a flexible weekly schedule, PATHWAYS courses are able to fit into the rest of your busy life. Courses typically involve weekly readings and discussion in a facilitated online forum, offering practical, open-minded education and a learner-centered environment where participants can bring their own questions and insights.

Accessible

Our courses have between 4 and 15 participants. This allows for deep and productive discussions in the online forum. We know that a small class size allows the participants to develop learning relationships with each other and for facilitators to push participants to a more indepth learning experience.

 

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.,
P.O. Box 897
Tucker, GA 30085
Phone:770-569-3384

Partner with PATHWAYS

 

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. is a nonprofit provider of theological education that is academically rigorous and affordable.   A PATHWAYS education in Ministry Preparation can be completed on-line in three years at a fraction of the price of a seminary education.   Our program is aligned with the requirements for ordination of most mainline Protestant denominations and seeks to work with ordaining bodies to make sure that participants are meeting their goals.   Now is the time to make an inquiry for the future of theological education.  Reach out today to Partner with PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.

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PATHWAYS is an innovator in cost-effective, progressive Christian education. We work alongside denominations, regional partners and individuals to make our programs accessible to all regardless of their ability to pay. This commitment to funding begins with each of our supporters. No matter how large or how small the donation, it all goes towards making theological education affordable to everyone who desires to learn.

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