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.

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

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.

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

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

INTEREST-BASED COURSES -EP00404