Theology
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REQUIRED: Two semester courses (1 credit), usually Introduction to Christian Theology and Theology elective.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Additionally offered in the summer)
Description: The focus of this course is on the foundations of Christianity. The study of classical doctrines of historical Christianity is at the forefront of what students explore. Students examine the nature of the faith, the Holy Trinity and the understanding of the Incarnation. The blueprint for this is based on the classical Creeds of Christianity. Students examine the depths of human brokenness and God's solution to the problem. Study of Scripture is incorporated throughout the course, with an emphasis on Covenant, Law, and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (Genesis, Exodus, and the Gospel of John).
Theology Electives (to be taken after Introduction to Christian Theology):
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Christian Theology.
Description: This course builds on the fundamentals learned in Introduction to Christian Theology, exploring the concept of faith and the way that faith prompts and inspires action. Students explore a crucial question of Christianity: How are we called to live? Topics such as authenticity of self, discernment of vocation, ethics, and social justice are primarily examined through the reading and discussion of writings from great Christian thinkers past and present.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester (Additionally offered in the summer)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Christian Theology.
Description: Reading and trying to comprehend the Old Testament is a challenge for many readers. The events happened thousands of years ago in places that no longer exist or have radically changed. In this course, students explore the cultural beliefs and values of the Old Testament times to be able to better understand what is happening in the scripture. Students also discuss what was happening historically in the world that influenced the Biblical events. By organizing the Old Testament into key historical time periods and identifying key concepts of this ancient culture, students appreciate the individual books of the Old Testament and how they come together to tell the ONE story of God and God’s people.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Christian Theology.
Description: In this course, students have the opportunity to exclusively delve into the theology and history of the New Testament. The main focus of the class is on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The story continues with the development of the early Church. Students follow these events with extensive study of Luke/Acts, and they also trace the development of early doctrine, primarily through the writings of the Apostle Paul.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Christian Theology.
Description: The works of CS Lewis provide students with a creative way to explore difficult concepts and address difficult questions. Though his stories are entertaining, he develops a sophisticated theological and ethical framework to all he does. Students read his overtly theological and philosophical texts, including Mere Christianity and The Four Loves. Christian ethics is unpacked through his fictional works, with a focus on his satirical writings, The Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce, with smaller emphasis given to his fantasy works, Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra.
End of Theology Electives
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Departmental approval based on application and reference(s).
Description: Students commit to a full year of theological and biblical study which incorporates the visual and performing arts. Units of study include the timeline of the Bible, an in-depth study of scripture, and the method and process of crafting a sermon. Students will wrestle with the big questions of faith and learn how to defend their faith. Students will examine the works of Biblical scholars, theologians, and Christian apologists. Substantial participation in the school chapel program is required, including a presentation of a student-authored sermon during Upper and Middle School Chapels. Students must be active in the Christian faith and have at least a basic understanding of holy scripture.