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 Life and Witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) is well known in Christian circles for his courageous leadership during the dark years of Nazi rule in Germany. Yet there is much more about Bonhoeffer’s life and witness that may still serve to instruct and encourage Christians today. Join Dr. Michael Pasquarello as he presents a six-week study on Bonhoeffer the person, pastor, teacher and martyr.
Schedule
Six Monday nights, 6-8 p.m., beginning on
Feb. 21, 2022.
Cost: $89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually.
Discounted rates expire on Feb. 14—$115/$95 thereafter.
The Early Christians: What They Believed and How They Worshipped
Who were the early Christians of the first few hundred years of the church? What did they believe? How did they worship? In this class, under the leadership of Dr. Carl Beckwith, we will answer these questions by looking at the social and cultural challenges Christians faced living in the Roman Empire. We will examine their theological debates on Scripture, Trinity and the doctrine of Christ. We will learn about the ecumenical councils and creeds produced by the early Christians and why these were important. Finally, we will look at how they worshipped and what they thought of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We will do all of this by reading together and discussing several primary sources from the early church.
Schedule
Six Tuesday nights, 6-8 p.m., beginning on Feb. 22, 2022.
Cost: $89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually.
Discounted rates expire on Feb. 15—$115/$95 thereafter.
The Book of Acts
It is natural for any Christian to be curious about the beginnings of the early church, but even more pertinent in contemporary culture. How did the early church begin? What exactly did the first generation in the church do in the church? What kind of pressure did they face from the surrounding culture of first century? Were there any risks involved in being a Christian? These are the questions that will be explored and answered as Dr. Sydney Park leads this exciting study of Acts, tracing the movement from its beginnings to the establishment of churches throughout Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).
Sydney Park (B.A., University of Chicago; M.Div., Fuller Theological Seminary; Th.M., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; Ph.D., University of Aberdeen) is associate professor of divinity, teaching Greek and New Testament.
Schedule
Six Wednesday nights, 6-8 p.m., beginning on Feb. 23, 2022.
Cost: $89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually.
Discounted rates expire on Feb. 16—$115/$95 thereafter.
Weekday Seminar
Genesis: The God Who Creates, Blesses and Transforms
The Christian philosopher Dallas Willard commented that we are at the mercy of our ideas. Mistaken ideas about God are the major hurdle that impedes the discovery of Christian spiritual identity and flourishing. Dr. Kenneth A. Mathews has spent his career studying the “Book of Beginnings” and will show us that, by examining the “who” and “what” regarding God, we can reshape our ideas of God. Our anchor is the Book of Genesis, and by reading it in the brighter light of the New Testament’s revelation, we will permit the Spirit to meaningfully shape our daily lives.
Schedule
Six Monday afternoons, 2-4 p.m., beginning Feb. 21, 2022
Cost: $89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually.
Discounted rates expire on Feb. 14—$115/$95 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