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Diocesan School of Theology starts new term August 21

The Diocesan School of Theology is now registering students for the 2010-2011 academic year that begins Saturday, August 21, 2010.

The Diocesan School of Theology offers individuals in this and neighboring dioceses, an opportunity for in depth study in Scripture, Church History, Theology, and Liturgy. Classes meet the third Saturday of the month, August through May, at the Bishop’s Center for Ministry on Youree Drive in Shreveport. Classes are open to all who seek a greater knowledge of our shared faith. The program offers a solid foundation for teachers in Christian formation programs, those engaged in Bible study groups, and those seeking a study program to assist them in their spiritual growth.

Individuals enrolled in Diocesan School courses can work towards completion of a nine-course Diploma of Christian Studies as part of the discernment process and/or lay leadership preparation. The Diploma program consists of the following courses: Old Testament I and II, New Testament I and II, Church History I and II, Book of Common Prayer, and two electives, one of which must be from the Theology offerings. The program can be completed in three years.

Bisphop's Center
   The Bishop's Centre for Ministry
   in Shreveport, Hwy. 1 at 410
   Kay Lane in the Southeast
   section of the city, houses the
   Diocesan School of Theology.

Course Offerings

9:00 AM

New Testament II
Book of Common Prayer

1:00 pM

Pauline Theology
Church History II

4:00 pM

Old Testament I
Moral Theology

New Testament I – This course is a general introduction to the synoptic gospels, the Gospel According to John, and the Johannine Letters in the New Testament, in the context of early Christianity as it emerged and developed in the Greco-Roman world. It focuses on historical, literary, and theological issues that readers of the New Testament must deal with in order to come to an informed interpretation of this most important collection of early Christian literature.  

Church History II – An overview of church history from the Reformation to the present.  Special emphasis is placed on the development of Anglicanism from the 16th century.  The course also addresses the development of the Episcopal Church from the colonial era to the present.

Book of Common Prayer – An exploration of the nature of liturgical worship, emphasizing the development of the Book of Common Prayer from 1549 to the present. A detailed review of the contents of the American Book of Common Prayer of 1979 is included.

New Testament II – This course is an introduction to the letters of the Pauline Corpus and the Petrine Corpus, together with the Letters of James and Jude and the Revelation to John, in the context of early Christianity as it emerged and developed in the Greco-Roman world. It focuses on historical, literary, and theological issues that readers of the New Testament must deal with in order to come to an informed interpretation of this most important collection of early Christian literature.

Moral Theology – This course offers an examination of the tradition of Christian Moral Theology from the perspective of the Anglican tradition.  Students will assess and evaluate a variety of moral questions in contemporary life. 

Old Testament I – This course is an introduction to the history, faith, and literature of the people of Israel from the earliest oral traditions to the Davidic Kingdom.  The class will emphasize the development of Old Testament Theology and its application to the Christian Faith. 

Tuition for each class is $225.

Students may take a maximum of three courses. Tuition is $225 per course. Checks should be made out to The Diocese of Western Louisiana with “Diocesan School Tuition” in the memo line. Tuition payments should be given to John Robert, Registrar, prior to the second class meeting.

Individuals who wish to register for classes, or who desire additional information may contact:

Mr. John Robert, Registrar
JRLITURGIST@aol.com
The Reverend Bill McBride, Dean
fatherbill176@gmail.com
Office: (318) 635-5354
cell: (318) 471-9007.

Diocesan School Calendar