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Diocesan School of Theology: 2008-2009

The Diocesan School of Theology begins classes August 16, 2008 at the Bishop’s Centre for Ministry located at Youree Drive and Kay Lane behind All Saint’s Chapel.  Classes will meet the third Saturday of the month beginning in August and concluding May 2009. Classes meet for two hours and 45 minutes each Saturday 9am - 11:45am, 1-3:45 p.m., and 4- 6:45 p.m.

The Diocesan School offers a range of classes for individuals seeking an in depth study of Scripture, Liturgy, Church History, and Theology. The program is 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.. 

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

9-11:45 a.m.   

New Testament I – The Reverend Frank Hughes: 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.   Text: Raymond Brown, Introduction to the New Testament

World Religions in Dialogue with Christianity – The Reverend Bill McBride – An introduction to the beliefs and practices of the major world religions.  Class discussions will focus on dialogue between Christianity and each of the major faiths.  Text: John Esposito, World Religions Today

Church History II - Dr. Cheryl White: 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.

1-3:45 p.m.

Book of Common Prayer – Mr. John Robert: 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 – The Reverend Frank Hughes: 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 – The Reverend Bill McBride.  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.  Texts: Richard Hayes, The Moral Vision of the New Testament; Stephen Holmgren, Ethics After Easter.

4:00-6:45pm

Old Testament I – The Reverend Bill McBride: 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.  Principal text: Bernard Anderson, Understanding the Old Testament.

Tuition for each class is $225.

Individuals enrolled in Diocesan School courses can work towards completion of a nine course Diploma of Christian Studies as part of a 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, The Book of Common Prayer, and two electives one of which must be from the Theology offerings.

Individuals who wish to register for classes, or who desire additional information may contact Mr. John Robert, registrar, at JRLITURGIST@aol.com, or the Reverend Bill McBride, Dean, at fatherbill176@gmail.com, phone at (318) 471-9007.

Diocesan School Calendar

Enrolled students can click here to access Moodle