Theological Reading Group

Catalog description

What happens when you put a group of smart undergraduates - many of whom are alienated from "organized religion," some of whom consider themselves "spiritual" - into conversation with the most sophisticated (and honest) Christian theologian of the past three centuries? This reading group aims to find out. We will focus on a single, recent proposal in constructive theology, paying special attention to its philosophical and methodological underpinnings. Just what "theology" was, is, or should be will be central to the conversation. This is an un-course, even an anti-course: Bleeding-edge classroom technology, innovative pedagogical practices, the cesspool of opinion that is social media, the instructor's politics, and even Canvas will be quietly ignored. Our syllabus will fit on a page and take shape as we go - depending on student interest and where the shoe pinches. The amount of reading will be modest, given the subtlety of the proposal under consideration. Students who attend all meetings and participate actively will receive 1 unit of credit. Those wishing to pursue something in more depth may receive a second unit of credit by writing a short paper. It goes without saying in a non-sectarian university that all interested brains and minds, bodies and souls, are welcome. Enrollment limited; permission of the instructor required. Please complete this brief survey before December 25: https://forms.gle/PPG5Tm3abDdSSGty7.