37th Annual School of Theological Studies

January 28 and February 4, 2012

Putnam University Center, 3rd floor
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
(coffee & tea available at 9 a.m.)

Registration fee

$8 if pre-registered by Wednesday, January 25
$10 on site January 28 or February 4
FREE to Willamette University full-time students and university faculty and staff (please pre-register)

Register early for the best chance of participating in the course of your choice.

Courses

Choose 1 course - each course has two parts.
Course registration is limited by room sizes.

#1 - Educating for Faith: A Challenge for Churches in the 21st Century
Instructor:  The Reverend Dr. Charles Foster, professor of religion and education emeritus, Candler School of Theology, Emory University

In this course participants will explore contemporary cultural, theological and pedagogical challenges congregations face in cultivating the faith of their children, youth and adults.

Chuck Foster was raised in Oregon and holds degrees from Willamette University, Union Theological Seminary and Teachers College-Columbia University. He is an ordained elder in The Methodist Church and served congregations in New York. Dr. Foster taught in theological schools in Ohio, Tennessee and most recently at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, where he was professor of religion and education.  His published works include Educating Congregations: The Future of Christian Education and Educating Clergy: Teaching Practices and the Pastoral Imagination among others.   He and his wife Janet have two children and two grandchildren.

#2 - Introduction to Christianity in the Visual Arts
Instructor:   Dr. Ann M. Nicgorski, professor of art history and archaeology, Willamette University

In this course we will examine the origins of the long tradition in Western art of Christian images, both narrative and devotional. Special attention will be paid to early Christian art, icons and iconoclasm, and key subjects like the Crucifixion, the Virgin Mary and the saints. The course will also include a trip to the Christian Art Gallery of the Hallie Ford Museum and a brief consideration of Christian art in the modern world including the work of controversial contemporary artists such as Andres Serrano ad Chris Ofili. 

Participants will want to purchase Christian Art: A Very Short Introduction by Beth Williamson (Oxford, 2004).

Ann M. Nicgorski received her B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and her M.A. and Ph.D. in art history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Her fields of expertise include Greek and Roman art and architecture, as well as Christian iconography.  She has taught at Willamette University since 1995, where she also serves as a faculty curator at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art.

#3 - “Do Justice” – Is Micah’s Admonition Possible in a Local Congregation?
Instructor: The Reverend Dr. Sally L. Godard, Director of Just Journey, ordained clergy member of the United Church of Christ and certified psychiatrist

Local faith communities are often leaders in ministries of compassion and charitable giving. But what’s the role of a church, synagogue or mosque in addressing the tough issues of justice, rights and the “common good?”  How can a congregation develop faith-rooted advocates and activists? Let’s explore the obstacles and opportunities for local congregations to “let justice roll.”

A Willamette alumna who majored in Political Science, Sally Godard received her medical degree from the Oregon Health and Science University.  She has practiced clinical, administrative and academic psychiatry for more than 25 years. In 2010 Sally completed seminary at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California and has been ordained in the United Church of Christ.  She is a regional trainer in the national UCC JusticeLED program, and has inaugurated Just Journey, a local and ecumenical ministry of justice and advocacy in Yamhill County.

#4 - Wisdom Gospels: The Story of Q, Thomas and the Path Not Taken    
Instructor: Dr. Stephen J. Patterson, George H. Atkinson Chair of Religious and Ethical Studies, Willamette University

The biblical gospels tell the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  But was that the only way to write a gospel?  This course is about two other gospels, the Gospel of Thomas and a lost gospel known only as Q.  They are wisdom gospels.  They consist of sayings – wisdom sayings – and they suggest an entirely different way of interpreting the importance of Jesus.

Stephen J. Patterson is the Atkinson Professor of Religious and Ethical Studies at Willamette University.  Prior to his arrival at Willamette in 2009, he was professor of New Testament and Christian origins at Eden Seminary in St. Louis for more than 20 years.  He is the author of the Gospel of Thomas and Jesus (1993), as well has half a dozen other books and numerous essays and reviews on the origins of Christianity.

PLEASE NOTE: Part 2 of this class will be held on Saturday, February 11.

To Register:

Email your name, address, email address, phone number and preferred course number to the Office of the Chaplains or call 503-370-6213.  The registration fee may be paid on January 28.