2024 Summer Courses

May 6 to 10, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This course examines the promise and perils of thinking theologically in challenging and unexpected situations. This intensive learning experience offers an opportunity to reflect deeply on specific situations and scenarios. Attention will be given to different approaches to theological reflection as well as the relevance of theology in responses to contexts and dilemmas.

This is a one-week intensive in-person course. MDiv online students may use this course to achieve some in-person learning and make a more direct connection to the Trinity College and TST community.

Trinity will be able to house up to 5 students in their residence for the summer intensive. The cost will be $50/night, so roughly $250-$300 for the week. Students can also consider staying at Massey College ($100/night) or Tartu ($400/week).

May 9 to Jun 20, 2024. | Mon and Thurs – 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

This course covers modern approaches to the Orthodox concept of theosis, the movement of the Christian into complete life in and with God through Christ and the Holy Spirit. It focuses, in particular, on the leading Orthodox spiritual personalities, movements, and writings of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The writings include works of contemplation, monastic and non-monastic texts, sermons, and catecheses.

May 11, 18, and 25; Jun 1, 15; and July 6, 2024 | Saturdays – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

αν πεθάνεις πριν πεθάνεις, δεν θα πεθάνεις όταν πεθάνεις
If you die before you die, you won’t die when you die.
(Inscription over a door at Saint Paul’s monastery on Mount Athos, Greece)

This course presents the mystical traditions of Christianity with reference to other faith practices as the experience of a sacred journey of transformation according to the narrative pattern of life, death, and resurrection (or, in Richard Rohr’s contemporary expression, “order, disorder, and reorder”). As we examine the rich history of Christian mystical experience and parallels within other ancient spiritual traditions, we will recognise the special role of entheogens, or sacred fungus and plant medicines, alongside other practices, in facilitating or deepening transcendent experience. We will examine the potential role of entheogens in mystical encounters today, mindful of both ethical considerations and diverse perspectives on their usage. Interdisciplinary reflection will draw upon research in human consciousness, psychology, anthropology, comparative mysticism, medicine, and spiritual care, and invited guest speakers from different contexts, including indigenous spiritual leaders and clinical researchers studying the benefits of psychedelic therapy (including for addiction, trauma, and end-of-life care), will assist students as future faith leaders and spiritual care providers to develop a holistic and coherent response to the current psychedelic revival. We will emphasise harm reduction and overall well-being and uphold sacred narrative, ritual, and spiritual disciplines as essential elements of the “set and setting” for the healthy and transformative use of entheogens. Structured around the key concepts, practices, and texts of the mystical tradition, as well as the lives and teachings of influential mystics within Christianity and beyond, the course provides the opportunity to explore the ongoing invitation of the sacred journey of transformation – both with and without entheogenic aids – for us to embrace change, navigate challenges, accept inner healing, experience personal and spiritual growth, and establish a more profound and interdependent connection with the divine, with others, and all creation.

Please note that this course neither condones nor encourages illicit or unsafe behaviour.

May 22 to Jun 26, 2024. | Mon and Wed – 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Through the experience of reading and reflecting on the entire text of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament as well as key, select passages, participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the sources, history, and development of the canonical books of the Latter Prophets and Writings in critical relation to their place in ancient Near Eastern culture and history. Attention will be given to issues such as prophetic movements, reform movements, exile/deportation and return, wisdom and apocalyptic as shaping forces in biblical identity. Lectures and exegetical sessions will seek to assist participants with methodologies that will build their confidence and competence in engaging the texts in the context of the pastoral life of the church and in relation to contemporary culture and discourse.