Catalogue 2008 Book - Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

THEOLOGICAL-HISTORICAL DEPARTMENT
TH.229 NATURE, THEOLOGY, AND ETHICS
This course explores the theological, spiritual, and ethical aspects of the relationship of
human beings to nature. Major Christian theological approaches to nature are contrasted
both to one another and to other approaches infl uential in the West (e.g., scientifi c, Native
American). Correlative spiritualities are considered and key biblical texts investigated.
Additionally, the class delves into ethical questions regarding the status and treatment of
animals, biodiversity, the idea and signifi cance of “wilderness,” and issues of sustainable
development and conservation. Six credits. Mr. Greenway
TH.231 AN ADVENTURE IN WILDERNESS AND SPIRITUALITY
This course utilizes group initiatives including climbing, rappelling, backpacking, and a solo
experience in order to provide a framework within which to refl ect upon the signifi cance of
wilderness and upon one’s own spirituality. Students read essays in wilderness and in spiritual
theology, and engage situations in which patterns of interaction and their trust of others and
themselves are manifested and explored. Group discussion, keeping of journals, and times for
individual refl ection combine to encourage the integration of experience and understanding.
Six credits. Mr. Greenway
TH.235 SPECIAL TOPICS
This course explores a select topic of timely interest or controversy in theology, history, ethics,
philosophy, or religion. Students engage the topic through critical reading, discussion, and
writing. Six credits.
TH.237 THEOLOGY AND HERMENEUTICS
Hermeneutics, the study both of the interpretation of texts and of the understanding of
understanding itself, addresses questions at the heart of theology. We begin with a brief survey
of the hermeneutics of major Patristic and Reformed theologians. We focus in particular
on the infl uential trajectory initiated by Schleiermacher and continuing through Gadamer,
Habermas, and Ricoeur. Finally, we consider how developments in hermeneutics are related to
the emergence of liberation, Black, feminist, womanist, Mujerista, and ecological theologies.
Prerequisite: TH.104. Six credits. Mr. Greenway
TH.239 THE WRITING OF HISTORY
How history is viewed directly affects how history is written. In this course participants explore
theological and philosophical perspectives on history, and then apply these perspectives to
particular historical writings. Six credits. Ms. Babinsky
The Rev. Timothy D. Lincoln Dr. Cynthia L. Rigby
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