Candler’s public theological education initiative The Candler Foundry opens 2026 with a new slate of online Courses in the Community. Designed and taught by leading scholars—including current and emeriti Candler faculty—these online courses invite participants to engage deeply with scripture, theology, and the life of the church across a range of traditions and perspectives.
(from left) Erskine, Johnson
Upcoming offerings include two four-week courses in The Foundry’s “Back in the Classroom” series in partnership with Candler’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement. Professor Emeritus of Theology and Ethics Noel L. Erskine will teach “Black Theology and Faith” in February, while “Paul’s Vision of the Church” with Robert W. Woodruff Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Christian Origins Luke Timothy Johnson will run in May. Candler alumni can receive $15 off these courses with the discount code CANDLER15 entered at checkout.
A current listing of courses is below. Visit The Candler Foundry website for registration details and the most up-to-date course information. A $25 discount on all courses is available through January 10 with the code FOUNDRYGIFT.
Winter 2026 Courses
All times are Eastern.
A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament
15 sessions | Tuesdays, January 13–April 21 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Online
Instructor: Ryan Bonfiglio, associate professor in the practice of Old Testament and executive director of The Candler Foundry
Cost: $150
This course offers an introduction to the theological themes, historical contexts, and interpretive challenges of the Old Testament. Participants will engage questions surrounding violence, law, ritual, gender, justice, suffering, and holiness, while exploring how these ancient texts continue to shape Christian faith and contemporary public life.
The Gospel of John
15 sessions | Thursdays, January 15–April 23 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Online
Instructor: Elizabeth Arnold, Candler Foundry scholar-in-residence
Cost: $150
This course focuses on close reading and exegesis of the Gospel of John. Participants will examine John’s distinctive narrative style, theological vision, and portrayal of Jesus, while also considering how the Fourth Gospel has been interpreted across history and how it speaks to present-day contexts.
Black Theology and Faith
4 sessions | Tuesdays, February 3–24 | 6:30–7:45 p.m. | Online
Instructor: Noel L. Erskine, professor emeritus of theology and ethics
Cost: $50 ($15 discount code for Candler alumni: CANDLER15)
In this short course, Erskine will introduce participants to key themes in Black theology, including liberation, reconciliation, baptism, and sin. Drawing from diverse cultural and historical contexts, the course explores how faith has been shaped by struggle and hope, and how Black theology continues to inform Christian life and witness today.
Spring 2026 Courses
Lies My Pastor Told Me
5 sessions | Thursdays, March 19–April 16 | 6:30–7:45 p.m. | Online
Instructor: Brent A. Strawn, D. Moody Smith Distinguished Professor of Old Testament, Duke Divinity School
Cost: $50
Based on his book Lies My Preacher Told Me: An Honest Look at the Old Testament (Westminster John Knox, 2021), Strawn will examine common misconceptions about the Old Testament that continue to shape preaching and popular theology. The course addresses questions of violence, law, history, and the portrayal of God, inviting participants into more careful and constructive engagement with biblical texts.
Paul’s Vision of the Church
4 sessions | Wednesdays, May 6–27 | 12:00–1:15 p.m. | Online
Instructor: Luke Timothy Johnson, Robert W. Woodruff Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Christian Origins
Cost: $50 ($15 discount code for Candler alumni: CANDLER15)
In this short course, Johnson will explore the social and historical contexts of Paul’s communities, the metaphors Paul uses to describe the church, and the dispositions he saw as essential for communal life. Participants will also reflect on Paul’s vision of the church’s mission in the world.