The Candler Foundry will kick off 2021 with multiple new Courses in the Community open to all who are passionate about theological education—or want to dive in for the first time. These in-depth courses taught by Candler faculty address a range of topics related to faith, theology, and pressing issues in public life.
There are two types of courses: Short Courses run for three to six weeks and are conducted in partnerships with churches and other organizations in and beyond Atlanta. Master Classes are seminary-level courses that run for 10 to 14 weeks and are open to both Candler students and community participants.
A listing of upcoming courses is below. For more information, visit The Candler Foundry website.
“This Strange and Sacred Scripture: Wrestling with the Old Testament”
Sundays, January 10, 17, 24 and February 7, 14, 21; 9:00-9:55 a.m.
Taught by Ryan Bonfiglio, assistant professor in the practice of Old Testament and director of The Candler Foundry, this short course will draw on biblical scholarship and pastoral insights to provide strategies for reading and responding to the Old Testament in ways that are both faithful and constructive. This course is hosted in partnership with All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Learn more and register.
“Sabbath as Rest and Resistance”
January 13, 14, and 15, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Taught by Bonfiglio, this condensed master class will explore the biblical theology of Sabbath, as well as the purpose, place, and practice of Sabbath in faith formation and pastoral leadership. Learn more and register.
“The Book of Jonah: Plumbing the Depths of God’s Mercy”
Wednesdays, January 13-27; 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Taught by Associate Professor of Old Testament Joel LeMon, this short course will explore this holy fish tale, probing it for what it says about God, the world God rules, and our place within it. Learn more and register.
“The Ten Commandments: Building Good Neighborhoods and Just Communities”
Sundays, January 24-February 13 and Wednesday, February 17; 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Taught by Ryan Bonfiglio, this short course will explore the theological and ethical dimensions of the Ten Commandments, including the historical meaning of each commandment and the place of the Ten Commandments in American culture. Learn more and register.
“Visio and Lectio Divina: The Art of John August Swanson”
Tuesdays, January 26-March 16; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Taught by Theologian-in-Residence Don Saliers, this master class explores the classical Christian spiritual practices of lectio divina (meditative reading and praying Scripture) and visio divina (meditation and prayer focusing on visual art), with the art of John August Swanson as the principal focus. Learn more and register.
“Faith in Conflict: Dealing with Legacy”
Wednesdays, January 27-March 3; 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Taught by Gary Mason, Methodist minister and founder of Belfast-based organization Rethinking Conflict, this short course will explore the historical and theological roots of the Troubles of Northern Ireland, and how a community of faith helped build peace and pursue reconciliation. With this perspective, participants will consider the possibility of adapting and learning from these stories in a deeply divided United States, addressing the role of people of faith in rebuilding and repairing conflicted societies. Learn more and register.
“Howard Thurman: Spirituality and Community”
Thursdays, January 28-April 29; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Taught by Dean’s Professor of Spirituality, Ethics, and Leadership Walter Earl Fluker, this master class will explore how renowned 20th century scholar and theologian Howard Thurman speaks to our times through three themes in his work and life: spirituality and social transformation, ecclesiology and culture, and Thurman’s understanding of the democratic space as it relates to national community. Learn more and register.
“Antiracism with Youth”
Wednesdays, April 14-May 19; 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Taught by Jillinda Weaver, director of Candler’s Youth Theological Initiative and its companion program YTI IMPACT, this short course designed for high school-aged youth explores how racism and white supremacy have impacted the church and considers what a faith-based response to racial injustice could look like. Learn more and register.
See the full listing of Courses in the Community here.
In addition to its spring course lineup, The Candler Foundry will host its next TheoEd Talks event on Sunday, February 21 at 5:00 p.m. An ecumenical speaker series where leaders in the church and the academy share “the talk of their lives” in 20 minutes or less, TheoEd Talks aims to spark conversations that change the way people think about God, religion, and the power of faith to change lives. The presenter lineup includes Doug Shipman, former CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center; Chanequa Walker Barnes, associate professor of practical theology at McAfee School of Theology; and Olu Brown, lead pastor at Impact Church in Atlanta. Look for more information on the Candler website in the coming weeks.