What Is Theology?

Theology is much more than “the study of God.” It is a relationship with God, where we seek to know Him, in love, in prayer and—yes—through study. This course will answer some fundamental questions about theology. Students will gain a sense of how theology is possible and why theology matters.

By joining this course, you will:

  • Learn how it is possible to speak about the unspeakable God

  • Come to know the sources that we draw upon in our pursuit of that understanding

  • Come away with a clear sense of how all this is done within the tradition of the Orthodox Church.

Sessions:
Session 1: Is Theology Possible? Knowing the Unknowable God
Session 2: How Do We Express God in Words? Speaking the Unspeakable God
Session 3: How Do We Discern? The Sources of Theology
Session 4: Who is Theology? Jesus Christ: The Icon of God and Humanity

Course Information

Dr Peter Bouteneff

Professor of Systematic Theology

Dr Peter Bouteneff is Professor of Systematic Theology and Kulik Professor of Sacred Arts. He has taught theology at St. Vladimir’s Seminary since the year 2000. After receiving his M.Div. from the seminary, he pursued an M.Phil. and then a D.Phil. at Oxford University, under Metropolitan Kallistos Ware. Dr Bouteneff—a trained musician and musicologist—is also Founding Director of the Seminary’s Institute of Sacred Arts. His many publications include Sweeter than Honey: Orthodox Thinking on Dogma and Truth, Beginnings: Ancient Christian Readings of the Biblical Creation Narratives, Arvo Pärt: Out of Silence, and How to Be a Sinner: Finding Yourself in the Church’s Language of Repentance. His current research is on the relationship between the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches. 

Course Description

  • 4 Recorded video lectures by the professor

  • 4 PowerPoint Slides

  • Optional Readings

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from and work with the dynamic faculty of St Vladimir’s Seminary!

What Is Theology?

Lecture 1: Is Theology Possible? Knowing the Unknowable God

Readings are assigned upon registration.


Lecture 2: How Do We Express God in Words? Speaking the Unspeakable God

Readings are assigned upon registration.


Lecture 3:  How Do We Discern? The Sources of Theology

Readings are assigned upon registration.


Lecture 4: Who is Theology? Jesus Christ: The Icon of God and Humanity

Readings are assigned upon registration.

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The Four Gospels and the One Christ: An Introduction to the New Testament Gospels