Archives Classes

Nonresistance and the Two Kingdoms

We will investigate the historical, theological, and practical aspects of the doctrine of the Two Kingdoms. We will consider the role of government and the military, our Christian relationship and responsibility to them, the view of the church throughout history…

Developments in World History Since 1945

Through reading and discussion students will examine large-scale trends that have brought our world to its current state over the past several decades. Topics will include the Cold War and the transitions to unipolarity and multipolarity; decolonization; globalization; and economic,…

Essential Developments in United States History to 1900

Through reading and discussion students will explore essential developments in the United States during this formative period. We will consider the broad sweep of history rather than detailed narratives. Topics will include America’s evolving philosophical, religious, and cultural underpinnings; the…

Bringing Nature into the Classroom

This course explores how nature should be integrated into the curriculum, with an emphasis on leading our students to interact with nature in meaningful ways. This course will develop both the rationale for incorporating nature into our pedagogy and the…

Early Anabaptist Biblical Hermeneutics

This course will address several questions: How did wider access to the Bible in both the original languages and new translations impact the Anabaptists? How did the Anabaptists’ understanding of the role of the congregation in interpreting the Bible differ…

Ruth and other Women of the Bible

Together, we will study the life of Ruth and other women woven throughout Scripture. We will look at their lives through the stories that are recorded in Scripture and aim to apply what we learn. We will look at the…

Fire in the East

Because we have inherited the Christian traditions of Western Europe, many North American Christians are oblivious to the rich spiritual heritage of the early Church in the East. In this course, we encounter bishops, singers, teachers, and monks whose devotion…

An Anabaptist View of Peace, Violence, and Politics

This course will provide a historical survey of how Anabaptists have addressed the topics of violence and peace and how they have related to political structures. It will begin with 16th century Anabaptism and will trace how their approaches developed…

Women Caring for Women

Through scripture study, interactional learning, and reflective writing, this course helps women explore their God-given relational resources, practice Christ-like change in their coping patterns, and develop skills in compassionate listening and prayer ministry with others. A main goal of the…

Church History: Reformation to the Present

This class is a survey of church history beginning with the Reformation and continuing up to today. This survey is divided into two periods: the Reformation and the Modern Church