Register now for 2016-2017 Lay School classes. The Lay School of Theology is a program of informal, non-credit classes taught by seminary professors for people who want to learn more about matters relating to their Christian faith and life.
Fall classes are scheduled for October—November. Most classes take place at Luther Seminary. New this year, we also are offering classes at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie, Minn. Register today!
Coping with Change (When You’re Not in Charge)—webcast available
We’ll look at the New Testament to catch a glimpse of how early communities of believers in Jesus tried to live as disciples in the complex and sometimes hostile atmosphere of the Roman Empire. We’ll explore questions such as:
-
- How far do we go in accommodating the world’s values?
-
- How do we and when must we speak from our Christian values?
-
- How do we discern the need for a variety of behaviors in a variety of contexts?
We’ll enter the world of early believers in order to learn more about our own discipleship.
Instructor: Sarah Henrich, Professor Emeritus of New Testament
Luther at Home
This course explores Luther in his home environment of Wittenberg. It will consider the physical setting (the city itself) as well as the people who inhabited Wittenberg—Luther’s neighbors and students. We’ll consider Luther’s marriage and family life and its significance for subsequent generations of Protestant clergy. The final class will include a tour of “Martin Luther and the Reformation” at the Minneapolis Institute of Art on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 1:45-3:45 p.m.
Instructors: Paul Daniels, Archivist and Curator, Mary Jane Haemig, Professor of Church History and Director of the Reformation Research Program, Gracia Grindal, Professor Emeritus of Rhetoric, Hans Wiersma, Associate Professor of Religion, Augsburg College
Martin Luther on Romans: The Shaping of a Reformer
Martin Luther called Paul’s letter to the Romans “the most important document in the New Testament … the gospel in its purest expression … a brilliant light to illumine the whole Bible.” We’ll explore Luther’s approach to interpreting the Scriptures and this letter’s important themes of law, sin, grace, faith, righteousness, flesh and spirit. This deeply shaped Luther and the Reformation, and still has the power to shape our lives today.
Instructor: James Boyce, Professor Emeritus of New Testament
Too Busy to Live?: Finding Quality Life When No One Has the Time!
People say they have too many things going on. Life is overwhelming! Drawing upon current research, biblical perspectives, theological concepts and longstanding spiritual practices, we’ll delve into the dynamics of the “overwhelm.” You’ll develop core values and quality lifestyles framed by grace, vocation and Sabbath. Gain an enriched relationship with God and get life back!
Instructor: Roland Martinson, Professor Emeritus of Children, Youth and Family