This course examines the nature of scientific exploration and the relationship of religion and science generally, and the relationship between scientific theory and Christian theology particularly.

This class will examine the use of humor and storytelling, starting with the book of Genesis and moving through the Bible looking for instances of storytelling and humor in the Old Testament, Gospels, and Epistles.  The use of storytelling and humor will also be examined in church history by looking at famous preachers such as Luther, Edwards, Spurgeon, and Moody.

Then the use of humor and storytelling will be examined as a sermonic tool for use today.  Modern sermons and writings on both the use of humor and the telling of stories will be read and listened to.  Questions of appropriateness of humor, overuse of stories, proper storytelling technique, and how such tools can either hurt/help a sermon will be discussed.

The student should be prepared to think through the use of humor and storytelling in his/her own ministry.  On the final day of class each student will be expected to tell a story to the class using some of the tools that have been learned.

This course will introduce students to the life, writings, and theological contributions of St. Augustine of Hippo. The course will approach Augustine's theological, political, and literary context and will be focused on discussion and analysis of a number of Augustine's most influential theological texts and letters. Along the way, students will be encouraged to interact with Augustine's contributions to such fields as literature, ethics, political theology, trinitarian theology, heresiology, and pastoral theology. All of this will be done with a view to developing a greater appreciation for this most important figure in the history of the Christian Church.