Interfaith Studies
Sacred Activism / Social Justice
Courses Descriptions
This course is designed to give the scholar a basic knowledge of: Nature Spirituality, its roots, and its main concepts and applications for Spiritual Activism.
Scholars will be exposed to: Alternate conceptions of divinity, including the idea of the Divine Feminine.
They will read selected readings, and watch selected video content, as well as review PowerPoint materials and lecture and in the process gain a deeper appreciation of Nature Spirituality and Activism the tools and skills needed for competent interpretation and application of these teachings.
GOAL
1. To apply knowledge of a survey of nature spirituality concepts, beliefs, and practices into one's ministerial roles including social justice and activism.
2. Evaluate a selection of video and written content to understand the deep and expansive history, prehistory and expansive ways nature spirituality contributes to human understanding and worldviews.
3. Read selected challenging and misunderstood writings, anthropological evidence, and scientific information, and teaching and evaluate with a critical lens.
4. Create a commitment towards Earth-based justice and activism critically and theologically. At the end of the course, students will be more appreciative and inclusive towards Nature-based conceptualization of Divinity, wholeness, and be inspired to join Nature-based spiritual groups and individuals as responsibile stewards and caretakers of our planet Earth.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: Create a personal pledge to Holistic Self-Care and pledge towards Nature-based Activism. how will it show up in your ministry? Action items?
"Walking the Talk" will begin to prepare you for the times when you must answer the questions that will be posed both in the seminary classrooms, and in everyday life; times "when the rubber meets the road", and you will be expected "To Walk The Talk".
In ministry, clerics discuss, listen, question, reflect, agree, and disagree. Some then preach about, counsel congregants about, write articles and books about, and walk the talk of their conclusions in digital media, within the legal system, and in the streets.
In seminary, you are expected to learn these skills. So, grab a coffee or a juice, meet your peers in the Student Community Room and discuss, listen, question, reflect, disagree, agree, and begin to hew your path towards service to God through service to God's creation - earth, people, animals, etc...
Do you remember a time when you attended a religious service with someone of a different denomination or faith? What was is like? How did it feel to you? Why?
Community Chaplaincy is an area of ministry that is multicultural, pan-denominational, and ecumenical in nature. Never cannot assume that persons follow your faith tradition or that they follow any faith traditions at all. This information must be your baseline in while serving in Community Chaplaincy.
By the completion of this course, the Seminarian is expected to have completed the following goals:
Completion of/or co-enrollment in Pastoral Ministry 130 and/or 132. Completion of/or co-enrollment in Pastoral Counseling 130 and /or 230. Completion of at least one (1) "Walking the Talk " seminars, inclusive of the Oral Defense.
Course Requirements:
1. The Learner must demonstrate a willingness to learn from and with individuals of other faith traditions and understand that this course embodies Ecumenical / Interfaith and Interspiritual values.
2. The Learner must possess the emotional and mental energy to be of service to persons experiencing a variety of emotional states and complex social situations.
3. The Learner must be able to speak, write, and read English.
4. The Learner must have adequate time to be available for group seminars, readings, individual supervision, and a minimum of 48 hours of supervised voluntary service.
5. Learners must be open to working in consultation with a peer group, supervisor/instructor and staff in the assigned location. As per legal regulations in the state of Florida, learners in Florida must utilze the bathroom assigned to their birth gender.
Learning Objectives:
1. By the completion of this course the Learner will be able to discuss the psycho-social-spiritual responses required to successfully engage in the ministry of Community Chaplaincy.
2. By the completion of this course the Learner will be able to model the steps required to assist in serving in the celebration of the Liturgy while in Community Chaplaincy Externship placement.
GTS Seminary Goals:
1. All Seminarians will serve a minimum of 50 hours in a community ministry under supervision in an accepted and recognized Community Chaplaincy ministry.
