The inaugural CTS/OPEN course invites lifelong learners and CTS degree students to explore how pastors and theologians are expanding their missions and ministries beyond congregational communities to serve the common good. Becoming a Public Theologian: Christian Activism in the 21st Century will be offered Monday, January 23, 2017, to Friday, January 27, 2017, at St Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 1101 N Collier Boulevard, in Marco Island, Florida.
Led by author, activist and public theologian Brian McLaren, participants will consider how pastors and theologians connect the resources of the Gospel, the Bible and Christian tradition with the issues driving public conversation in communities ranging from local neighborhoods to the world at large. Course participants will consider pastors’ and theologians’ efforts to engage the public in key issues that serve the common good, with discussion focusing on issues ranging from workers’ rights to global warming, from race relations to economic inequality. Through dialog and study, participants will examine how public theologians use blogging, publishing, social action, civil disobedience, community organizing, ethical spectacle, interfaith collaboration, political involvement, economic activism, media appearances and other forms of public engagement to apply theological resources to public issues.
Becoming a Public Theologian is offered to the public as well as CTS degree students. All students are responsible for covering the cost of travel as well as food and lodging. To register or to learn more, click here.
