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Theo-Humanism

God's Ways in Today's World

Paul Heck

We often think that theology divides us since, we assume, theology is based on the beliefs of particular communities. At the same time, while we’re witnessing significant shifts in the demographics of religious belonging, interest in questions of a theological nature remains high.

Humans have long looked to their own experiences for insight into God and God’s ways. This heritage awaits your exploration: writings by Jews, Christians, and Muslims that take up a range of human experiences (friendship, life in society, suffering, pleasure, nature’s relation to us) as theologically productive. We enrich this heritage with modern knowledge--from biology, psychology, philosophy--in viewing the human being as object of theological reflection. In this sense, you’ll discover theology as a scholarly conversation binding together all inquiring minds.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Consider theology as a university discipline with relevance for public conversations.
See the intersection of theology with all knowledge pursuits.
See humanistic literature across cultures as source of wisdom for today’s questions.
Think about the workings of your own humanity as arena of divine activity.

Broaden your horizons on the nature and purposes of being religious.
Identify the importance of doing theology for human growth.
Pursue conversations on theological questions with all peoples across the globe.

Consider theology as a university discipline with relevance for public conversations.
See the intersection of theology with all knowledge pursuits.
See humanistic literature across cultures as source of wisdom for today’s questions.
Think about the workings of your own humanity as arena of divine activity.
Broaden your horizons on the nature and purposes of being religious.
Identify the importance of doing theology for human growth.
Pursue conversations on theological questions with all peoples across the globe.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the intersection of theology with various knowledge pursuits and disciplines, offering a comprehensive understanding

Suitable for those seeking to understand theology as a scholarly conversation, connecting diverse perspectives

Ideal for individuals interested in exploring the human experience through a theological lens, providing insights into the nature and purpose of being religious

Appropriate for those keen on broadening their horizons and developing a deeper understanding of theological concepts and practices

Course is taught by Paul Heck, an experienced instructor in the field, ensuring a well-structured and informative learning experience

May not be suitable for students seeking a highly specialized or technical exploration of theology

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Reviews summary

Well-received theo-humanism course

Learners say this Theo-Humanism course is a comforting and enlightening exploration of humanity's place in the divine, from ancient wisdom to pressing modern issues. Highly comprehensive and thought provoking, it provokes reflection on one's self, society, and spirituality. The course is well designed and features engaging assignments like interviews with experts. Students highly recommend it to anyone interested in the meaning of life and religion.

Course Offers Practical Insights

"It discusses many issues relevant in today's world and incorporates the views of leaders from diverse disciplines."

"It will make you a better friend, and a more thoughtful human."

"The course is also well designed, interactive, and fascinating."

Course Showcases Varied Viewpoints

"This course tackles such a vast array of subject matter in a clear and concise fashion."

"Every time I log on and go through some course material I learn something."

"My dad said it reminded him of a great class taught in his PhD program at the University of Chicago where Dr. Heck also got his doctorate."

Course Highlights Humanity's Divine Nature

"Theo-humanism highlights how our humanity is divine and our connection to each other is essential to a healthy community."

"This course brings to life the history of how humanity was at the core of religion."

"The importance of this course cannot be overstated. I recommend it highly to anyone with an interest in the meaning of life and what it means to be human."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Theo-Humanism: God's Ways in Today's World with these activities:

Follow the online tutorials for the course platform

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Become proficient in using the tools and features of the course platform.

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Access the tutorials provided by the instructor or platform
Go through each tutorial step-by-step
Practice using the platform's features

Participate in the online discussion forums

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Engage with classmates, share perspectives, and expand your understanding through peer interaction.

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Join the course discussion forums
Read through existing discussions and contribute your thoughts
Respond to questions and comments from classmates

Complete the practice exercises for each module

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Reinforce your understanding of the concepts and apply them to practical scenarios.

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Review the module materials
Attempt the practice exercises
Check your answers and identify areas for improvement

One other activity

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Develop a research proposal on a topic of interest

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Apply your knowledge to a real-world scenario and demonstrate your research skills.

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Choose a topic of interest
Conduct preliminary research
Develop a research question and hypothesis
Outline the research methods and design
Submit your research proposal

Career center

Learners who complete Theo-Humanism: God's Ways in Today's World will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Theologian

Theologians study religious texts and teachings, and they write about their findings. They may also teach theology at universities or seminaries. This course would be helpful for Theologians because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to other religions. It would also help them to develop their critical thinking and writing skills.

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Rabbi

Rabbis lead Jewish religious services and provide spiritual guidance to their congregations. They may also teach religious education classes or work with community organizations. This course would be helpful for Rabbis because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Jewish faith and its relationship to other religions. It would also help them to develop their leadership and communication skills.

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Priest

Priests lead religious services and administer the sacraments. They may also teach religious education classes or work with community organizations. This course would be helpful for Priests because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to other religions. It would also help them to develop their leadership and communication skills.

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Imam

Imams lead Muslim religious services and provide spiritual guidance to their congregations. They may also teach religious education classes or work with community organizations. This course would be helpful for Imams because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Muslim faith and its relationship to other religions. It would also help them to develop their leadership and communication skills.

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Minister

Ministers lead religious services and provide spiritual guidance to their congregations. They may also teach religious education classes or work with community organizations. This course would be helpful for Ministers because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to other religions. It would also help them to develop their leadership and communication skills.

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Religious Studies Professor

Religious Studies Professors teach about religion at universities and colleges. They may also conduct research on religious topics. This course would be helpful for Religious Studies Professors because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to other religions. It would also help them to develop their research and writing skills.

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Chaplain

Chaplains provide spiritual care to people in hospitals, prisons, and other institutions. They may also lead religious services or teach religious education classes. This course would be helpful for Chaplains because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to other religions. It would also help them to develop their counseling and communication skills.

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Missionary

Missionaries travel to other countries to spread their religious beliefs. They may also teach religious education classes or work with community organizations. This course would be helpful for Missionaries because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to other religions. It would also help them to develop their cross-cultural communication and leadership skills.

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Interfaith Dialogue Specialist

Interfaith Dialogue Specialists promote understanding and cooperation between different religious groups. They may organize events, lead workshops, or write articles about interfaith dialogue. This course would be helpful for Interfaith Dialogue Specialists because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to other religions. It would also help them to develop their communication and conflict resolution skills.

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Religious Writer

Religious Writers write about religious topics for books, magazines, and websites. They may also write religious fiction or poetry. This course would be helpful for Religious Writers because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to other religions. It would also help them to develop their writing and research skills.

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Spiritual Director

Spiritual Directors help people to develop their spiritual lives. They may work with individuals or groups, and they may use a variety of methods, such as meditation, prayer, and journaling. This course may be helpful for Spiritual Directors because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to other religions.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people to overcome challenges and improve their lives. They may work with individuals, families, or groups, and they may provide a variety of services, such as counseling, case management, and advocacy. This course may be helpful for Social Workers because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to social justice.

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Grief Counselor

Grief Counselors help people to cope with the loss of a loved one. They may work with individuals or groups, and they may use a variety of methods, such as talk therapy, art therapy, and music therapy. This course may be helpful for Grief Counselors because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to death and grief.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers help people to come together to make a difference in their communities. They may work on issues such as affordable housing, education, and healthcare. This course may be helpful for Community Organizers because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to social justice.

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Nonprofit Administrator

Nonprofit Administrators manage nonprofit organizations. They may be responsible for fundraising, budgeting, and program development. This course may be helpful for Nonprofit Administrators because it would give them a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relationship to social justice.

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Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Theo-Humanism: God's Ways in Today's World.

The Truth About God

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Explores the relationship between theology and the university, arguing that theology is essential for the university's mission of educating the whole person. It is particularly useful for understanding the role of theology in contemporary society.

The Truth About God: The Ten Commandments in...

Kindle Edition

What Remains

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Explores the nature of the human condition, arguing that human beings are essentially social and political beings. It is particularly useful for understanding the relationship between theology and human nature.

Theo-Humanism

God's Ways in Today's World

What's inside

Learning objectives

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Well-received theo-humanism course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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