Ohio Dominican's M.A. in Theology Program Offers Ministry Courses

January 16, 2007

COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio Dominican University’s Master of Arts in Theology program will offer two master’s level ministry workshops this spring, for those who wish to enrich their ministerial skills and knowledge.

The courses are open to the general public, and are geared to those individuals active in religious education, lay ministry and youth ministry.  Each course meets a total of nine hours over a three-day period.  The cost of each course is $100 for individuals who are not currently enrolled in ODU’s M.A. in Theology program.  All sessions will be held in Erskine Hall on Ohio Dominican’s main campus at 1216 Sunbury Road.

Upon completion of a course, participants will be given a certificate of completion, which they may use to apply for continuing education units from their employers. 

• “Peace in the Abrahamic Religions” focuses on the understanding of peace in the religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Thomas Oates, Ph.D, Special assistant to the President, instructs the course.
  
• "Peace in the Abrahamic Religions” will be held Tuesday, January 23 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, January 27 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, January 30 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
  
• “Fundamentalism in the Abrahamic Religions” will explore fundamentalism in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Mary Todd, Ph.D, Vice President for Academic Affairs, will teach the course.
  
• “Fundamentalism in the Abrahamic Religions” will be held Thursday, March 22 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 24 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; and Thursday, March 29 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

“Both topics are of critical importance for understanding the relationships which exist among these religions’ millions of followers,” said Barbara Finan, Ph.D., Professor of Theology. “Given the current political situation, it is most important that we find ways to grow in mutual understanding and respect. These courses offer one small way of addressing that need.”

To register for any of the courses, please contact Cindy Graves, Assistant Registrar, at (614) 251-4792. For further information about the M.A. in Theology Program, contact Dr. Barbara Finan at (614) 251-4721.  

Ohio Dominican’s Master of Arts in Theology program is a holistic course of study that helps one develop the personal and professional skills needed for effective church ministry.  Although focused on the needs of current and future lay ministers in the Catholic Church, the program is open to non-Catholics, ordained ministers and students preparing for doctoral study in Theology.