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I teach theology because I think it’s important for students to think and talk about who God is from an educated stance not merely opinion. – Melinda Carlson, VCHS Theology Teacher
I’ve often said that if you believe God exists but remove God from an education, that type of education is incomplete. VCHS Theology courses set us apart providing a more holistic education – uniting mind and spirit, reason and faith.
Theology, simply put, is the study of the nature of God. The word comes from two Greek words – Theos (God) and Logos (the treating or study of). Its origin traces back even to Plato who called theology a ‘discourse on God’. St. Augustine defined it as ‘reasoning or discussion concerning The Deity’. Ancient 14th century medieval universities offered theology as a core academic subject further refining its definition – ‘the study of God and His relationship to humanity.’
Theology teachers Mrs. Carlson and Mrs. Macias have carefully crafted our Theology courses in a way that allows each student to explore and discover (and question and doubt) his or her relationship to God in a safe setting. VCHS students take the following one-semester courses:
Uncovering Truth: Exploring the Bible’s Reliability and Redemption Narrative (9th) This course surveys the entire Bible through examining twelve eras that examine God’s redemptive plan in each era following what is referred to as The Golden Thread.
Life and Teachings of Jesus: Unveiling the 7 ‘I Am’ Statements from the Gospel of John (10th) This course connects Jesus’ ‘I Am’ statements to Old Testament prophecy and carefully examines the claims of Jesus.
Pillars of Faith: Navigating the Heart of Christian Theology (11th) In many ways, this course could be called ‘Christianity 101’ as it provides an overview of the history of and theology behind seven core beliefs that define Christianity.
Triad of Transformation: The Integration of Head, Heart, and Hand in the Christian Worldview (12th) This capstone course provides students with the opportunity to personally explore three fundamental questions. Is there a God-Creator? Why did God want to create? What was I created for?
What’s behind a Theology teacher’s motivation? Mrs. Carlson shared this with me – In seeking and knowing God, we have a fuller understanding of who we are – our purpose on earth and the meaning of life. In my own life, I have always been a seeker of meaning – to understand how life works. Pursuing God has been my own lifeline to hope and ultimately joy.
Our Theology courses are a signature feature of the VCHS experience. Our students think and wrestle through some of life’s most challenging questions – questions that people have asked from the beginning.
Steve O'Neil
Head of School
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