Chaplaincy

Theological Inquiry Experience (TIE)

A Study of Theological Topics for Peer Ministry

For students interested in theological studies and ministry to fellow students at Hamilton College.

Students may apply at the beginning of each semester. Limited to eight students. An internship experience for broadening intellectual and experiential dimensions of theological education, offer students an opportunity for an introduction to a theological curriculum encouraging a direct connection between faith commitments and theological study, with the following considerations in mind:

• Personal development – how personal faith perspectives might be enhanced by deeper study of scriptures, theology, church history, liturgy and other theological disciplines.
• Vocational exploration – how theological study might shape possible sense of vocational calling, including (but not presuming) the possibility of exploring seminary or divinity school after graduation.
• Peer ministry on campus – ways increased theological education might strengthen leadership of worship and prayer, small group and personal discipleship of individuals.

Topics of exploration may include:

• Hebrew Bible – Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls, Law, Prophets, Writings
• Greek New Testament – manuscript variations/ translation histories/ extra-canonical literature
• Synoptic gospels and the gospel parallels
• Formation of the biblical canon
• Lectionary: Choosing the greatest hits of the Bible
• Creeds: Apostle’s creed, Nicene creed
• Sacraments: Eucharist & Baptism / Catholic Sacraments
• Liturgy, Order of Worship/ Book of Common Prayer
• Church History: Early church (Book of Acts) / Council of Nicea/ Reformation
• Church music: Differences of hymnals, gospel, contemporary, sacred music, sung mass
• Theology and Theologians: Augustine, Martin Luther, Rabbi Joshual Abraham Heschel, John Calvin, Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, ML King, Jr., Liberation theology (Gutierrez), Reinhold Niebuhr
• Literary Influences: Dante’s Divine Comedy, Milton’s Paradise Lost, Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, C.S, Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, John Donne’s poetry
• Philosophical Influences: Aristotle, Plato & Neo-platonists, Kant, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche
• Comparative Religions/ Interfaith Dialogue: Judaism and Christianity, Monotheism vs. Polytheism, Non-theist religion, Contemplative traditions within multiple traditions: Sufism in Islam, Christian contemplative prayer, Jewish mysticism