teaching theology

While teaching at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, I was traveling with a local colleague to an engagement.  Along the way, I ribbed him concerning some native cultural idiosyncrasy; at which point he turned to me in jest calling me “just another imperial gringo.”  Although a humorous retort ...

As a teacher, whenever I utter the words, “Okay class, please get into your small working groups,” I remember the sense of dread that I felt when I heard those words as a student. This semester I’m running an experiment in my Systematic Theology class.  It’s the first ...

What if you were to stage a debate on the black Christ, instead of giving a lecture on James Cone’s black theology? If you haven’t used debate in class, I encourage you to try it. The result might surprise you.  At a Wabash teaching workshop some time ago, ...

What are your favorite pastimes?  Does it include a night with friends at your favorite restaurant or is it watching a movie at home, on the sofa, with snacks? Imagine your college class with movie and a grade. That’s the good life. Seminary life isn’t quite like that, ...