The Medieval Pursuit of God

What can we learn about seeking God in our lives and communities from the medieval pursuit of God? For most medieval people, learning about God was a holistic activity. They pursued God with their minds, bodies, and spirits. Stained glass windows taught biblical stories, prayer positions connected the mind to the heart, and new objects and everyday activities became vessels of theological wisdom. Even for the literate, reading wasn’t just passive reception of information. Usually, texts were read aloud in a community and the audience was invited to make connections between words and concepts, creating endless chains of meaning from a single verse. In light of COVID-19 and "streaming church," how might we make community through medieval learning processes? How might we, too, utilize new technologies to convey the richness of the Christian tradition and to pursue God more deeply?

Any curious Christian seeking deeper theological understanding and personal enrichment may take part in this online course.

Peer learning: You will be immersed with a community of learners in an online environment.

Weekly modules: The weekly modules guide you, step by step, through videos, readings, written reflections, and peer discussions. Expect to spend 6 – 8 hours per week.

Instruction and review: Course work is reviewed by the instructor and teaching assistant. Dr. Reibe will engage with students in the online discussions.

Live session: The course concludes with an optional live session with Dr. Reibe on Monday, May 18, 2020, 7:00–9:00 p.m. EDT.

Successful completion and CEUs: Those who satisfactorily complete all steps of the three modules will receive a notice of completion and earn 2.5 continuing education units (CEUs).

Nicole Reibe completed her MDiv at Princeton Theological Seminary in 2008. While at PTS, she developed a deep love for church history and questions about how to make history relevant for congregations. After a year of ministry at Tualatin Presbyterian Church, Nicole set off for Boston College to pursue a doctorate in historical theology with a concentration in medieval theology. Nicole sees it as her mission to discover and highlight historical voices that have been forgotten or ignored. She has published on the sermons and treatise of Achard of St. Victor and is currently working on a project exploring the theology of Teresa de Cartagena. Dr. Reibe is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore.

This course is being offered at this time for no charge.
Please note that registration is required and closes at noon on Friday, April 24.

Please read our Registration and Cancellation Policies.