In the words of Saint Paul, the aim of The School of Theology is “[…] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.” (Ephesians 4.12-13)
Find a welcoming space to pursue and deepen one’s spiritual awareness, receive assistance with the interpretation of the Scriptures, have plenty of room to grow in moral sensibility and character, and gain a genuine appreciation of the Anglican tradition.
Follow us on Twitter @ThorneloeUni
Find us on Facebook
Theology Handbook rev 2015 (PDF)
The C.A.L.L. program is designed for Anglicans who are Lay Leaders in their parishes or faith communities and are interested in increasing their knowledge of the Christian faith. It is not intended, by itself, to be a qualification for ordination or other professional service in the Church. However, it does help to provide a theological base for persons assuming leadership and ministry roles in the life of their church, such as Lay Readers. The C.A.L.L. program is the equivalent of one half-year of full-time university study, but generally takes one to two years of part time study to complete.
In order to be admitted into the C.A.L.L. Program, applicants are to do the following: (1) submit a completed application form (found at http://www.thorneloe.ca/theology and click on “Forms and Fees”); (2) submit a 200 to 400-word essay that concerns the applicant’s reasons and objectives in pursuing theological education; (3) have official transcripts sent from any post-secondary institutions in which the applicant has been a student; and (4) remit payment of the $30 admission fee.
The successful completion of fifteen credits (the equivalent of five courses) is required for the C.A.L.L. The course THEO 1010 (Introduction to the Bible) is offered each year, and should be completed first. In general, the course THEO 3650 (Supervised Parish Placement) should be taken last.
No courses will be considered for transfer credit to the C.A.L.L. program.
With the exception of in-class, intensive courses in the summer, all THEO courses are offered at a distance.
15 credits as follows:
Required Courses (15 credits total)
Each course in the C.A.L.L. Program is to be completed within a single academic term, be it in the Spring (May to August), Fall (September to December), or Winter (January to April). All THEO courses require a variety of written assignments and a final examination. THEO courses are conducted by correspondence, with prescribed books and manuals. Although it is not mandatory, students are encouraged to submit their assignments by email.
The Dip.Th. program is designed for lay persons who are interested in increasing their knowledge of the Christian faith. It is not intended, of itself, to be a qualification for ordination or other professional service in the Church. It does help to provide a theological base for persons assuming leadership and ministry in the life of their church. The Dip.Th. program is the equivalent of one year of full-time university study, but generally takes several years of part-time study to complete.
In order to be admitted into the Dip.Th. program, applicants are to do the following: (1) submit a completed application form (found at http://www.thorneloe.ca/theology and click on “Forms and Fees”); (2) submit a 200 to 400-word essay that concerns the applicant’s reasons and objectives in pursuing theological education; (3) have official transcripts sent from any post-secondary institutions in which the applicant has been a student; and (4) remit payment of the $30 admission fee.
The successful completion of thirty credits (the equivalent of ten courses) is required for the Dip.Th. The ten courses include the five required THEO 1000-level courses and an additional five courses from Thorneloe University or from Laurentian University that are listed in this handbook. Introduction to the Old Testament (THEO 1030) and Introduction to the New Testament (THEO 1070) are offered each year, and generally should be completed first. The five 1000-level courses should be completed before other courses are taken.
Subject to approval, a maximum of six transfer-credits in theology (including Laurentian University credits) may be credited towards the Dip.Th. Only those courses in which a grade of B-/60% or higher has been achieved will be considered for transfer credit.
With the exception of in-class, intensive courses in the summer, all THEO courses are offered at a distance.
Each course in the Dip.Th. program is to be completed within a single academic term, be it in the Spring (May to August), Fall (September to December), Winter (January to April) or Fall/Winter (September to April). Most THEO courses require a variety of written assignments and a final examination. THEO courses are conducted by correspondence, with prescribed books and manuals. Although it is not mandatory, students are encouraged to submit their assignments by email. Further information about the RLST courses can be found at http://laurentian.ca/online-distance-education.
30 credits as follows:
Required Courses (15 credits total)
Electives (15 credits total)
Legend for RLST courses T = Course taught by Thorneloe Faculty * = Course offered through Distance Education |
N.B. Students admitted to the B.Th. program prior to September 2006 adhere to the regulations of the academic calendar or handbook in effect at the time of admission.
The B.Th. program is an undergraduate program intended primarily for students who are pursuing training in Theology. Many graduates of the B.Th. program use it for professional development or as a stepping stone to a Master’s degree in Theology or Divinity. It is designed to be undertaken largely by distance-education and usually part-time, although full or near full-time studies may be possible. The B.Th. program is the equivalent of three years of full-time university study, but generally takes several years of part-time study to complete.
In order to be admitted into the Bachelor of Theology program, applicants are to do the following: (1) submit a completed application form (found at http://www.thorneloe.ca/theology and click on “Forms and Fees”); (2) submit a 200 to 400-word essay that concerns the applicant’s reasons and objectives in pursuing theological education; (3) have official transcripts sent to the Registrar of the School of Theology from any post-secondary institutions in which the applicant has been a student; and (4) remit payment of the $30 admission fee.
Subject to approval, a maximum of thirty credits from other institutions may be credited towards the B.Th. Only those courses in which a grade of B-/60% or higher has been achieved, will be considered for transfer credit.
Students in the B.Th. program who have met all the requirements of the Dip.Th. may apply to receive the Diploma during the course of their B.Th. studies (see pp. 19-21 for Diploma requirements).
The B.Th. is the equivalent of a three-year (90 credit) program. The B.Th. consists of the equivalent of three academic years of study in the humanities, religious studies, and theology. All five THEO 1000-level courses are offered at least once every calendar year. Introduction to the Old Testament (THEO 1030), Introduction to the New Testament (THEO 1070) and Introduction to Christian Theology (THEO 1200) generally should be completed first. The remaining two THEO 1000-level courses should be completed before other courses are taken. The sequence of the remaining courses should be taken in consultation with the Registrar of the School of Theology. Applicants must gain admission to Laurentian University as a non-degree student (NDSE) in order to register for courses offered through Laurentian (i.e. RLST courses). See the sections on “Admission” and “Course Registration” on p. 7 of this handbook.
With the exception of in-class, intensive courses in the summer, all THEO courses are offered at a distance.
Each course in the B.Th. Program is to be completed within a single academic term, be it in the Spring (May to August), Fall (September to December), Winter (January to April) or Fall/Winter (September to April). Most THEO courses require a variety of written assignments and a final examination. THEO courses are conducted by correspondence, with prescribed books and manuals. Although it is not mandatory, students are encouraged to submit their assignments by email. Further information about the RLST courses can be found at http://laurentian.ca/online-distance-education
Legend for RLST courses T = Course taught by Thorneloe Faculty * = Course offered through Distance Education |
Courses to be chosen with approval of Registrar (see list of Courses Pre-Approved for Use as Electives for Credit in the B.Th. below).
Courses to be chosen with approval of Registrar (see list of Courses Pre-Approved for Use as Electives for Credit in the B.Th. below).
Individuals who wish to take specific THEO courses without first being admitted to either the C.A.L.L., Dip.Th., or the B.Th. programs may do so. Students may wish to register for THEO courses for general interest, or to earn credits that may be used towards a similar degree or diploma at another institution on a formal Letter of Permission. Such individuals will have “Non-Degree” status at the School of Theology.
In order to be admitted as a Non-Degree Student, applicants are to do the following: (1) submit a completed application form (found at http://www.thorneloe.ca/theology and click on “Forms and Fees”); (2) submit a 200 to 400-word essay that concerns the applicant’s reasons and objectives in pursuing theological education OR provide an Official Letter of Permission from their Institution; (3) have official transcripts sent to the Registrar of the School of Theology from any post-secondary institutions in which the applicant has been a student; and (4) remit payment of the $30 admission fee.
To register for a THEO course as a Non-Degree Student, complete the “Course Registration” form and the “Fees Invoice” (found at http://www.thorneloe.ca/theology and click on “Forms and Fees”). Submit them to Thorneloe with payment included.
Course materials are sent out no earlier than two weeks before the beginning of each term, and only once the completed forms and invoice have been received. Please see the Course Registration Form for registration and payment deadlines. Grades will not be issued until all fees are paid in full.
With the exception of in-class, intensive courses in the summer, all THEO courses are offered at a distance.
All THEO courses are offered by correspondence, with the exception of THEO 3900 during the summer session.
Full course descriptions follow this list.
THEO 1010 – Introduction to the Bible (3 credits, C.A.L.L. only)
THEO 1030 – Introduction to the Old Testament (3 credits)
THEO 1070 – Introduction to the New Testament (3 credits)
THEO 1150 – Introduction to Christian Worship (3 credits)
THEO 1200 – Introduction to Christian Theology (3 credits)
THEO 1440 – Introduction to the Post-Apostolic Church (3 credits)
THEO 2030 – Genesis (3 credits)
THEO 2160 – Seeking the Historical Jesus (3 credits)
THEO 2216 – Religion and Violence (3 credits)
THEO 2340 – Science and Religion (3 credits)
THEO 2410 – Christianity in Canada (3 credits)
THEO 2710 – Christian Ethics (3 credits)
THEO 3250 – Apocalyptic Theology in the Later New Testament (3 credit)
THEO 3400 – Anglicanism (3 credits)
THEO 3440 – The Church in the Modern Era (3 credits)
THEO 3500 – Spirituality as Relationship (3 credits)
THEO 3600 – Supervised Field Placement I (3 credits)
THEO 3610 – Supervised Field Placement II (3 credits)
THEO 3650 – Supervised Parish Placement (3 credits)
THEO 3700 – Forms of Ministry (6 credits)
THEO 3800 – Integrating Theology (6 credits)
THEO 3850 – Supervised Pastoral Education (CASC) (12 credits)
THEO 3900 – Special Topics in Theology (3 credits)
N.B. THEO courses cannot be used for credit towards any degree offered by Laurentian University.
You are encouraged to purchase your textbooks from one of the following sellers:
THEO 1010: INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE (3 credits)
This course concerns introductory issues such as the authorship, history and canonization of the Bible, including both the Old and New Testaments and the Apocrypha. (NORMALLY OPEN TO C.A.L.L. STUDENTS ONLY)
Required Textbook:
Recommended Textbook:
THEO 1030: INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT (3 credits)
This course concerns introductory issues such as the essential contents of the Old Testament, the historical and cultural settings of Old Testament literature, the different types of Old Testament literature, the scientific methods of exploring the Old Testament, and the literary and theological interpretation of the Old Testament.
Required Textbook:
THEO 1070: INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT (3 credits)
This course concerns introductory issues such as the essential contents of the New Testament, the historical and cultural settings of New Testament literature, the different types of New Testament literature, the scientific methods of exploring the New Testament, and the literary and theological interpretation of the New Testament.
Required Textbooks:
THEO 1150: INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN WORSHIP (3 credits)
A biblical, historical, theological, and thematic introduction to Christian worship.
Required Textbooks:
Books for THEO 1150 can be found at booksforchrist.com
THEO 1200: INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY (3 credits)
A foundational course that considers the nature of divine revelation, the nature of tradition, and the fundamental doctrines of theology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology.
Required Textbook:
THEO 1440: INTRODUCTION TO THE POST-APOSTOLIC CHURCH (3 credits)
A study of the evolution of the Church, its theological controversies, its central personalities, and its relationship to the Roman Empire in the first five centuries.
Required Textbook:
Recommended Textbook:
THEO 2030: GENESIS (3 credits)
This course will introduce the student to the Book of Genesis. In addition to reviewing the compositional development and contents of this book, such topics as its historical background, literary style, particular theology, and its programmatic nature for the Christian faith will be addressed.
Required Textbook:
THEO 2160: SEEKING THE HISTORICAL JESUS (3 credits)
An introduction to the ‘search for the historical Jesus’ by means of a careful analysis of the canonical Gospels and consideration of extra-biblical sources.
Required Textbooks:
THEO 2216: RELIGION AND VIOLENCE (3 credits)
The course will explore the relationship between religion and violence through an examination
of four types of texts: (1) primary texts from the world’s principal religious traditions, (2) a
historical text documenting actual religious violence, (3) works that address the contemporary
debate about the role of the Abrahamic traditions in inciting religious and political violence, and
(4) theoretical works that attempt to explain the relationship between religion and violence
philosophically.
The following textbooks are required and must be purchased or borrowed from a library:
The following content will be provided:
THEO 2340: SCIENCE AND RELIGION (3 credits)
This course examines a variety of issues in science and religion – evolution and creationism, scientific cosmology and God, intelligent design and quantum mechanics, and the ethical implications of science and religion – through a study of several primary texts in the field. It also explores the relevance of scientific methodologies for the examination of human experience and the natural world. In doing so it raises questions about the traditional ways in which science and religion and the relationship between them have been conceived. The point of this study is to reach a more satisfactory understanding of both forms of insight that also sheds some light on the direction of our current technological civilization.
Course Text:
The text is available on Kindle for under $10.00 CDN.
THEO 2410: CHRISTIANITY IN CANADA (3 credits)
A survey of the origin and development of organized Christianity in Canada.
Required Textbook:
THEO 2710: CHRISTIAN ETHICS (3 credits)
An exploration of the fundamental concepts of the Christian moral tradition in light of Scripture, tradition, and science.
Required Textbooks:
THEO 3250: APOCALYPTIC THEOLOGY IN THE LATER NEW TESTAMENT (3 credits)
Scared of Revelation? Looking for the “signs of the times”? Read John’s Apocalypse in the context of the later New Testament and late second-temple Judaism and hear the apostolic call to trust in the God you can’t always see to inherit the great reward of perseverance.
Required Readings:
THEO 3400: ANGLICANISM (3 credits)
A study of the Anglican ethos, its life, history, and worship.
Required Textbook:
Recommended Textbooks:
THEO 3440: THE CHURCH IN THE MODERN ERA (3 credits)
A study of the life and thought of the Church as it responded to the changes in the modern world that came as a result of the emphasis on human reason and the denial of the supernatural in the 18th century.
Required Textbook:
THEO 3500: SPIRITUALITY AS RELATIONSHIP (3 credits)
A study of selected English spiritual classics with some reflection on their relevance to the life of the 21st century Christian.
Required Textbooks:
The following are also available online from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library – http://www.ccel.org
THEO 3600: SUPERVISED FIELD PLACEMENT I (3 credits)
This course is a practicum for third-year B.Th. students that may be done in various pastoral contexts, such as ministry in a local church or chaplaincy. The course will be adjusted to fit the needs of the individual student, lasting 12 weeks over a period of four months. Students interested in taking this course are to contact the Registrar for further information.
Although it is not a requirement, it is recommended that third-year B.Th. students take THEO 3600.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the B.Th. program.
THEO 3600, THEO 3610 and THEO 3650 may not be taken concurrently.
THEO 3610: SUPERVISED FIELD PLACEMENT II (3 credits)
B.Th. students who require a more intensive Supervised Field Placement may continue THEO 3600 with this course. The course will be adjusted to fit the needs of the individual student, lasting 12 weeks over a period of four months, immediately following the completion of THEO 3600. Students interested in taking this course are to contact the Registrar for further information.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the B.Th. program, THEO 3600.
THEO 3600, THEO 3610 and THEO 3650 may not be taken concurrently.
THEO 3650: SUPERVISED PARISH PLACEMENT (3 credits)
This course is a practicum for students in the C.A.L.L. program that may be done in various pastoral contexts, such as lay ministry in a local church. The course will be adjusted to fit the needs of the individual student, lasting 12 weeks over a period of four months. Students interested in taking this course are to contact the Registrar for further information.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the C.A.L.L. program, THEO 1010, THEO 1150 and THEO 1200
THEO 3600, THEO 3610 and THEO 3650 may not be taken concurrently.
THEO 3700: FORMS OF MINISTRY (6 credits)
This course will give the student an historical and theological overview of ministry as well as introducing them to common forms of ministry in the practice of ministry, such as pastoral, liturgical, educational and community ministries. Some of the theoretical bases for each form will be outlined; and through the readings and journal writing, students will have an opportunity to explore theological issues assumed by each. Skills required for each form of ministry will be identified. Theme papers are written for each section and the development of an overall approach to ministry is the subject of a major paper required at the end of this course.
Required Textbooks (updated June 2022):
Hauerwas, Stanley, and Samuel Wells, eds. The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2006.
Jacobs, Alan. The Book of Common Prayer: A Biography. Princeton University Press, 2019.
Thornton, Martin. English Spirituality: An Outline of Ascetical Theology According to the English Pastoral Tradition. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2012.
Winner, Lauren F. The Dangers of Christian Practice: On Wayward Gifts, Characteristic Damage, and Sin. Yale University Press, 2018.
THEO 3800: INTEGRATING THEOLOGY (6 credits)
The purpose of this course is to enable students to integrate faith experience and theological studies into an emerging practice of ministry. The keeping of a journal, readings, and supervision through email are employed in this course.
Required textbooks:
THEO 3850: SUPERVISED PASTORAL EDUCATION (CASC) (12 credits)
Supervised Pastoral Education is an experience-based approach to learning ministry, which combines pastoral care with qualified supervision and group reflection. The program is open to clergy, theology students and lay persons with theology training. It aims to assist persons in achieving their full potential for ministry. Programs are offered at facilities throughout Canada, including general and psychiatric hospitals, correctional centres and a variety of other locations. Each centre is connected to a theological college. Teaching supervisors are certified by The Canadian Association for Spiritual Care/ Association Canadienne des Soins Spirituels CASC/ACSS.
During summer months, students are usually involved for eight hours a day, five days a week over 12 weeks. During fall and winter months, students are offered programs on a one or two-day-per-week basis. Courses are offered at Basic and Advanced levels in supervisory and specialist streams. For more information, please visit the CASC Education website.
The student will need to satisfy the requirements of CASC, and have the approval of the Registrar of the School of Theology. To obtain academic credit for the unit, the student’s CASC supervisor will be required to file a report to the Registrar of the School of Theology.
THEO 3900: SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEOLOGY (3 credits)
These are selected three-credit courses on varying topics in Theology, offered over five-day periods in the summer months at one or more locations in Northern Ontario. For more information, contact the Registrar.
The following course schedule is subject to change.
N.B. The following three courses may be taken during any semester in consultation with the Registrar of the School of Theology:
THEO 3600 – Supervised Field Placement I (B.Th.)
THEO 3610 – Supervised Field Placement II (B.Th.)
THEO 3650 – Supervised Parish Placement (C.A.L.L.)
The Faculty Advisor for all three Placement courses is The Rev. Dr GailMarie Henderson.
May – July, 2020
Exams: July – August, 2020
THEO 1010 – Introduction to the Bible (The Rev. Dr GailMarie Henderson) – C.A.L.L. students only
THEO 1070 – Introduction to the New Testament (Dr Stephen Black)
THEO 1200 – Introduction to Christian Theology (The Rev. Dr Carolyn Sharp)
September – December 2020
Exams: December 2020
THEO 1030 Introduction to the Old Testament (David Fuller)
THEO 1440 Post-Apostolic Church (Mark McDermott)
THEO 3440 Modern Church (Mark McDermott)
THEO 3700 Forms of Ministry (Fall) (Ryan Turnball)
THEO 3900 Christianity and Plagues (Ryan Turnball)
January – April 2021
Exams: April 2021
THEO 1010 Introduction to the Bible (GailMarie Henderson)
THEO1070 Introduction to the NT (Steve Black)
THEO 1150 Introduction to Christian Theology (Carolyn Sharp)
THEO 3400 Anglicanism (TBA)
THEO Genesis (David Fuller)
THEO 3700 Forms of Ministry (Cont’d Winter) (Ryan Turnbull)
May 17 – End of August 2021
Exams: July – August, 2021
THEO 2160 Seeking the Historical Jesus (Dr Justin Comber)
THEO 2710 Christian Ethics (Dr Carolyn Sharp)
THEO 3500 Spirituality as Relationship (Dr Gail Marie Henderson)
THEO 2410 Christianity in Canada (Dr Mark McDermott)
Courses begin the week of September 7th, 2021
THEO 1010 Introduction to the Bible (Dr Gail Marie Henderson)
THEO 1070 Intro to the New Testament (Dr Justin Comber)
THEO 1200 Intro to Christian Theology (TBD)
THEO Genesis (Dr David Fuller)
THEO 2216 Religion and Violence *NEW* (Dr Ron Srigley)
THEO 3400 Anglicanism (Dr Mark McDermott)
THEO 3600 Supervised Field Placement (Dr Gail Marie Henderson)
THEO 3800 Integrating Theology I (Fall/Winter 6 credits) (Professor Ryan Turnbull)
THEO 1030:Introduction to the Old Testament (3 credits) (Justin Comber)
THEO 1150:Introduction to Christian Worship(3 credits) (John Gibaut)
THEO 1440:Introduction to the Post Apostolic Church(3 credits) (Mark McDermott)
THEO 2340:Science and Religion(3 credits) (Ron Srigley)
THEO 3600:Supervised Field Placement I(3 credits) (GailMarie Henderson)
THEO 2710:Christian Ethics (3 credits) (Carolyn Sharp)
THEO 3250:Apocalyptic Theology in the Later New Testament (3 credits) (Justin Comber)
THEO 3440:The Church in the Modern Era (3 credits) (Mark McDermott)
THEO 3500:Spirituality as Relationship (3 credits) (GailMarie Henderson)
THEO 1010: Introduction to the Bible (3cred) ( Dr. GailMarie Henderson)
THEO 1150: Intro to Christian Worship (ZOOM Course; offered in conjunction at Huron College)(3cred) (Dr. John Gibaut)
THEO 1200: Introduction to Christian Theology (3cred) (Dr. Carolyn Sharp)
THEO 2216: Religion and Violence (Dr. Ron Srigley)
THEO 3400: Anglicanism (3cred) (Dr. Mark McDermott)
THEO 3600: Off-site pastoral reflection (Dr. GailMarie Henderson) **Requires permission from instructor**
THEO 3700: Forms of Ministry (Professor Ryan Turnbull)
THEO 1030: Introduction to the Old Testament (3 credits) (Dr. Justin Comber)
THEO 1070: Introduction to the New Testament (3cred) (Dr Justin Comber)
THEO 1440: Introduction to the Post-Apostolic Church (3 credits) (Dr. Mark McDermott)
THEO 2136: Christian Thought and Culture I (3 credits) (Dr. John Gibaut)
THEO 2710: Christian Ethics (3 credits) (Dr. Carolyn Sharp)
THEO 3500: Spirituality as Relationship (3 credits) (Dr. GailMarie Henderson)
THEO 2340: Science and Religion (3 credits) (Dr. Ron Srigley)
THEO 2150, 2151 and 2153: (tentative course code) NEW preaching/homiletics course (Dr. Gibaut) {will require the successful compilation of a Bible course as prerequisite) [3 micro-credit totalling 3 credits]
THEO 3600: Off-site pastoral reflection (Dr. GailMarie Henderson) **Requires permission from instructor**
THEO 3700: Forms of Ministry (6 credits) (Professor Ryan Turnbull) CONTINUED
THEO 2137: Christian Thought and Culture II (3 credits) (Dr. John Gibaut)
THEO 2410: Christianity in Canada (3 credits) (Dr. Mark McDermott)
THEO 3250: Apocalyptic Theology in the Later New Testament (3 credits) (Dr. Justin Comber)
THEO 3600: Off-site pastoral reflection (Dr. GailMarie Henderson) **Requires permission from instructor**
THEO 3440: The Church in the Modern Era (3 credits) (Dr. Mark McDermott)
This depends a lot on what you want to get out of your theological studies, and somewhat on your own educational background. If you’re looking to test the waters, theologically speaking, or you need to take one of our courses to use for a degree program elsewhere, then Non-Degree Studies is best suited for you.
If you are active in lay ministry (board member, Sunday School teacher, server, etc.) in your parish and want to give yourself a deeper theological understanding of your role, then you might want to consider the Certificate for Anglican Lay Leaders.
The Diploma in Theology is a more intensive program than the Certificate. In the Diocese of Algoma, for example, Parochial Lay Readers who wish to become Diocesan Lay Readers are required to complete the Diploma (or equivalent studies).
If you are looking for an even more intensive theological education, and are interested in pursuing Master’s-level studies in theology or divinity, then you will be interested in the Bachelor of Theology. Please see the Appendix for our agreement with both Wycliffe and Trinity Colleges (Toronto School of Theology).
Our programs are not designed to train you for ordained ministry. The Bachelor of Theology can prepare you for graduate-level divinity studies, which are designed specifically to train postulants. If you are interested in ordained ministry, this is a conversation you need to have with your bishop. If your bishop recommends that you take one or more of our courses, or one of our programs, as part of your journey towards ordination, we will be more than pleased to receive your application for admission!
Congratulations! The next thing to do is to register for one or more courses. Have a look at our course schedule published at http://thorneloe.ca/theology and click on “Course Schedule” to see what is available.
The cost of each of our THEO courses depends on whether it is a 3 or 6 credit course, distance or in-class, and whether you are a Canadian resident, and whether you are auditing or taking an in-class course for credit. The current costs are always detailed on the Course Registration Form. N.B. Our tuition fees are approximately 1/3 the cost of equivalent courses at other universities (including Laurentian University) and theological institutions in Canada.
It’s a good idea to start with your required courses. Have a look at the program requirements, published in this Handbook and on the website, to see which courses are required for your program. It’s probably a good idea to begin with Introduction to the Old Testament, Introduction to the New Testament (or Introduction to the Bible if you’re in the Certificate program).
Because we have a relatively small number of active students, we don’t offer every course in every session. It’s very important that you plan ahead so that you can take the courses you need without having to take too many in a single session.
This depends on your personal work-life balance, and a bit on how long it’s been since you’ve been involved in formal education. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to start with just one course in your first session. Most students tend to register for two to three courses each session. There is no maximum number of courses you can take, except for the number offered in any given session.
You can expect to spend approximately 8-10 hours per week reading, reflecting, researching, and writing for each course.
No. All of our distance courses are offered for university credit only. Only our in-class courses during the spring and summer (at Thorneloe University and other locations in Northern Ontario) may be audited or taken for credit.
That decision is up to the Registrar of the other institution. If you are in a program elsewhere, please make arrangements with the other institution before registering for one of our theology courses, in order to prevent administrative hassles after the fact. If you are a theology student or graduate here and applying to a program elsewhere, you will need to provide the other institution with your official transcript (see Transcripts). Acceptance of our courses for transfer credits is entirely at the discretion of the Registrar of the other institution.
Technically, yes, BUT, you cannot retain credit for both. The only exception is with our special topics courses, which all have the number 3900 regardless of the topic.
If you are a Non-Degree or Certificate student, no. The Certificate is to be completed using only TCST courses from Thorneloe University.
If you are in the Diploma program, you may use RLST courses from Laurentian University to complete your studies. However, the Diploma can be completed by taking only TCST courses.
If you are in the Bachelor of Theology program, then yes, you do need to register for RLST courses at Laurentian University. However, you do not need to do this in your first session.
Thorneloe University was known as Thorneloe College for a time, and so theology courses were offered by the “Thorneloe College School of Theology”. We have since resumed use of our official name “Thorneloe University” as stated in our provincial university charter. As of September 2015, all of Thorneloe’s theology courses are now coded “THEO” as an abbreviation of “theology”. This change in course code does not change any of the program requirements.
Crux Books in Toronto is our preferred theology textbook supplier and commits to carrying all books both required and recommended for your courses. Crux Books is located on Wycliffe College’s premises and has a long history of supplying theological textbooks to students and faculty in the Toronto School of Theology.
There are a number of online booksellers who may also carry the books you will need for your courses. You will find a list of websites on the School of Theology website.
Your course materials will include information on how to contact your Course Supervisor by email or by phone. You will also have several opportunities to join your Course Supervisor and classmates in a telephone conference each session. You are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to connect.
Course supervisors are expected to provide feedback to written assignments within ten working days of receipt.
The final mark for your course will be mailed to you as soon as they have been confirmed. We do our best to have the final marks prepared, confirmed, and mailed within a month of the final exam, or the end of classes if there is no final exam.
All forms are downloadable and printable PDF files.
Print and use these forms to keep track of your own progress through your program.
as of August 2022