Course Description

This course explores theological dimensions of marriage, singleness, offspring, and family from the perspective of the redemptive-historical storyline of the biblical text and the subsequent Christian theological tradition.

The course engages contemporary theological questions and challenges around the definition and purpose of marriage, the purpose, place and validity of singleness, issues related to sexuality and identity, biblical visions for biological and spiritual family, and perspectives of divorce and remarriage.

Focus will be on developing a compelling biblical-theological worldview for effectively engaging contemporary challenges on marriage and family faced by pastors and Christian leaders.

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Instructor

Dr Barry N. Danylak

Associate Lecturer

Barry is a pastor, author, and international speaker on the topic of singleness. Barry offers deep understanding of singleness in the biblical context from his research in the ancient world and New Testament (Ph.D. University of Cambridge; M.A. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; M.S. University of Minnesota; M.A., B.S. Wheaton). His biblical theology of singleness (Redeeming Singleness: How the Storyline of Scripture Affirms the Single Life, Crossway: 2010) has been used in seminary courses, mission conferences and spiritual retreats. Since 2012 Barry has served as the Pastor of Single Adult Ministries for one of Canada’s largest evangelical churches (Centre Street Church, Calgary, Alberta) developing and overseeing missional communities of single adults. Barry serves as Adjunct Professor of Theology at Rocky Mountain College in Calgary.

Class Info

  • Location:

    Online live via Zoom

  • Dates: 2024


    Jun 14, 15 Friday & Saturday
    Jun 17, 18 Monday & Tuesday

  • Time:

    9.00am - 5.00pm

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    General

    • Course Syllabus

    • Orientation Course & Library Access
  • 2

    Session 1

    • Introduction to the Course
  • 3

    Session 2

    • What is Marriage and What Is Its Purpose?
  • 4

    Session 3

    • Marriage, Singleness, Offspring and Family under the Old Covenant
  • 5

    Session 4

    • Marriage, Singleness, Offspring and Family under the New Covenant
  • 6

    Session 5

    • Genesis & Jesus on Marriage and Family
  • 7

    Session 6

    • The Household Codes & Ephesians 5
  • 8

    Session 7

    • Patristic & Medieval Perspectives
  • 9

    Session 8

    • Reformation & Post-Reformation Perspectives
  • 10

    Session 9

    • Issues & Challenges: Sexuality, Cohabitation & Same-Sex Marriage
  • 11

    Session 10

    • Issues & Challenges: Divorce & Remarriage
  • 12

    Session 11

    • Final Exam
  • 13

    Assignment Submission

    • Course Reading Reflections (2,000 – 2,500 words)

    • Essay (3,000 words)