WHEREAS, Scripture clearly affirms the sanctity of human life throughout all stages of development (Psalm 139:13–16); and WHEREAS, God abhors the shedding of innocent blood and requires His people to do all in their power to rescue persons from such acts (Proverbs 6:16–17; 24:11–12); and WHEREAS, In The Baptist Faith & Message and in many […]
The beginning of life and the ending of life are the God-given boundaries of human existence. While individuals have always had some degree of control over when they would die, they now have the awesome power to determine when and even whether new individuals will be born. Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human […]
Read the Religious Institute’s brief interpretations of these texts by clicking the Parashah title. Ki Teitzei – Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 Ki Tavo – Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8 B’reishit – Genesis 1:1-6:8 Lech L’cha & Vayeira – Genesis 12:1-17:7, Genesis 18:1-22:24 Vayetzei – Genesis 28:10-32:3 Vayeishev – Genesis 37:1-40:23 Sh’mot – Exodus 1:1-6:1 Mishpatim – Exodus 21:1-24:18 K’doshim – […]
Facts on Global Maternal Health Facts on the Helms & Hyde Amendment Rachel Sabbath Library (Books and Online Resources) Stories from the Field Fighting for Mothers in Sudan, March 2012 article in Reject Apathy Magazine For more information, please email info@religiousinstitute.org.
June 28, 2012—The Religious Institute applauds today’s Supreme Court ruling upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, including contraceptive coverage and the inability to deny insurance benefits to people with pre-‐‑existing conditions, including HIV/AIDS. “We applaud today’s Supreme Court ruling upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and the courage of this administration […]
The course provides a solid foundation in sexuality-related issues and ministry skills for clergy and religious professionals. The course begins with an assessment of personal sexual history and values as a baseline for addressing a broad range of sexuality issues as they arise in the context of ministry including understandings of sexuality and scripture, church history, and denominational policies that serve as sources for Christian sexual ethics and teachings.
Using a practical theological approach, we begin with our personal life experiences, films, and literature about sexual desire and intimacy, gender, sexual orientation, and body image.
“An exploration of the history of Roman Catholic and Protestant teaching on the meaning of human sexuality with particular attention to the sexual ethics that have developed in the Christian tradition.” (Iona Undergraduate Catalog)
This course will explore ways in which sexuality and/or sexual identity influence the practice of pastoral care and counseling. Particular attention will be given to situations in which care and counseling are both very needed and very difficult such as those relating to marital and premarital care and counseling, homosexuality, sexual abuse, sexual education in a congregational context, abortion, clergy sexual abuse and misconduct, etc.. Class discussion, role playing, and interaction with professional resource persons will all contribute to the learning process.
This course will focus on the work of parishes, pastors, and pastoral counselors in the arena of sexuality. Many of the issues faced by congregations and clergy require a deep understanding of sexual theology and pastoral care. These issues include, but are not limited to: gender dynamics, healthy sexuality, sexual dysfunction, abortion, sexual identity, and sexual violence. In order to speak to these important social issues, churches need to be equipped with the language and tools to provide care to communities, families, and individuals.