Published on September 11, 2020 by Samuel Hagos  
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Beeson Divinity School’s Lay Academy of Theology at Samford University has announced its fall 2020 schedule. For the first time since its beginning in 2001, Lay Academy will offer all courses online due to COVID-19.

The online format allows interested laity and ministers living outside the Birmingham area the opportunity to learn from Beeson faculty in these non-credit, six-week courses.

“The Lay Academy is central to the mission of Beeson Divinity School,” said Beeson Dean Douglas A. Sweeney. “We’re here to serve the church, which means that we’re here to support churches, buttressing their discipleship ministries with faithful, high-level biblical and theological teaching. We hope that more and more people in the Birmingham area will take advantage of this program every year.”

The Megilloth: Ruth, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations and Esther
Six Monday nights, 6-8 p.m., beginning Sept. 28, 2020
By Dr. Mark Gignilliat

This course will examine the Writings portion of the Old Testament, which deals with “life on the ground” in view of the Law and the Prophets. It will take an aerial view of these books and examine their canonical significance.

Created in the Image of God
Six Wednesday nights, 6-8 p.m., beginning Sept. 30, 2020
By Dr. Piotr Małysz

Given the definitions and empty promises made from contemporary culture, Małysz will examine and discuss how the Bible views human beings. Małysz will explore timely anthropological discussions while exploring what it means to be created in God's image.

Finding Joy in The Gospel’s Progress: Paul’s Letter to Christians in Philippi
Six Wednesday afternoons, 2-4 p.m., beginning Sept. 30, 2020
By Dr. Frank Thielman

Thielman will examine Paul’s letter to the Philippian Christians and discuss how the gospel can advance and Christians can find joy even amid hardship.

Classical Creeds: Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed and The Athanasian Creed
Six Thursday afternoons, 1-3 p.m., beginning Oct. 1, 2020
By Dr. Gerald Bray

Bray will follow the development of the great creeds of the early Church and consider the theology of the Trinity and of Jesus Christ in detail.

Each course costs $59.00 if registered prior to the fourth week in September and $85.00 thereafter. Employees and alumni may register at the discounted price of $29.50 per course.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.