The Charles Simeon Lay School of Theology
The mission of the Charles Simeon Lay School of Theology (LSOT) is to prepare lay people for leadership in the Church through theological education and ministerial training. All of our courses are FREE and we offer FREE child care for students.
Advent Semester: Augustine: God, Self, and Desire in the Confessions
Instructors: Dr. Christopher De Stigter
December 3rd, 10th, & 17th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free Childcare Offered (Must Register Childcare by November 25th)
Join us on Thursdays this Advent for a class on one of the greatest theologians in Church history and one of the most influential texts in Western Culture: Augustine’s Confessions. The Confessions (400 CE) is at once a spiritual autobiography, a philosophical meditation on memory and time, and a prayer addressed to God. This work remains a dynamic source for the modern Christian’s reflection on desire and the self. Written in his early forties looking back on a restless youth, it is one of the founding texts of Western psychology, philosophy, and theology. Over three sessions we will look at the narrative heart of the work (Books 1–9), as well as sample its more difficult philosophical final books (10–13), tracing how Augustine turns the story of his own life into an argument about the nature of the self, desire, sin, time, and most importantly God. We will learn from Augustine how to uncover God’s presence in our past, present, and future and how God’s love draws us to himself.
Videos of Previous Classes
Current Class Recordings Are Uploaded As They Are Made Available
Rethinking Heaven: Our Hope in this Life and the Next
Presented Advent 2024 by the Rev’d Dr. Jeff Trostle. This three-week course challenges preconceived ideas about the resurrection, life after death, Christ’s second coming and more. The discussion is focused around N.T. Wright’s book “Surprised by Hope.”
Reengaged Liturgy: Exploring Anglican Worship
Presented Advent 2024 by the Very Rev’d Marcus A. Kaiser, Sr. Students of this three-week course learn the ‘what’ and ‘why’ in this deep dive into our Anglican liturgy. Subjects include the ancient church’s liturgy, the English Reformation, and an instructed Eucharist using the 2019 Book of Common Prayer.
Facing Death: A Christian’s Journey To Life Everlasting
Presented Eastertide 2024. Facing Death: A Christian’s Journey to Life Everlasting, is a 6-week course taught by a panel of experts covering a range of essential topics that every Christian would benefit from. This class is for everyone – whether you are nearing the end of life, have a loved one in that stage, or are just seeking discipleship in this aspect of life.
God's Design for Wholeness: Developmental Psychology and Our Christian Formation
Presented Advent 2023 by The Rt. Rev’d Jim Hobby & Nate Webster, LMHC
The Resurrection: The Origin and Goal of the Christian Life
Presented Eastertide 2023 by The Rev’d Canon Dr. Michael W. Petty
The Life and History of the Church
Presented Eastertide 2023 by Jennifer Webster
Instruction in Sound Doctrine
Presented Advent 2022 by The Rev’d Canon Dr. Michael W. Petty
Faith of the New Testament: God, Gospel, Mission
Presented Spring 2022 by The Rev’d Canon Dr. Michael W. Petty
The Mission of LSOT
The Lay School of Theology aims to provide free theological education for anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of the Anglican way. Broadly speaking we teach on Christian theology, Anglican formation, Old and New Testament, Church History, Liturgy and many other important topics for those seeking to serve in Anglican ministry.
Testimonials
Dr. William "bill" Price
lay school of theology student
I have been a Christian my whole life and, at certain periods, have met some good mentors in the faith. However, I have learned more and grown more under the influence of Fr. Michael Petty and the Lay School of Theology, during the past three years, than I have for the entire rest of my life. Christianity is more real to me, my daily devotions are more meaningful, and I feel a closer communication with my Creator. My only regret is that this treasure of experience is not available to all people, as they enter into their Christian growth.