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Human beings appear to have the potential of having spiritual brains and some already have such brains. Humans have the potential and in many cases have feeling deeply connected to something greater that themselves. Some develop intense beliefs about religion and God. In this course, we use modern neuroscience to offer insights into the meaning and nature of spirituality.
This set of 24 lectures examines the fascinating relationship between the human brain and spirituality. Relying on the latest theories and research from neuroscience, psychology, and other behavioral sciences, each lecture in this course addresses provocative questions about human spirituality.
Religion is a central feature of human life. The vast majority of human beings perceive themselves to be religious. We see many indications of religion every day, and we all know it when we see it, but religion is surprisingly difficult to define or comprehend adequately. This 24-lecture course provides a systematic and comparative framework for understanding the complex and multidimensional nature of religion. It explores the many similarities that link all religions, as well as major differences among many of the world's religious traditions.
The course unfolds in a logical sequence with different components of religion building on the foundations of previous presentations. Key terms and concepts will be defined throughout the course as the building blocks are put in place
Does God exist? Prior to the 17th century, that was not an acceptable question among intellectuals. But with the advent of modernity, the nature of that and related inquiries changed. "Modernity" is today’s historical period characterized by empirical investigations coupled with rigorous reasoning that are used to define what is acceptable “truths” and where intellectual and cultural authority no longer accept “truths” that are justified by past traditions or in divine revelation. In this era, Western intellectuals ask new questions about God, faith, and religion. For example, “Is religion a force for good in human life, or is it something that belongs to a past age, a symptom of the childhood of humanity?” This course looks at the evolving debate over religion as seen in the Western intellectual tradition.
Understanding Evil
- Teacher: Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch
Evil is a topic the most of us feel we understand to some degree. However, most of us do not realize that there are many understandings of what is evil and they have been explained by some of the greatest minds of recorded human history. This course presents those understandings. What is important is that each understanding comes with logical implications that color our fundamental beliefs in very significant ways--especially beliefs that relate to the subject of religion.
For example, we can think of evil as part of a divine cosmic struggle of good versus evil or we can think of evil as "missing the mark" or a reflection of an unripe maturity. The former is almost something beyond our control and the later is something that education and training can retify.
This course deals with the fundamental questions--Can humans know whether the claim "God exists" is true or not? If so, how? If not, why not?
Thus, this is a course about epistemology or what some call "knowledge theory". With the rise of atheism and its fierce advocates, this course becomes very important to anyone who wishes to be a minister.
The course does not address "Does God exist?" as that is about the practice of religion. Instead, this course looks at the concepts related to knowing about the existence of God. This distinction is difficult to grasp but it is essential in understanding the nature of this course.
This course of lectures is an historical examination of the interaction between philosophical traditions and religious traditions in the West. We begin with the roots of the philosophical tradition in ancient Greece, examining how Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and the neoplatonist philosopher Plotinus dealt with issues concerning God, the soul, and the nature of the cosmos (Lectures One through Five). The key concepts which this tradition contributed to Western religion are the Socratic practice of critical inquiry and the Platonist theory of intelligibility: the notion that the ultimate truth about which we inquire consist in certain timeless Forms or essences which our souls perceive with the "mind's eye." From this notion come the philosophical concepts of the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, the Fall and "going to heaven" as the soul's return to its native place.
One aspect of many religions is ethics and Aristotle presented one of the greatest treatments on that subject. This course explains his ideas and the relevance of his views to our own age. To Aristotle, the meaning of life must be something beyond merely existing and also be desirable for itself. His answer to the meaning of life question was being happy and that only a life of genuine virtue can leave one truly happy. He reasoned a life of genuine virtue is desirable for itself.
The men and women whose ideas have shaped the traditional cultures of Asia still have an impact on most of the world's inhabitants to this day; therefore, a basic understanding of Asian thought is indispensable for anyone traveling to that part of the globe, trying to made sense of international politics, or interacting with people and products with roots in Asia, or even for those who simply want a fuller picture of the human condition. It is not possible anymore to study only Western thought and history and then claim one knows everything necessary. The world is a smaller place than it used to be, and the variety and richness of the Eastern intellectual tradition is breathtaking.
This course is therefore an introduction to the most significant thinkers in Asian history. It is eclectic, with attention given to influential figures in philosophy, religion, history, literature, political science, and technology, from ancient times until the coming of the West. I will be talking about people and ideas that are relatively familiar such as Sunzi and his Art of War, Daoism, Yoga, Zen, Gandhi, and Mao, but also some that are virtually unheard of in the West, though they are all celebrated in their own lands (and deserve to be better known elsewhere).
Confucius, the Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad are among the most important and influential persons in history. They are remembered for the examples of their lives, their insights into the human condition and the nature of ultimate reality, and the religious movements they inspired. It would be hard to name another set of four persons who have more deeply affected so many human lives... Continue reading
In this course, we examine these four figures both separately and comparatively in an effort to grasp the essential features of their lives and teachings and to explore the factors that contributed to their greatness. We will attend to the similarities and differences in their messages, in the patters of their lives, and in the ways they impacted their followers and the rest of the world.
The most important record of religious history resides not in books and sacred texts but buried in the earth. Ancient graves, statues, temples, standing stones, sacrificial offerings, and places of initiation all bear witness to the universal human quest for spiritual power and understanding. Since the beginnings of scientific archaeology in the 18th century, excavators have been discovering and interpreting evidence ranging from tiny goddess figurines carved from mammoth ivory to entire sacred landscapes, such as the Giza plateau in Egypt. The millennial of human experience that preceded the invention of writing about 5,000 years ago is only accessible to us through archaeology. And even for more recent religions and cults, the "testimony of the spade" provides an essential perspective that enhances our understanding of the literary tradition.
Archaeology provides evidence that is very different in nature from historical writings. With aerial reconnaissance and remote sensing technology, archaeologists relocate lost temples and other cult sites. With trowels and brushes, they gently remove the dust of ages from buried sites and artifacts. And with space-age laboratory techniques, they analyze the residues left by royal funeral feast as well as the last meals of sacrificial victims.
The early civilizations of the Near East during the Bronze Age (3500-1000 B.C.) and Early Iron Age (1100-500 B.C.) have been the preserve of archaeologists and linguists. Before the late 19th century, these civilizations were unknown, save for brief, often inaccurate biblical references. To modern readers, these civilizations are remote and forbidding, in contrast to Classical Greece and Rome. Yet each year, discoveries and scholarly publications have revealed the fundamental contributions of the ancient Near East to later Western civilization. Therefore, this course presents the main achievements and contributions of these early civilizations from Sumer to Achaemenid Persia.
This series is a twelve-part introduction to Hinduism, one of the world's great religions. The lectures are investigations into a variety of important dimensions of Hinduism to answer fundamental questions of interest to serious students of comparative religions. The series moves chronologically through the history of Hinduism-from its earliest precursors through its classical manifestations to its responses to modernity. Along the way, the salient aspects of Hindu life are discussed and placed in historical and theological context.
Buddhism
- Teacher: Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch
This course is a survey of the history of Buddhism from its origin in India in the sixth century B.C.E. to contemporary times in America. The course is meant to introduce students to the astonishing vitality and adaptability of a tradition that has transformed the civilizations of India, Southeast Asia, Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan and has how become a lively component in the cultures of Europe, Australia, and the America.
The course begins by exploring the religious and cultural world of the Buddha in ancient India. To understand the Buddha's contribution to the religious history of the world, it is important to know the problems he inherited and the options that were available to him to solve them. In ancient India, before the time of the Buddha, these problems were expressed in the Vedas, the body of classical Hindu scriptures. The Vedas introduce us to scholars and ritual specialist who searched for the knowledge that would free them form the cycle of death and rebirth. The Buddha inherited his quest for knowledge and directed it to his own distinctive ends.
- What is the essence of Judaism? Is it the Ten Commandments, given by God to Israel at Mount Sinai? Or is it the totality of teachings in the Hebrew Bible? Or is it symbolized by something outside the Bible? However Judaism is defined, the beliefs, practices, attitudes, andinstitutions of Jews through the ages display a striking diversity, despite the fact that all would ascribe to a common heritage.
Professor Isaiah M. Gafni of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem addresses these and other issues as he explores the ever-changing 4,000-year-old saga of Judaism, one of the world's most ancient and influential religions.
The Bible has been labeled. correctly, as the foundation document of Western thought. It is read in synagogues, temples, and churches, it is cited on the floor of the Senate and from the bench in the courtroom. Contemporary politics is inextricably intertwined with it, from conflict in the Middle East to the claim by many in the United States that a return to "biblical values" is warranted. The Bible influenced the Pilgrims to leave England in the 17th century; it inspired the founders of the new republic in the eighteenth. Missionaries, with a Bible in hand, journeyed to Asia, Africa, and South America, and among the indigenous populations they met, the Bible galvanized attempts to throw off the yoke of colonialism. Its influence permeates, Western literature, from medieval plays to modern novels, art, music, theatre, film, and dance; its prophetic calls for social justice challenge all readers to reevaluate their own behavior even as its Wisdom literature challenges our views of God. Replete with genres ranging from myth and saga to law and proverb, containing dry political history and erotic love poetry, informed by a world view much different that our own, these texts are compendium of a people's sacred story. And that story is the foundation document of Judaism and the first part of the canon of the church.
Psychology
- Teacher: Dr. Linda Sonna
Introduction to Psychology
This course covers psychological principles and clinical skills used in pastoral and spiritual counseling.
Introduction to Jewish Beliefs and Practices
- Mr. Larry Stone: Larry Stone
This module describes the basics of Judaism.
At the end of the first year, the faculty will review with each student what they have learned in the year. After successful completion of the review, an induction ceremony will be held to advance the students to their second year.
Christians of the second and third centuries held a remarkably wide range of beliefs. Although some of these beliefs may sound ludicrous today, at the time, they seemed not only sensible but right. Some Christians maintained that there were two Gods, or twelve, or thirty, or more. Some Christians claimed that Jesus was not really a human being, or that he was not really divine, or that he has two different beings, one human and one divine. Some Christians believed that this world was not created by the true God, buy by a malicious deity as a place for punishment for human souls, which had become entrapped here in human bodies. Some Christians believed that Jesus' death and resurrection had no bearing on salvation, and some Christians believed that Jesus had never actually died.
This course surveys major developments in the history of Christian theology, which is the tradition of critical reasoning about how to teach the faith of Christ. Taking the centrality of Jesus Christ as the distinctive feature of Christianity, it focuses on theological concepts by relating them to Christian life and experience, including especially practices of worship.
Islam today is the second largest and fastest-growing world religion, with majority populations in 56 countries spanning North America to Southeast Asia and significant minorities in Europe and the United States. Despite its more that 1.2 billion adherents, many in the West know little about the faith and are familiar only with the actions of a minority of radical extremists. Islam has had a significant impact on world affairs, both historically and in the contemporary era. Therefore, it is important to understand not only what it is that Muslims believe, but also how their beliefs are carried out both privately and publicly, both as individuals and as members of the Muslim community. We will see that Islam is not monolithic. Although Muslims share certain core beliefs, the practices, interpretations, images, and realities of Islam vary across time and space.
Introduction to Nonprofit Management
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
This module explains the basics of Not-For-Profit management.
Sermon and Ceremonies
Ethics and the Ministry
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
Ethics is important to the minister in terms of what the minister communicates to others and how a minister should live her or his life.
Spiritual Counseling
- Dr. Linda Sonna: Dr. Linda Sonna
This module explains the basics of spiritual counseling.
Introduction to Social and Environment Justice
Second Year Review, Graduation, and Ordination Ceremony
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
At the end of the second year modules the academy conducts a review of what the seminary students have learned. If successfully passed, students will be ordained as Interfaith Ministers.
Christian believe that Jesus is a divine being, who is equal in power and stature with God the Father Almighty. However, the historical Jesus and His followers did not hold those thoughts when Jesus lived. How did those beliefs concerning His divine nature come into being? This transformation is the subject of this course.
- This course presents a systematic and complete understanding of the psychological, emotional, and physical transformations that occur as an individual develops full enlightenment..
- This course explores the concept of sacred paths and covers the Hindu, Buddhist, Jainism, Sikhs, Confucianism, Taoism, and Japanese Faith Traditions.
- This course covers Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity (including Greek, Eastern, Gnostic, Catholic, Protestant) and Islam (including Sufi and Druze) and Baha'i.
- This course focuses on contemporary issues facing religion as a result of serious scholarship over the past 50 years.
- This course looks at the common spiritual wisdom found in the five most significant world religions.
- This course gives an overview of ethics and its importance to religion.
- This course explores the psychological basis of religion, the religious basis of psychology, and the interaction between the two. Does our psychological makeup determine our beliefs, or do our religious beliefs determine our psychology? Do they change with fashion or are they part of our very makeup? Reading will include many of the great books. Class work will focus on both academic understanding and personal experiences.
- Officiating at Interfaith events with Rituals & Ceremonies such as Weddings, Renewal of Vows,, Commitment Ceremonies, Baby Welcoming, Naming & Blessings, Sermons, Memorial Services, Funerals and othe Life Event Celebration Rituals are very important part of your life as a Clergy. Learn how to start, learn to develop your technique and how to deliver powerful memorable ceremonies.
The First Religions 1.1.1
- Dr. Alex Krem: Alex Krem
This course covers the first religions in Europe and the Middle East.Christianity: The First 300 Years 1.1.2
- Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch: Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch
This module explores the first 300 years of Christianity and ends at the Council of Nicea.Spirituality and the Christian Enigma 1.1.3
- Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch: Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch
- Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch: Leticia Gonzalez
This modules argues that message of Jesus was spirituality and it is a remarkably sophisticated version of spirituality.Introduction to Christianity 1.1.4
- Rev. Tim Miner: Rev. Tim Miner
This module describes the religion of Christianity and its many forms.Introduction to Islam 1.1.6
- Dr. Aziza Zemrani: Dr. Aziza Zemrani
This modules introduces the students to Islam as a faith tradition.Introduction to Hinduism 1.1.7
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
This module explains the basics of Hinduism.Introduction to Buddhism 1.1.8
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
This module explains and describes Buddhism.
Introduction to Indigenous Religions 1.1.9
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
This modules describes many of the Indigenous Religions of the world.Introduction to Confucianism 1.1.10
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
This module explains Confucianism.Introduction to Daoism 1.1.11
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
This module describes and explains Daoism.Philosophy and Religion Part I 1.1.12
- Mrs. Sylvia Elguea: Sylvia Elguea
This is the first part of a two part series that explains what major philosophers have to say about religion.- This course explains why philosophy as a subject is important to religion and in particular this course focuses on the concepts and development of atheism.
- This course introduces the intellectual treatment of atheism and its importance to religion.
- This course examines the historical developments in the Middle East just prior and after the beginning of the Common Era.
- This course explains gnostic beliefs, especially during the early Christian period.
- In the past 60 years, there has been a growing scholarly treatment of Christianity that calls into question traditional Christian dogma. this course addresses this area of scholarship.
- This course introduces students to what religious scholars call the spiritual wisdom literature.
- This course looks at the history of the Jewish people,faith and traditions.
- Musical sound has been a part of human experience and expression throughout all time. The science of music was a means to greater knowledge in all ancient oriental cultures. The art of music has always been integral in the ritual life of all cultures. For all who have breath, music connects us to spirit.
This class will be interactive among all participants, exploring and discovering how music has been a part of our spiritual journeys. - This course explores a means to address Emotional Stress and How to focus a distracted mind. The emphasis will be hands-on-training-not discussion. We will practice relaxation, focusing attention and accepting life as it comes to you.
- The course introduces the subject of mystical Judaism.
- This course explains the legal aspects of religion.
- What are the similarities and difference between these three fundamental concepts? Do they overlap? Are they independent of one another? In conflict with one another? Did the Great Teachers who represent the foundations of the Great Religions intend to establish religions or merely to teach spirituality and humanism? Did their followers eventually corrupt and convert their teachings? Is the path to God and Self found through religion? Through spirituality? Through humanism? All three? None of them? Are the three concepts compatible and complementary or mutually exclusive?
- Belief in a higher being is common to all human societies. Yet most cultures have their own (often unique) image of God, expressed in their religious traditions and myths. What are the similarities and differences in these myths and the many and varied images of God? The work of Joseph Campbell will be used extensively in this course.
- Are religion and science compatible? Complementary? Co-dependent? Independent? Mutually exclusive? This course will explore the writings of leading scientists, some deeply religious and others not.
- Some argue that religion is important and others think it is dangerous. This course explores the debate on what some call the Crisis in Religion.
- This course explains how to lead and manage nonprofit organizations so that they can better serve humanity.
- This course explains accepted proper personnel and leadership practices that should exist in nonprofit organizations.
- This course explains proper budgeting and financial management that should exist in nonprofit organizations so that budgets balance, corruption is prevented, and the board policy guides the activities of the organization.
- This course explains the various ways that nonprofits can be effectively organized to accomplish their missions.
Management for Nonprofit Organizations
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
Many Interfaith Ministers will either work for, or will start, their own nonprofit organization to serve their communities better and fulfill their personal ministries. This module covers how to start and manage a nonprofit organization and includes a wide range of topics from developing a measurable Mission Statement, recruiting and developing an active Board of Directors, dealing with personal issues, using social media to get your message out and much, much more
Many Interfaith Ministers will either work for, or will start, their own nonprofit organization to serve their communities better and fulfill their personal ministries. This module provides instruction on how to find and write winning grant proposals, and explains where grants fit into a financially healthy and sustainable nonprofit organization.
- This course explains the importance of and how to achieve proper ethics in nonprofit organizations.
- This course covers probability and descriptive and inferential statistics and hypothesis testing. It begins with tabular, graphical and numerical methods for describing data statistically. Then it introduces methods of probability, discrete and continues probability distributions, and sampling and sampling distributions. Next is interval estimation, hypothesis testing and various methods of statistical inference. It ends with regression analysis and nonparametric methods.
- This course explains the concepts of research methods and evaluation that are important to nonprofit organizations.
- This course explains constitutional and basic laws (except administrative law) that is important to how an nonprofit is managed.
- This course explains what way administrative law is significant to nonprofit organizations.
- This course explains the importance of public policy to nonprofit organizations.
- This course is introduced with the dimensions, importance, challenges and current issues in nonprofit marketing. Then it sets the path with mission focus, strategic objectives, differentiation, positioning, unique value proposition, branding and segmentation. It proceeds with research, strategic marketing analysis and planning, offers in product, place, promotion and price. Finally it discuss direct marketing and strategic approaches to donors and volunteers, special events, social marketing, cause-related marketing and other collaborations with the business sector.
- This course explains accounting processes and procedures important for nonprofit organizations.
- This course explains the useful technology that is available for nonprofit organizations.
- This course will explore the dynamics of small groups, stages of a group’s development, characteristics that define group behavior, and the group’s effect on individual members. Understanding the nature and the dynamics of a small group as it forms and performs is a useful – often critical – skill for all of us, and particularly for pastors, counselors or group leaders. Readings will include both academic and pastoral material.
- Of the many leadership styles, “servant-leadership” is among the most effective. Such leaders focus on the needs of their colleagues and those they serve and, as humble stewards, achieve results that bond groups and bring the best out of members. While the concept is ancient, it remains vital and effective even in today’s high pressure world.
- This course helps the student link his or her courses with the practical world of nonprofit organizations.
- At the end of the program of study, this course gives students the opportunity to craft directed reading in particular areas. Permission of instructor required.
Philosophy and Religion Part II 1.2.1
- Mrs. Sylvia Elguea: Sylvia Elguea
This module is the second part of the philosophy and religion discussion of how great philosophers have viewed religion.- A minister needs to understand the point of view of atheists.
Psychology and Religion 1.2.3
- Dr. Alex Krem: Alex Krem
This module is a brief Psychology and Religion.The Sermon / Talk 1.2.8
- Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch: Rev. Dr. Thomas Lynch
Often the most important part of a service is the sermon. This module helps you understand how to prepare and present an outstanding sermon.The Service 1.2.9
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
This module addresses how to conduct a religious service.Other Ceremonies and Service 1.2.10
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch: Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lynch
This modules address important ceremonies that you will need to conduct as a minister.Selfless Service Project 1.2.11
- Mrs. Leticia Gonzalez: Leticia Gonzalez
This module addresses the requirement in your second year of being involved in at least 20 hours of selfless service.Torah Study II 1.2.12
- Mr. Larry Stone: Larry Stone
At some time in the second year, students are asked to attend Torah Study with the San Miguel Jewish community for at least 20 hours.- This course introduces the basic theories of counseling including Psychoanalytic Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Existential Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Behavioral Therapies, and Postmodern Approaches.
- The course covers listening and interviewing skills, parameters and limitations of the treatment relationship, client-counselor contracts and understandings, stages of clinical treatment, referral and termination.
- This course explains the stages of family and couple relationships, overview of family systems theories, principles of working with couples and families.
- This course introduces the principles of leading groups, objectives of group counseling, and group therapy theories.
- This course explores the psychological, relational, and theological dynamics of loss and grief including attachment theory and the role of hope in the context of counseling
- The course introduces the current understandings of the etiology, neuro-biology, and treatment of chemical and substance abuse including the spiritual dimension.
- The course introduces ethics from both a secular and spiritual understandings. Attention will be given to the AAPC Code of Ethics with emphasis on setting appropriate therapeutic boundaries, legal issues, understanding the scope of spiritual counseling, and knowing when to make appropriate referrals.
- The course explores the cultural factors present in counseling including the impact of gender, age, class, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, physical and cognitive differences, and religious beliefs.
- This course introduces the theories of human development and spiritual development over the course of the life cycle, including those of Erikson, Piaget, and Fowler.
- More important than “what we do” in the counseling relationship is “who we are.” This course helps us to discover and articulate our identity as a spiritual guide in the context of our particular theological understanding and spiritual practices.
- This course explains how to and what to cover in helping individuals to grow spiritually.
- This course is a survey of the formal and informal assessments such as testing, observations, and interviews. Test construction, validity, procedures, and interpretations will be covered.
- This course is an introduction to the diagnosis of major categories of mental disorders based upon current DSM and ICT criteria and an understanding of abnormal behavior and its impact on society.
- This course introduces occupational choices and career decision-making and the life-long processes that influence work values. We will explore patterns of work adjustment, career identification, integration of occupational roles and the factors that give meaning and satisfaction to life’s work.
- This course introduces research design and evaluation methods. In addition the course covers some statistical tools such as data analysis as well as reading and interpreting research.
- This course explains basic statistical analysis and how it can be helpful in counseling.
- Pre-Requisites: Marriage and Family Counseling; Counseling Theories
This course provides an overview of the Prepare / Enrich materials and their use in pre-marital preparation and marriage enrichment. - This course introduces the basic theories of counseling including Psychoanalytic Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Existential Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Behavioral Therapies, and Postmodern Approaches.
- Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Grief and Loss Counseling; and Psychopathology
This course is an in-depth study of depression and anxiety disorders, current understandings in related neuro-biology, and the role of spiritual counseling in the treatment of these disorders. - Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Chemical and Substance Abuse Counseling; and Marriage and Family Counseling
This course explores the family dynamics leading to and / or resulting from chemical and substance abuse of any member of the family system. It will also look at genetic factors of substance abuse in families, how a family history of substance abuse can be disrupted and healed and the role of spiritual counseling in that process. - Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Marriage and Family Counseling
This course is an in-depth study of the factors leading up to a crisis in couples” relationship and the role of spiritual counseling in working through that crisis in a way that leads to spiritual growth for both members of the couple. - Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Human Development and the Life Cycle
This course is an in-depth study of human sexuality, normal sexual needs including heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and transgendered sexuality, sexual identity, and abnormal sexual functioning, including sexual addictions. This course will explore the role of the 12-step programs as a treatment for sexual addictions and the role of the spiritual counselor in the healing process. - Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Human Development and the Life Cycle; Grief and Loss Counseling
This course is an in-depth study of the factors such as loss and grief that accompany the aging process in particular and the adjustments to those losses of health, mobility, and functioning that must occur for healthy life transitioning in later years. - Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Marriage and Family Counseling
This course is an in-depth study of the effects of divorce, how to help a couple achieve a health divorce, and the understanding of self in relationship that must be worked through to effect a healthy remarriage. - Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Marriage and Family Counseling; Human Development and the Life Cycle
This course points out that while coupling is the norm in our society, many persons live a single life by choice or necessity. This course explores the role of spiritual counseling in helping the single person avoid isolation while living a single life and maintaining healthy and nurturing connections to others. - Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Marriage and Family Counseling; and Human Development and the Life Cycle
Adolescence and the teen years can represent the biggest life transition and challenge of life. This course is an in-depth study of these years and the role of parenting a teen through this transitional period, including how to set appropriate limits while remaining a non-anxious presence in the teen’s life. - Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Human Development and the Life Cycle; Grief and Loss Counseling
This course is an in-depth study of the effects of chronic illness on the human psyche and the role of spiritual counseling in coping with chronic illness with hope and finding meaning in unavoidable suffering. - Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Psychopathology; Spiritual Development – the Person of the Counselor; 100 hours of clinical conseling
This is an advanced course in Jungian Psychology and its application in spiritual counseling. - Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Counseling Techniques; Psychopathology; Spiritual Development – the Person of the Counselor; 100 hours of supervised clinical counseling
This is an advanced course in transpersonal psychology and the theories of Roberto Assagioli (psychosynthesis) and their application in spiritual counseling. - Pre-Requisites: Counseling Theories; Counseling Techniques; Marriage and Family Counseling; 100 hours of supervised clinical counseling
This is an advanced course in family systems theory as described by Friedman and Bowen and the application in spiritual counseling. Students will learn how to create and use genograms to understand multi-generational family dynamics and patterns. - Pre-Requisites:Counseling Theories; Counseling Techniques; Cultural Diversity; Human Development and the Life Cycle; Grief and Loss Counseling; 100 hours of supervised clinical counseling
This is an advanced course for those working with AIDS patients and others with stigmatizing diseases to help normalize their experience through spiritual counseling. - Pre-Requisites:Counseling Theories; Counseling Techniques; Human Development and the Life Cycle; Family Systems Theory and Genograms; 100 hours of supervised clinical counseling
This is an advanced course that explores the special world of children and adolescents with challenging life situations and the ways that spiritual counseling can be of benefit to their healing. - These a talks / discussions given every Sunday by Rev. Dr. Thomas D. Lynch and the faculty of the Academy from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. They are held at Priv de la Aurora #5, San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mexico.
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Interfaith Minister Program Modules