The lay university of theology offers an overview of the basic theological disciplines of the Old and New Testaments, the history of churches and theology and systematic theology. A lay university course lasts three years. On a total of 40 study days you will discuss the speakers’ impulses, analyze texts and discuss theological positions.
On each day of study you will deal with a main topic – including the art of exegesis, psalms and prophets, parables and tales of miracles, Luther and Hildegard von Bingen, interpretations of Jesus’ death on the cross and the Trinity. The study days build on one another. So that working people can also take part in the lay university of theology, the study days always take place on Saturdays, in the semester usually every fortnight. We also offer excursions or multi-day seminars to deepen special topics.
Working method
Between the individual study days and for the semester break, there is homework, texts for preparation and literature recommendations. You decide how much time you invest in preparing for and following up on a day of study. However, you should plan at least four hours a week during the semester.
Lecturers
The lecturers of the study days come from the church university in Wuppertal as well as from the universities in Bochum, Mainz, Hamburg or Bern. They have a scientific education and present one of their main research areas to you. The team of lecturers is reassembled for each lay university course.
Head of Studies
The director of studies is responsible for the red thread. She provides you with homework and work questions, evaluates the progress of your studies with you and is available as a contact person if you have any questions or problems.
The study group
Each lay university course starts with around 26 participants. In this permanent group you will gain theological experience over three years and go through the ups and downs of your studies together. Many of your fellow students are volunteers, for example in the presbytery, others are more attracted to the critical view of theology and the church. They come from all over the Rhenish regional church – guests from other Protestant regional churches and other denominations are very welcome. There are no formal requirements for participation in the lay university theology. Curiosity is enough!
graduation
The lay university of theology concludes with a certificate from eeb Nordrhein. You will receive the certificate if you have regularly participated in the study days and actively worked with them.
Conference location and dates
The study days take place in Düsseldorf – we are guests at the Diakonie family center in Eller. The conference venues can be easily reached by public transport.
Course 10 started in January 2020, the next course will start in spring 2023. Approx. 13 study days take place every year. So that you can plan your appointments well, we will inform you of the dates for the study days in the long term.
Registration and costs
You can register in writing, by e-mail or by fax. With your registration you decide to participate in the complete lay university. An exit is possible at the end of the calendar year or by arrangement. The lay university costs 360 euros per year. You should also plan a one-time fee of around 160 euros for specialist literature.
The eeb Nordrhein has offered the lay university theology since 1993. We are cooperating with the Ev. City Academy Düsseldorf.
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