Friday, July 14, 2006

Seminary Program Outline Rough-Draft

Continuing on towards building a non/trans-denominational Gnostic Seminary program, I thought I'd share my current outline of a program rough-draft. (I'm going to assume that you know that a seminary doesn't ordain anyone, and that it isn't the whole of the process of formation as Gnostic Clergy. And if you didn't, I just told you.)

I don't want to construct a one-size-fits-all program. The idea of modules is appealing for that reason. One would graduate after completing a program of three out of the following modules in this rough-draft. I think that gives proper latitude for the different focuses both of individuals, and of the different Gnostic churches and organizations.

Modules: (3/5 to Graduate)
  • Counseling
    Pastoral Counseling
    Psycho-Spiritual Development

  • Gnostic Studies
    Historical Gnosticism
    Engaged Gnosticism

  • Liturgical Studies
    History & Symbolism
    Theology

  • Pastoring
    Formation Direction
    Parish/Organization Administration

  • Spiritual Care
    Spiritual Direction
    Spiritual Growth


  • [Edit: Added Module]
  • Symbolism & Story
    Archetypal Aspects
    Transformational Aspects

Just don't ask me for definitions or specific descriptions yet. I'm also (almost) certain that the more clumsy terms will be replaced.

This is a very rough rough-draft. But, it does give us something to talk about. Help hammer this out.

6 comments:

Joe Daher said...

Rev. Troy:

While I realize that it's not an overnight process, when do you think you'll be ready to open this seminary?

Fr. Troy Pierce said...

I'm planning on growing it rather than trying to build it first. So, it will be a matter of having the framework in place, ciricula-wise, and then starting courses.

Right now, I am aiming for the first part of next year. The plan is to offer two courses, and that gives some lee-way to only offer one.

Rate of growth is impossible to predict. But starting is key, which is why I'd like to get started shortly after opening the Gnosis Institute. The seminary is my way of giving us a good focus on the important stuff. And so really fits into that larger picture.

Anonymous said...

Troy, to me, this is the clearest statement you have made! Bravo.

Cheerfully, ROK

Fr. Troy Pierce said...

Roger, you're not supposed to be in on the "secret knowledge" stop understanding! ;)

Though it is probably because it was devoid of humor. Which is highly uncharacteristic for me. And my sense of humor has been fairly characterized as "obscure," and humorously described as being like drinking a nice cold glass of sand. Most commonly, however, it is (mis)taken for an as yet uncategorized mental disorder.

Joe Daher said...

Okay...so one other question then.

Is there anything we lay people can do to help?

For probably a lot longer than the forseeable future, I will be indulged in study for the minor orders in the AJC, but I consider myself a fairly intelligent fellow...

So - if something comes up that I can give ya' a hand with, do speak up. ;-)

Fr. Troy Pierce said...

Joe,
No ordination is required, there is plenty of opportunity to dig in.

You and anyone else with a serious interest can work in three essential areas: program structure, curricula & course content, and operations. I'll write more, but essentially I am open not only to suggestions, but to actual work. I'll write some more about the educational model I'm working towards in a bit

You have a very important perspective, as well, that of someone beginning in Gnostic ministry. This isn't intended to be a top-down designed program, to satisfy some ideal of what Gnostic ministry entails. So, consider yourself more than qualified to work on the program structure.

The first course in development is the foundational "Intro to Critical Approaches to Religion and Gnosticism" course. (ICARG, sounds like a sick pirate doesn't it?) This will look at the different frameworks and methods we use to approach Gnosticism, Religion, and Spirituality. One fun part I have planned is going through a sampling of hereseologist's arguments as entertaining illustrations of every fallacy. Learning is fun, why make it dull?