Theologies of Play 

Play and creativity are not simply what we do when we have extra time on our hands, but integral to the practice of ministry. The capacity to deploy imagination and play is inherently within us, and this course explores how to connect with our creative play in our own callings as people of God. Our exploration of Christian theologies of play will take us into the thought of structuralist, post-structuralist and phenomenological understandings of play and imagination, including the work of philosophers, psychologists and theologians, such as Hans-Georg Gadamer, Karl and Hugo Rahner, Paul Ricouer, D.W. Winnicott, Jurgen Moltmann, Brian Sutton-Smith, Jean Piaget and Jerome Berryman and others. We will engage in pastoral theological reflection on the nature and source of creativity as well as its contribution to the practice of ministry, including pastoral care, counseling, and education.

About the Instructor: forthcoming

Dates: January 7 - April 12, 2027

Requirements: Readings and discussions. No written work, projects, or presentations.

Books to purchase: Reading list will be provided by the instructor. 

Fee: $275.00

Format: Internet Asynchronous & 4 Zoom Meetings (Dates TBD)

Location: Online

Please note: This Continuing Education program is non-credit, meaning it cannot be counted toward a degree or diploma, and will not be transcripted. Continuing Education registrations are refundable until 7 days before a program commences. After that time, fees are non-refundable.

Questions? Please contact: Lydia Hood, Continuing Education Coordinator, at lydia.hood@astheology.ns.ca