Center for Christian Thought
Seeking Christian Wisdom for Life's Biggest Questions
Explore life's biggest questions with Biola scholars and learn a practical approach to embodying wisdom for each question.
Seeking Christian Wisdom for Life's Biggest Questions
Enroll NowSample Course
$24.997 LessonsWorkshop
Overview

This course will explore seven of life's biggest questions:

  1. What is Christian wisdom?
  2. What does it mean to be human?
  3. How do we grow?
  4. How can we disagree and still get along?
  5. What does it mean to love our neighbors?
  6. How can we become humble?
  7. How can we find meaning in suffering?

Each question is directly related to one of the seven research themes explored by Biola University’s Center for Christian Thought from 2012-2018:

  • Christian Scholarship in the 21st Century
  • Neuroscience & the Soul
  • Psychology & Spiritual Formation
  • Intellectual Virtue & Civil Discourse
  • The Meaning of Love
  • Humility: Moral, Religious, Intellectual
  • Suffering & the Good Life

Each lesson features a notable Biola University leader or professor—Barry Corey, J. P. Moreland, Steve L. Porter, Tim Muehlhoff, Thomas Crisp, Kent Dunnington, and Elizabeth Hall—all of whom are connected to the Center for Christian Thought either as research fellows or in a leadership capacity. That scholar will explain the big question and offer a practical approach to embodying wisdom for that question.

Through this course, you’ll develop a deeper understanding and love for some of life’s biggest questions, helping you to think more clearly about them and helping you to live more wisely in light of them.

Instructors
J.P. Moreland
Steve Porter
Tim Muehlhoff
Thomas Crisp
Kent Dunnington
Elizabeth Hall
Barry Corey
Center for Christian Thought

Biola University's Center for Christian Thought is an academic research center established by Biola University in 2012 to advance Christian scholarship on the big questions of human life.

We have two priorities: First, to offer scholars and pastors yearly research grants. Second, to produce articles, videos, podcasts, and community events featuring deep and enriching Christian wisdom for thoughtful Christian leaders.

Our Mission: to reconnect Christian scholarship with the academy & the church by providing financial and scholarly resources for scholars & pastors.

Learn more about the Center for Christian Thought

Syllabus

Course Introduction
Video
Lesson Introduction:“Blessed are those who find...
Overview
Why Does Christian Scholarship Matter?
Video
Reflection: The Goal of Seeking Wisdom
Reflection
What are Marks of Christian Scholarship and Seeking Wisdom?
Video
Reflection: Seeking Wisdom in Your Vocation
Reflection
How Can We Set Up Our Lives to Seek Christian Wisdom?
Video
Reflection: Your Big Questions
Reflection
Lesson Introduction:What does it mean to be...
Overview
Why Does It Matter for Us to Know What We Are?
Video
Reflection: What are You?
Reflection
What are Some Ways to Think about What It Means to be Human?
Video
Reflection: Body-Soul Connections
Reflection
How Should We Live in Light of What We Are?
Video
Reflection: Gratitude
Reflection
Lesson Introduction:We all have a drive to...
Overview
Why should we think about human development and growth?
Video
Reflection: Character
Reflection
What are the best ways to think about cultivating character?
Video
Reflection: Learning from Revelation
Reflection
How can we use practices that create positive change?
Video
Reflection: Trusting Relationships
Reflection
Lesson Introduction:As a church and as a...
Overview
Why It Matters for Us to Communicate through Disagreements
Video
Reflection: The Argument Culture
Reflection
What is the Best Approach to Fostering Peace and Civility?
Video
Reflection: Changing Your Mind
Reflection
How Can We Converse Constructively with Others?
Video
Reflection: Civil Conversation
Reflection
Lesson Introduction:Love: we all need it, we...
Overview
Why is love of neighbor central in moral and spiritual life?
Video
Reflection: What is Love?
Reflection
What Did Jesus Mean by, “Love your neighbor as yourself"?
Video
Reflection: Radical Love
Reflection
How Can We Better Follow the Command to Love our Neighbors?
Video
Reflection: Growing in Love
Reflection
Lesson Introduction:Humility was a vice in...
Overview
Why Does Humility Matter?
Video
Reflection: The Importance of Humility
Reflection
What Are the Most Common Ways to Define Humility?
Video
Reflection: Features of Humility
Reflection
How Can We Become Humble Like Jesus?
Video
Reflection: Practicing Humility
Reflection
Lesson Introduction:We all suffer. Some of us...
Overview
Why Try to Find Meaning in Suffering?
Video
Reflection: Experiencing Suffering
Reflection
What Approaches Can We Take to Find Meaning in Suffering?
Video
Reflection: Vulnerability
Reflection
How spiritual practices help us gain meaning in suffering
Video
Reflection: Lament
Reflection
Recommended Resources
Resource
Course Evaluation
Resource

Course FAQ

Each lesson is designed to take approximately 1-2 hours, depending on how deeply you engage the reflection and discussion questions. Since this is a self-paced course, the time it will take you to complete it will depend on the speed with which you want to progress through the course.

No. The course contains everything you need to successfully complete the course. There are resources recommended at the end of the course that you are free to purchase if you wish to pursue further study on the course topic.

Since this course is designed as a completely self-paced experience, you will not have any interaction with the professor during the course.