Three short-term courses promoting a deeper understanding of faith issues are being offered this spring by the School of Theology. The courses are conducted through the school’s Bill Mallard Lay Theology Institute (LTI).

LTI courses provide stimulus for personal growth regardless of religious or academic background, exploring Christian themes in an ecumenical context. The courses meet once a week for five to six weeks. The courses, instructors, dates and sites are:

• ”Youth in Times of Change: Practicing Our Faith With Teenagers,” by Mark Monk Winstanley, interim director, Youth Theological Initiative. Tuesdays, Jan. 16–Feb. 13, from 7–9 p.m. at Haygood Memorial United Methodist Church, 1015 E. Rock Springs Rd., Atlanta.

• “What Are They Saying About the Parables: The Parables of Jesus,” by David Gowler, Pierce Professor of Religion, Oxford. Mondays, Feb. 19–
March 26, from 7–9 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1113 Conyers St., Covington, Ga.

• “Zen & Christianity,” by Kim Boykin, a doctoral student in religion at Emory and former assistant director of the Youth Theological Initiative. Tuesdays, Feb. 20–March 27, from 7–9 p.m. in 106 Bishops Hall.

Cost is $45 per course with registration at least a week in advance ($50 at the door, space permitting); members of the Emory community and/or partner congregations pay only $35 ($40 at the door). Each course carries the option of one continuing education unit.

LTI is a program of Candler’s Office of Church Ministries Education.

For more information, call 404-727-4587; send e-mail to ocme@emory.edu; or visit http://www.emory.edu/CANDLER/OCME/.