Welcome to the ULCSeminary Chaplaincy Program! We have been asked to provide a program such as this for several years and we are now in a position to do it.
The program is similar in nature to the basic Seminary Program, but this program-within-a-program has some different requirements. Graduation Requirements: Current graduation requirements are 8 classes and a final essay. Six of the classes (listed below) are required and two can be of your own choosing. The title of Chaplain is one we haven't granted before because it's an earned title.
When you have completed the six required courses and two elective courses, you will be asked to write a min. 1000 word essay about what it means to be a chaplain, as well as a time-requirement of 45 hours of doing volunteering and ministry work. Once the essays are received and accepted, and the time-sheet is signed and veritifed, you will be sent a certificate of graduation from the Chaplaincy Program, which will allow you to use the legal title 'Chaplain'.
Chaplaincy Program Application
Below is a list of Required Courses:
MASTER OF CHAPLAINCY STUDIES: (4 credits) >> Details This is the core course for the Chaplaincy program you all have been asking for. This course discusses the history of chaplaincy, as well as what the duties of a chaplain are. The program covers topics of where one minister and what makes it a chapel, the importance of listening, grief counseling and a lot more. When you complete this program, you will receive a Master of Chaplaincy Studies. When you graudate from the program, you will have earned the title, 'Chaplain.'
MASTER OF COMPARATIVE RELIGION:(5 credits)>> Details This is one of the more scholarly email courses offered by the Seminary. It is taught by an expert in the field who teaches this course at several colleges. It is a very well-written course on the origins of various major religions with comparisons and contrasting views of the different world religions. The HTML coding for this course is also very well done, so if you have the option, try to get it that way as well. Taking this course will expand your knowlege and competency as a minister tremendously. For a more extensive description, please click Comparative Religion.
REQUIRED
$ 75.00
DR. OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT : (5 credits) >> Details We have a brand new course, by Dr. David Crouch, called Dr. of Spiritual Development. It's a college-level course about spiritual development. A sample can be found at www.ulcseminary.org/spiritualdevelopment.php. The course uses NLP techniques, among others, to show you how to improve the quality of your life and your intereactions with others. Some of the topics include:
Improving clarity of Purpose
Stacking anchors to concentrate focus and intent
Implementing the nature of purpose into your daily lives -- Futurepacing change
Connecting with the Divine through naturally occurring altered states (Shamanic and Meditative States of Consciousness)
Sacred Trance -- Listening for the still voice within
Deepening Levels of Sacred Trance -- How to reach Focus Points of Awareness
Out of Body Journeying/Soul Journeys
Generative Visualization -- Connecting with the Divine through the Movies in Your Mind
REQUIRED
$ 70.00
MASTER OF METAPHYSICS - SPIRIT-QUEST: (5 credits) > >> Details This exciting new 8 month course will help you to understand yourself as spirit and will give you some of the tools you need to move forward in your life and move past the stumbling blocks that keep you from your spiritual goals. It's written in a straightforward manner. If you wish to get a feeling for what others have learned from the course, please visit our forum, where the final essays are posted. When you have completed the final course, you will be asked to complete your own final essay. Upon it's completion and review, a Master of Metaphysics degree will be mailed to you. Your course credits will be recorded and applied towards your graduation. For more information on this course, go to Metaphysics.
REQUIRED
$ 75.00
MASTER OF SPIRITUALITY -DEFINING SPIRITUALITY: (4 credits) >> Details This fascinating 20 week email course teaches you how to counsel to science-minded 'prove it' sort of people. It gives an in-depth look of where spiritualism came from and how it has evolved. Through this course, you will learn where various concepts of religion and spirituality came from, how it has been adapted into our culture and, more importantly, how to use that information to counsel others in our roles as ministers. Upon completion of this course, you will have a much more rounded spiritual education, which will tremendously enhance your ministerial skills. For a more in-depth course description and a sample, click SPIRITUALISM. This course will provide you with a Master of Spirituality.
It's very well-written and easy to follow. Written by Rev. Chuck Bynum.
REQUIRED
$ 60.00
MASTER OF RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY :(4 credits) >>Details Unlike Comparative Religion, this email course is not an exercise in comparing and contrasting different religions. It is an analysis of religion itself. There is, however, a certain degree of similarity to Comparative Religion, for it is nearly impossible to study anything in a vacuum. Therefore, examples of material covered are provided in the religions of the world — not for the purpose of comparing one to another, or in how they differently address particular issues, but as illustrative examples of the topic being covered. An outline of the individual lessons can be found by clicking Religous Philosophy. A sample of the course can be found at Religious Philosophy Course.
REQUIRED
$ 60.00
MASTER OF MYSTICALCHRISTIANITY: (4 credits) >> Details Have you ever wondered if there is more to the Christian story than you were taught? Are you a seeker for the truth, a truth that may very well lead beyond the well-worn paths of traditional religion? The Faith That Time Forgot presents new insights and alternative perspectives to many spiritual and theological issues, inviting you to come on a mystical, magical journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. In this series of emailed lessons, you will find different answers to common questions such as:
Does Genesis truly teach that woman is destined to be subordinate to man?
What was the nature of the “Fall” in the Garden of Eden?
What do the ancient Gnostic manuscripts teach us about early Christianity?
What is feminine and what is masculine in the 21st century?
How does our lack of reverence for the Divine Feminine relate to our ecological crisis?
Will the real Mary of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene and Jesus of Nazareth please stand up?
Are resurrection and ascension possible today, for anyone?
These and many other questions are addressed in well-researched, well-documented studies that challenge the seeker to go beyond their preconceived limitations and explore the reaches of the unknown. Much has been left in the shadows over the centuries. Much has been entombed, but not for eternity. Now is the time to bring light into this darkness and allow the silent shadows to speak. This is a quest for the Grail within yourself - your own Holy of Holies. We are your companions on the Way and we welcome you with joy and love. May you journey in truth and light, with the One ever before you. For More information go to Mary Magdalene.
MASTER OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY: (4 credits) >> Details This is a historical survey covering the history of Christianity up to 1054. The growth of the Christian church has taken place within a historical context. Over time, the Christian church has been influenced by the political, economic, socio-cultural, intellectual, and artistic movements of each epoch of world history and has in turn influenced those self-same historical epochs as well.
The history of Christianity and world history are in many ways intertwined. With this in mind, we will engage in a historical journey that begins with the founding of the Christian church in the midst of the Roman Empire of the 1st century A.D. and continuing up to the break between Western and Eastern Christianity in The Great Schism of 1054.
This is a 20-week email course that you will enjoy tremendously.
MASTER OF RELIGION:(4 credits) >> Details This email course is a bible-based, Christian Studies course for those interested in learning more about the Bible and Christianity. In it, we will cover topics like:
The Old Testament
The New Testament
The lost Scriptures of the Bible
Effective Bible Study
and much more. This course is written by a scholar in this field of study. If you are a practicing Christian, interested in becoming more fluent in the Bible and what its words mean in your life, this is the course for you. It has a Catholic feel to it, so it's more geared towards Christians of that belief system. For a more in-depth course description and a sample of this course, please go to CHRISTIANITY.
MASTER OF METAPHYSICAL HEALING : (4 credits)>> Details This email course is about metaphysical healing. Through this course, you can learn to use the energy of both God and the Universe to give wonderful spiritual healings. This is a step-by- step guide, teaching you how to use your hands to heal. It gets straight to the point, highlighting what is important and each chapter has revision exercises and model answers.
MASTER OF THE LIFE OF ST PAUL: (4 credits) >> Details
This is a course about the life of the apostle Paul. The author has spent years devoted to research and study of this early Christian leader and is sharing this with you.
There will also be 5 lessons in the end of the program about prayer, repentence, worship and faith for those who are devout Christians interested in learning more about the practice of your faith.
This course is interesting from a historical perspective as well, so even if you are not of the Christian faith, it will further educate you in the religion of so many others.
This course is an introductory course to Paganism and offers, upon its completion, a Masters in Paganism degree.
The course is 20 lessons long, sent to your email box once a week. You will learn about the different beings, beliefs and important knowledge about Paganism.
It is worth 4 credits in the Seminary.
The course differs from the Wicca study course in that all Wiccans are Pagans, but not all Pagans are necessarily Wiccans.
The interesting course studies the many different facets of Paganism including the various Gods, the Holidays, the rituals and the old stories.
This is a great opportunity to enhance your knowlege of Paganism. As ULC Ministers, we pride ourselves on our breadth of knowlege about all belief systems. The more you study, the more you begin to recognize the similarities, rather than the differences.
For Info on the course lessons, go to Paganism Course. For a sample of the course, go to Paganism.
ELECTIVE
$ 60.00
MASTER OF HISTORICAL JESUS: (4 credits) >> Details This course reviews the life of Historical Jesus. Many have wondered what his life was like. We all know about the few years of his ministry, but what of the rest of his life? What of the man?
Lesson One-- Introduction to Historical Jesus Studies/Source and Gospel Synopsis
Lesson Two-- Religious Sects of Jesus' Day
Lesson Three-- Quests For the Historical Jesus: Period One and Period Two
Lesson Four--Quests For the Historical Jesus: Period Three and Period Four
Lesson Five--Quests For the Historical Jesus: Period Five (Renewed Quest/Post Quest) The Jesus Seminar
Lesson Six-- The Q Source (The Hypothetical Gospel of Q)
Lesson Seven--Discovery of the Nag Hammadi Library- The Gospel of Thomas Part 1
Lesson Eight--Discovery of the Nag Hammadi Library- The Gospel of Thomas Part 2
Lesson Nine--The Secret Gospel of Mark
Lesson Ten--The Gospel of Mary
Lesson Eleven--The Environment in First Century Palestine (Jewish/Pagan)
Lesson Twelve--The Kingdom of Heaven (Secret Teachings) (Part 1)
Lesson Thirteen--The Kingdom of Heaven (Secret Teachings) (Part 2)
Lesson Fourteen--The Kingdom of Heaven(Secret Teachings(Part 3)+++This may entail more lessons
Lesson Fifteen--The Resurrection
Lesson Sixteen--Lesson Twenty++++ (A Probable Reconstruction of the life of the Historical Jesus) This may entail more lessons. It will also conclude with a final assignment for the student to reflect upon all that they have learned and from all of that information reconstruct the life of Jesus from their own point of view. This final assignmnet should be at least five pages long.
This is an email course on the study of Druidism. It is 17 lessons long and you'll receive one lesson a week for the duration. You'll learn about the culture of this faith, the belief system and much more. It's very interesting and told in an easy-to-understand, friendly, personable style. For Info on the course lessons, go to Druidism Course. For a sample of the course, go to Druidism.
ELECTIVE
$ 60.00
MASTER OF BUDDHISM:(4 credits)>> Details This is a newly re-developed email course from the Seminary. As with all the courses, there are 20 lessons (a few courses have more). Through this course, you can learn about the interesting religion of Buddhism. Learn the history, origins, practice, philosophy and more. Upon completion of this course, you will receive a Master of Buddhism degree.
For a more extensive description, please click BUDDHISM
ELECTIVE
$ 60.00
MASTER OF SHAMANISM: (4 credits) >> Details This email course on the study of Shamanism. Shamans have been revered in many religions as the conduits to the gods. They have the knowlege and skill necessary to commune with spirits. This course will discuss the role of the Shaman, the various mind-altering drugs used by Shamans and what their affect is. This course is well-written and covers this controversial topic with great respect and neutrality. For a more detailed course description and a sample, click SHAMANISM.
ELECTIVE
$ 60.00
MASTER OF THE GOSPEL OF ST. THOMAS: (4 credits) >> Details This is a really fascinating new course about the Gospel of Thomas. This course delves into 114 of the sayings of Jesus.
The Gospel of Thomas is different because it is less a narrative and more a collection of quotes attributed to Jesus.
The author, Rev. Ray Thompson, has been studying this Gospel for many many years and has come up with some fascinating insights.
When you take this course, you will be given an opportunity to read and evaluate these different sayings for yourself and apply them to your own life. Even if you are not a Christian, you will see wisdom found in these quotes -- wisdom shared in the other major religions of the world.
From the author: "The Gospel of Thomas is a fascinating document. It is not a story gospel but a collection of 114 sayings of Jesus. A few can be found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, but most were previously unknown.
Thomas introduces it as the “mystery teachings of Jesus” and that is just what they are. There are many ways these sayings can be interpreted. I have spent many years studying them and applying them to my life. This course is the fruit of my labor.
Although I dare say others who have worked with the gospel probably have found other meanings in them. That is the nature of them and why they are called “mystery teachings.” This gospel is within the scope of what is called, “Gnostic,” Greek for knowledge, but more specifically spiritual knowledge.
I use this quote from the church father, Clement of Alexandria, as the opening line to the course, “Not all truth is meant for all men.” (and women) This is the philosophy throughout the course. Take what you want and leave the rest or be a glutton and try to consume it all." -- Rev. Ray Thompson
DR. OF BIBLICAL EGYPTOLOGY: (4 credits) >> Details This course reviews the various if, when, and who facts and theories regarding Exodus and Moses focused on Pentateuch era Biblical Egyptology. Uniquely, the instructor translates hieroglyphs so the student can read critical artifact inscriptions and make intelligent self determinations!
The debates about statues, steles and artifacts are discussed including which Pharaoh was most likely associated with the Egyptian “Israelites” immigration, their enslavement and ultimate departure. You will be introduced to ancient authors like Artapanus, Manetho, and Josephus and their quotations such as: “…he was from Heliopolis and when he led his people he changed his name to Moses…”
The course reviews current “Exodus” TV episodes and books. A dutiful student will be able to confidently discuss these and other issues as expected of a seminary graduate. The interfaith course is appropriate for anyone with an academic interest in one of the most fascinating subjects in archeology, books and motion pictures – Ancient Egypt and the Exodus epic!
