Basics of Unitarian Theology / Critical Thinking - Spring 2026
On Friday, February 27th and May 22nd, we are offering a half-day practical workshop for N program students on Personal, Professional and Practical Dynamics in Ministry. Led by Rev. Ant Howe, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
February 27th – Personal Dynamics in Ministry 1
May 22nd – Preparation of a Traditional Service
Place:
Prague, Community centre Unitaria, Anenská 5, Praha 1
LECTURERS:
Rev. Ant Howe, Unitarian College, UK
Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk, Meadville Lombard Theological School, USA
Karen Ercolino, M.Ed., International School of Prague, Unitarian Church of Prague, Unitarian Academy
Rev. Petr Samojský, D.Min., Unitarian Church of Prague, OŠS, Unitarian Academy
PhDr. Kristýna Ledererová Kolajová, Unitarian Academy
SCHEDULE:
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Saturday, February 28
P Module – Basics of Unitarian Theology
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Sunday, March 1
Critical Thinking (religious studies, theology in ministry work)
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9:30–9:45
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Introduction
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9:45–11:15
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What is theology?
Definition of the term + other basic concepts: God (his properties, relationship to the world, relationship between man and God including salvation, etc.) relationship between theology and religion, relationship between theology and spirituality, the role of faith
What is the task of theology?
Systems and methods
(Ant Howe)
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8:30–10: 00
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Knowledge and interpretation of the past, the search for meaning as one of the starting points of the Unitarian ministry
historiography and contemporary approaches to history and its interpretation;
history of thought;
the search for meaning: the meaning of Czech (spiritual) history (self, community, nation, world, more than a human world)
(KLK)
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10:30–11:30
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Sunday service
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12:30–14:30
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Story and its role in theology
static and dynamic model; connecting science with everyday experience
narrated x written (natural religion and myths, the turning point of codification and the birth of sacred texts, Unitarianism and the concept of the living bible
Story as theology in practice?
(KLK)
The language of reverence
How important is language and its various forms in communicating theological matters?
(Karen Ercolino, Petr Samojský)
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12:30–14:30
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Critical thinking in the work of a minister critical work in preparing sermons, programs and public speeches; choosing topics, choosing and verifying sources, working with them and presenting them;
How much is it necessary to be up-to-date?
(Karen Ercolino)
Presenting your opinion or position, or speaking in general?
Providing stimuli and inspiring members to own critical thinking
Comparison as a useful and dangerous tool
(Karen Ercolino, Petr Samojský, Ant Howe)
Reflection, feedback, interaction, debate: when to use them and how to conduct them correctly (Karen Ercolino, KLK)
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15:00–17:30
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Theology in Unitarianism
Revealed religions and theologies, natural religions and theologies (theologia naturalis), where is the position of Unitarian theology?
The issue of authority in theology; the influence of dogma, creed, doctrine and the concept of faith on the formation of theology; the influence of ethos, ethics, principles, values, on the formation of Unitarian theology
(Ant Howe)
The importance of the individual approach to theology
Does Unitarianism have a universal theological basis?
the individual and the possibility of forming one's own theology
(Ant Howe)
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15:00–17:00
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Truth, its search, interpretation and advocacy in the work of a minister
How to work with the requirements that a Unitarian minister should unite, not divide the community, but at the same time always proceed from our principles and mission; how to approach topics that divide, or expressions of members that do not reflect an objective approach or are in conflict with Unitarian principles
Can we always stand on the side of truth with empathy and love?
When is it better to avoid problematic topics? When, on the contrary, to open them up?
(Petr Samojský, Ant Howe)
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Saturday, May 23
P Module – Basics of Unitarian Theology
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Sunday, May 24
Critical Thinking (religious studies, theology in ministry work)
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9:30–9:45
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Introduction
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9:45–11:15
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Development of UU theology
Unitarianism, universalism – roots, development, current approaches, their mutual relationship;
Specifics of UU theology: relationship to philosophy, ethics, mysticism;
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8:30–10: 00
10:30–11:30
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Science, scientific inquiry and methods and their importance for the work of a Unitarian minister
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10:30–11:30
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Sunday service
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12:30–14:30
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Theology in Czech Unitarianism
general features, personalities, works
What does theology intersect with today, to what extent was/is Czech Unitarianism able to work with theology and contribute to its development?
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12:30–14:30
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Religious studies and their importance for the work of a Unitarian minister
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15:00–17:30
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Personalities and turning points in world liberal theology, their work and significance
Current trends in Unitarian theology
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15:00–17:00
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Theology in the practice of mutuality
How to navigate current theological trends and discover among them what is close to me and what could be close to the community where I serve?
How to encourage community members to integrate theology into their spiritual journey?
How to deal with theological terms, their definitions, meaning, questions that stimulate them in the clergy's work with the community (God, the divine, the sacred, the miracle...); searching for meaning
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