Scholar in theology & divine studies
School of Theology & Divine Studies
Recognition: Scholar of the Julian Academy
Program: Theology & Divine Studies
Program Code: S-THD
Format: Online · Self-Paced
Structure: Four Stages · Twenty Courses
About the program
The Scholar in Theology & Divine Studies is the principal comprehensive program of the Julian Academy's School of Theology & Divine Studies.
The program provides a systematic education in the Gods, the Kosmos, sacred tradition, mythology, religious philosophy, sacred literature, and the theological heritage of the Hellenistic world and its later inheritors.
Rooted in the religious and intellectual traditions of antiquity while approached as a living field of sacred inquiry, Theology & Divine Studies asks fundamental questions:
What is the nature of the Gods?
How is the divine related to the Kosmos?
What are Providence and Fate?
How should sacred myths be understood?
What is the purpose of prayer and worship?
What is the nature and destiny of the human soul?
Students encounter primary theological and philosophical sources alongside structured theological instruction. The purpose is not merely to learn what ancient thinkers believed, but to develop the ability to read sacred texts carefully, interpret religious traditions, recognize theological principles, evaluate differing positions, and construct coherent theological arguments.
Completion of the program confers recognition as a Scholar in Theology & Divine Studies of the Julian Academy.
the scholar level
Within the Julian Academy, Scholar signifies successful completion of a comprehensive program of structured study and formation within one of the Academy's three Schools.
The Scholar learns the tradition.
Students progress through four stages, moving from foundational study toward increasingly independent theological inquiry:
Stage I — Foundations
Stage II — Divine Order
Stage III — Sacred Tradition
Stage IV — Theological Mastery
Throughout these stages, the Academy's educational method remains:
Read · Study · Reflect · Demonstrate
The program consists of twenty courses, including four approved Theology & Divine Studies electives and a culminating theological project.
program outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Scholar program, students should be able to:
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Explain foundational principles of Hellenistic theology and cosmology.
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Discuss the natures, powers, attributes, relationships, and orders of the Gods.
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Distinguish theological and symbolic interpretations of myth from purely literal readings.
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Read and critically engage primary theological and philosophical sources.
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Explain concepts including divine causality, Providence, Fate, cosmic order, soul, and divine mediation.
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Analyze prayer, hymnody, sacred symbolism, initiation, and devotional practice from a theological perspective.
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Situate Hellenistic religious thought within its historical and intellectual contexts.
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Compare differing theological positions and formulate coherent theological arguments.
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Apply appropriate interpretive methods to myths, sacred texts, and theological problems.
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Complete an independent work demonstrating sustained theological study, interpretation, and reasoning.
stage i - foundations
The first stage establishes the intellectual, ethical, philosophical, and theological foundations required for serious sacred study.
JAC 1000 — Foundations of Julian Academy Study
Introduction to the Academy's method of education, including primary-source reading, theological and philosophical reasoning, reflective study, scholarly integrity, and the relationship between intellectual inquiry and sacred formation.
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THD 1010 — On the Gods and the Kosmos
A foundational study of Sallustius and his concise exposition of ancient theology. Students examine the Gods, mythology, the Kosmos, Providence, worship, and the relationship between divine and human life.
PHI 1200 — Ethics, Virtue & the Formation of Character
Introduction to classical virtue ethics, aretē, moral discernment, self-governance, and the ordering of human life toward the Good.
PHI 1400 — Introduction to Platonic Thought
Introduction to the Platonic intellectual tradition, including the Forms, soul, virtue, knowledge, the Good, and philosophical ascent toward higher reality.
THD 1100 — Foundations of Hellenistic Theology
A systematic introduction to Hellenistic theology, including divine nature, divine causality, religious knowledge, revelation, sacred tradition, and the relationships among theology, philosophy, and worship.
stage iI - divine order
Having established the foundations of sacred study, students turn toward the Gods and the ordered structure of divine and cosmic reality.
THD 1200 — The Gods: Divine Natures, Powers & Orders
A theological examination of divine individuality, powers, epithets, functions, relationships, manifestations, and divine orders.
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THD 1300 — Myth & Symbolic Theology
Study of myth as a vehicle of theological meaning, including symbolism, allegory, divine genealogy, ritual interpretation, apparent contradictions within myth, and theological methods of mythological interpretation.
THD 2100 — Sacred Texts of the Hellenistic Tradition
Guided study of selected primary sources from the theological and philosophical heritage of the Hellenistic world and its later inheritors, with emphasis upon careful reading, interpretation, and theological context.
THD 2200 — Hellenistic Cosmology
Study of the ordered Kosmos, divine causality, cosmic hierarchy, soul, intermediary beings, cosmic sympathy, Fate, Providence, and the relationship between visible and invisible reality.
THD 2300 — Providence, Fate & Divine Order
An examination of Providence, Fate, human agency, divine goodness, apparent evil, suffering, prayer, divine immutability, and the relationship between human freedom and cosmic order.
stage iII - sacred tradition
The third stage moves from foundational theological knowledge toward the interpretation, historical expression, and devotional dimensions of sacred tradition.
THD 3100 — Prayer, Hymnody & Devotional Theology
Study of prayer, praise, petition, thanksgiving, divine epithets, hymnody, sacred language, and devotional theology. Students also examine the principles underlying the composition and interpretation of prayers and hymns.
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THD 3200 — Mysteries, Initiation & Sacred Transformation
A theological study of purification, initiation, Mystery, sacred transformation, divine likeness, religious thresholds, and ancient Mystery traditions.
THD 3300 — Hellenistic Religion in Historical Context
Study of Hellenistic religious traditions within their historical settings, including temples, priesthoods, civic religion, Mystery traditions, philosophical religion, religious exchange, and developments extending into Late Antiquity.
Theology & Divine Studies Elective 1
Students begin focused study in an approved area of theological interest.
Theology & Divine Studies Elective 2
A second approved elective allows further specialization or exploration of another theological field.
stage iv - theological mastery
The final stage moves the student from receiving theological knowledge toward demonstrating the ability to interpret theological material and undertake independent sacred inquiry.
THD 4100 — Advanced Theological Interpretation
Advanced study in theological reasoning and hermeneutics, including conflicting sources, doctrinal questions, mythological difficulties, primary-source comparison, theological argumentation, and the interpretation of complex theological problems.
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Theology & Divine Studies Elective 3
Advanced or specialized theological study selected from current Academy offerings.
Theology & Divine Studies Elective 4
A final elective supporting the student's individual theological interests and, where appropriate, preparation for the culminating project.
THD 4900 — Senior Seminar in Theology
Preparation for independent theological work through research methodology, source evaluation, citation, interpretation, theological argumentation, and development of the student's culminating project.
THD 4990 — Theological Capstone
Completion of a substantial independent project demonstrating the student's ability to conduct theological research, interpret sources, formulate arguments, and apply the methods developed throughout the Scholar program.
theology & divine studies electives
Students complete four approved electives as part of the Scholar program.
Offerings may include:
THD 3400 — Theology of Hekate
THD 3410 — Theology of Hermes
THD 3420 — Dionysian Theology
THD 3430 — Theology of the Olympian Gods
THD 3500 — Orphism & Orphic Theology
THD 3510 — The Chaldean Theological Tradition
THD 3600 — Theology of Death & the Afterlife
THD 3610 — Daimons, Heroes & Intermediate Beings
THD 3700 — Hellenistic Creation & Cosmogony
THD 3710 — Divine Epithets & Sacred Language
THD 3800 — Comparative Ancient Theology
THD 3900 — Special Topics in Divine Studies
Elective offerings may change as new courses and areas of special study are developed by the Julian Academy.
the theological capstone
The Scholar program culminates in an independent work demonstrating the student's ability to engage seriously with a theological subject.
Students may complete an approved project in one of several forms.
Research Study
A sustained work of theological scholarship addressing a clearly defined question.
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Theological Commentary
A detailed examination and interpretation of a sacred, theological, or philosophical text.
Doctrinal Study
A systematic investigation of a theological question, concept, or principle.
Mythological Exegesis
An extended theological interpretation of a myth, mythological cycle, deity tradition, or body of sacred narrative.
Liturgical-Theological Project
Development of hymns, prayers, devotional texts, or liturgical material accompanied by substantial theological commentary explaining their sources, principles, symbolism, and theological rationale.
Regardless of format, the culminating work must demonstrate appropriate engagement with sources, theological reasoning, interpretation, and mastery of the material studied throughout the program.
who may enter the program
The Scholar in Theology & Divine Studies is designed for students seeking a serious and structured education in Hellenistic theology and sacred tradition.
It may be particularly suited to those interested in theology, ancient religion, mythology, Platonic and Neoplatonic religious thought, sacred texts, religious philosophy, personal religious formation, or eventual advanced study within the Julian Academy.
No previous formal theological education is required for entry at the Scholar level.
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Students who do not wish to undertake the complete Scholar program may enroll in eligible individual courses or pursue specialized Certificate programs as available.
recognition as a scholar
Successful completion of all four stages and the required Theological Capstone results in formal recognition as a:
Scholar in Theology & Divine Studies
The Scholar has demonstrated comprehensive foundational knowledge of the field and the ability to engage thoughtfully with its texts, traditions, theological questions, and methods of interpretation.
Those wishing to continue their studies may subsequently seek admission to the Academy's advanced Licentiate in Theology & Divine Studies.
The Julian Academy's progression is:
Scholar — Knowledge & Formation
Licentiate — Interpretation & Application
Laureate — Mastery & Contribution
ecclesiastical character
The Julian Academy is the educational institute of the Church of Thessaly.
Recognition as a Scholar in Theology & Divine Studies is an ecclesiastical educational credential of the Julian Academy, awarded in furtherance of the Church's religious, theological, philosophical, and educational mission.
Julian Academy credentials are not represented as accredited secular university degrees or as equivalent to Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degrees issued by accredited colleges and universities.
Recognition as a Scholar is an educational distinction and does not, by itself, confer ordination, clerical office, ecclesiastical rank, or authorization to exercise ministry on behalf of the Church of Thessaly.