
Institute for Theology & Public Life
The Institute for Theology and Public Life (ITPL) at RTS Washington prepares students and community members theologically to exercise responsibility in their callings related to public life. ITPL offers events, elective courses, and a certificate program through which participants…
-
Discern theological principles relevant to issues in public life.
-
Develop a perspective on public life informed by the multiple spheres of responsibility entailed in the cultural mandate.
-
Consider the challenges of increasing pluralism and how to commend biblical truth about how God has made the world for its flourishing and sound reason about the implications of that truth.
-
Consider the ways that spiritual formation in the covenantal community of the church shapes a practical public theology through teaching, ministry life, prayer, and anticipation of the Spirit’s work in common grace.

Certificate Program
ITPL courses are open to degree-seeking students as electives or to non-degree students as a part of a certificate program. Those pursuing the Theology and Public Life certificate take 12 credits of coursework, with the following requirements:
-
Systematic Theology I: Scripture, Theology, Anthropology (3 credits)*
-
Foundations of Theology & Public Life (3 credits)
-
Apologetics (2 credits)
-
ITPL Electives (4 credits total)
*Systematic Theology I (typically offered in the fall) is strongly recommended in advance of Foundations of Theology and Public Life (typically offered in the spring).