Building on the foundations, learning from history - all in pursuit of Christlikeness.

"Doctrine is not an affair of the tongue, but of the life; is not apprehended by the intellect and memory merely, like other branches of learning; but is received only when it possesses the whole soul, and finds its seat and habitation in the inmost recesses of the heart. ... To doctrine in which our religion is contained we have given the first place, since by it our salvation commences; but it must be transfused into the breast, and pass into the conduct, and so transform us into itself, as not to prove unfruitful." [Calvin - On the Christian Life I.4]
If the Foundations sessions constitute Theology That Sings'  'first year' course, then the Virtues sessions are what comes when you graduate! It's one thing to see the beauty of God's revelation in Christ, but how do we live that beauty out? How do we cultivate Christlikeness? The Book of Hebrews speaks about those whose faculties have been "trained by practice to distinguish good from evil" [Heb 5:14]. The Virtues course is where students will pay attention to what this means.

The ancient Church inherited from the ancient Greeks and Romans the idea of 'classical virtues' - of righteousness, courage, wisdom, and self-control. They saw in these virtues a certain amount of similarity with Godly traits outlined in Scripture, albeit with two key modifications. First, they added three higher, so-called 'theological virtues' - "Now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love" [1 Cor 13:13]. Second, the authors of Scripture grounded these virtues not in sinful human nature, but in Christ, the True Man - "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts [literally 'aretē' - the Gk word translated as 'virtue'] of him who called you" [1 Pet 2:9].

So in conversation with God's people throughout history, and in continuity with classical philosophy, we'll be asking a very simple question: How can we cultivate Christlikeness? How can we train ourselves in the shadow of Christ - in righteousness, courage, wisdom, self-control, faith, hope, and love?

This is a course like no other. What a second year to look forward to!

The TTS Virtues Course -
STARTING SUN 3RD MARCH 2019!!

[1] Where are the Virtues sessions held?

We are blessed to enjoy the hospitality of Gill Brown, who will be hosting the Virtues sessions at her house. Click here for directions.

[2] Who can attend the Virtues sessions?

Whereas everything else TTS offers is open to all, the Virtues course will only be available for those who have previously attended at least some of the Foundations sessions.

[3] How much does it cost to attend?

Absolutely nothing - we mean it when we say theology belongs to everyone! You shouldn't have to be wealthy to learn the deep things of God. You are, of course, free to support TTS by offering a donation - but you are just as free to attend, no strings attached.

[4] Where can I find notes from the Virtues sessions?

Detailed notes are uploaded to this website in full, and can be downloaded for free. You can find all Virtues notes by clicking here - note, however, that you'll need the site password to access the second year members page.

[5] What does the average Virtues session look like?

Sessions are led by Dr. Paylor, and are a mix of teaching and discussion. We stop regularly for questions and thoughts. Audio-visual aids are used as often as appropriate, but if you have any suggestions please don't hesitate to get in touch.

[6] I've completed the Foundations course. Where can I find the full set of notes?

As mentioned above, all those who have completed the Foundations course are classed as second year students. To access the complete set of Foundations notes you'll need to click here, using the site password to proceed. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you experience any problems with this.