A Study in the Supernatural
Christianity has a rich tradition of reflection on angels and demons. This tradition has spilled over into the popular imagination: we see them in novels and movies, flitting around as cute cherubs on Valentine's Day, or horrifically deformed at Halloween.
Our fascination with these supernatural beings may seem strange, especially since relatively little is said about them in Scripture. Indeed, in recent times they have been judged to be so far outside the scope of Scripture's story of salvation that even many Christians no longer believe in their existence, and few theologians discuss them. Among those who do, many do not think of them as having much to do with the affairs of everyday life.
In this course we will seek to avoid both extremes: that of an excessive fascination that renders them merely a part of our mythological scenery as well as that of dismissing them as irrelevant. We will take a historical look at the development of our notions of angels and demons, and then consider them philosophically and theologically. In the end, I hope to show that something essential is left out if we do not make space for these beings in our theology, even while we must remain ever humble about our positive assertions about their nature.
Schedule of Discussions
Week 1 Supernatural vs. Natural; The Role of Angels in Theology
Week 2 Angels and Demons in Scripture and Apocrypha
Week 3 Other Antecedents: Greek, Zoroastrian, General Pagan
Week 4 The Church Fathers
Week 5 Angelic Hierarchy
Week 6 The Angelic Nature
Week 7 The Case of Satan
Week 8 Angels at Work
April 4 - May 23, 2026
Saturdays 9:00 - 11:00 am CT
$400 / student
included in the membership package
Scholarships are available!
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Dr. Johnson uniquely combines his analytic thinking with his vast theological knowledge and his love for wonder and imagination to expand our view of reality and what is possible.
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Dr. Johnson’s 12-week online course “The Wisdom of Possibility: the Practice of Thinking Through the Imagination” offers up a virtual gourmet buffet for any person hungry to explore a deeply Christian and highly intelligent theological treatment of the creative impulse so central to human experience. Small class size, accessible readings, and robust interaction under Johnson’s keen grasp of the critical issues at stake together offer up a deeply satisfying immersion into the world of wondering about the world. For the price and the substance, there is no better value on the continuing-ed market.
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I thoroughly enjoyed this investigation into the Christian imagination! As an active musician and teacher, I have wondered about how the imagination works, how the mind uses both reason and imagination in concert to solve problems and invent new ideas. Junius took us deeply into these subjects, helping us discover philosophical truths, logical connections, and practical applications. I cannot “imagine” a more thoughtful and masterful teacher than Junius and would highly recommend this class. The readings were interesting and do-able, the discussions fascinating, and the content truly formative.
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I was already deeply into writing a trilogy of science fiction novels when I heard about Wisdom and Imagination. So, I was a little hesitant to detour. But, following the Lord’s prompting, I registered. I am ever so glad I obeyed! Junius Johnson’s genius in weaving together science, the arts and music has inspired me to even greater creativity. And his sound theological perspective has challenged me to expand my universe. I highly recommend this course to anyone desiring to bring our Creator’s creativity into their life, work and service.