Vienna is on the move: Theological courses are booming after Corona!

Vienna is on the move: Theological courses are booming after Corona!

Adult education in Vienna is experiencing an upswing that cannot be overlooked. The Viennese adult education institution “Theological Courses” is pleased about increasing numbers of participants and a growing interest in religious and theological topics. Head Erhard Lesacher reveals that in 2024 there were around 6,500 participants in a total of 550 courses and lectures. A remarkable increase, which he attributes primarily to the period after the corona pandemic, in which many people
seek meaning and a deeper understanding of questions of faith.

The focus is particularly on the “Theology Course”, which produced around 100 graduates last year, after around 90 the year before. The location for the theological correspondence course has also changed: From now on it will take place in the “House of Women” in St. Johann near Herberstein. Here, participants can expect a comprehensive course over four semesters - or five in the correspondence course - which aims to promote a deep examination of the Christian faith.

Innovative online offers

In the course of digitalization, the institution has expanded its range of courses. Even for those who cannot come in person, there is now a new online channel that is accessible throughout Austria. In addition to synchronous courses that are offered live, asynchronous courses are now also available, which enable participants to learn regardless of time and place. These new formats, such as “Basic Info Christianity” and “Faith with Heart & Brain”, aim to create easy access to theological content.

• Basisinfo Christentum: 2 Module mit je 4 Lektionen und 2 Online-Meetings. Ideal für Nicht- und Andersglaubende.
• Glauben mit Herz & Hirn: 8 Module mit je drei asynchronen Einheiten und einem Online-Meeting, geeignet für religiös Interessierte und Skeptiker.

The entire course program can be easily viewed on the Theological Courses website. It is also possible to register for the online courses, with the next round of courses starting in the fall semester of 2025/26 starting on September 1st. Anyone who would like to join in spring 2026 can do so from February 2nd.

Insight into the course content

From dogmatic fundamentals to biblical hermeneutics to pastoral care and psychology – the range of topics in the courses is large and appeals to a wide range of interests. Participants can take courses in Greek, Hebrew or how to communicate the gospel, among other things. This opens up the opportunity not only for believers, but also for anyone interested, to deepen their own knowledge and gain new perspectives.

The public lecture program of the “Akademie am Dom” opens on October 22nd with a lecture by Fr. Andreas Batlogg and culminates with another lecture by Claudia Paganini on November 12th. The lectures not only invite you to listen, but also offer lively opportunities for discussion that promote discussion of questions of faith.

In summary, it can be said that the “theological courses” are not only very popular with the participants, but also offer a modern approach to teaching theological content. The institution seems to have a good knack for combining contemporary education with spiritual debate and thus making a valuable contribution to religious education in Vienna.

For more information, visit the theological courses websites: katholisch.at, forumkeb.at and tsc.education.