Theoria / θεωρία
[theh-o-REE-ah] | noun · Greek | G2335
1. a viewing, beholding; the act of looking upon or observing something
2. a sight, spectacle; something presented to view
3. later usage: contemplation; sustained or attentive consideration
The noun θεωρία (theōria) appears once in the New Testament, in Luke 23:48, where it describes the spectacle witnessed by the crowds gathered at the crucifixion. It is related to the Greek verb θεωρέω (theōreō), meaning “to look at,” “observe,” “behold,” or “perceive.”
NEW TESTAMENT OCCURRENCE · 1
LUKE 23:48 · NET
"And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts."
"καὶ πάντες οἱ συμπαραγενόμενοι ὄχλοι ἐπὶ τὴν θεωρίαν ταύτην, θεωρήσαντες τὰ γενόμενα, τύπτοντες τὰ στήθη ὑπέστρεφον."
θεωρίαν · theōrian · “spectacle”
In the wider Greek world, theoria developed a richer association with contemplation: sustained attention given to something in order to perceive and understand it more deeply. Within later Christian tradition, the word came to be associated particularly with contemplation of God and divine truth.
For us, Theoria expresses a way of approaching Scripture that brings careful study and spiritual attentiveness together. We learn to see what is there—to behold the text carefully, contemplate its meaning, and allow what we encounter to shape the way we live.
ENTER THE WORLD OF SCRIPTURE
Not Just Another Bible Study
Theoria is designed for people who want to learn not only what the Bible says, but how to read it well.
Go beyond simply receiving someone else’s interpretation. Learn to engage Scripture in its historical and literary context, ask better questions of the text, and discover how its theology takes shape within the larger biblical story.
The goal is not simply to know more, but to learn to see more clearly.
THE THEORIA APPROACH
Behold · Contemplate · Become
Theoria is more than a name. It describes the way we approach Scripture.
We behold the text carefully, learning to see what is there. We contemplate what it reveals, exploring its historical, literary, and theological dimensions. And we become shaped by what we encounter, allowing Scripture to move beyond information toward formation—to shape the way we think, live, and follow God.
THEORIA COURSES
Available Courses
Old Testament Overview
See the Old Testament with fresh eyes.
Deliverance Ministry
A biblical and practical approach to setting people free.
THREE WAYS TO LEARN
Find Your Place and Pace in Theoria
Not everyone learns in the same way. Some prefer the freedom to study independently, others learn best through conversation and community, and some want the opportunity to engage more deeply with the instructor. That’s why Theoria courses are offered in three ways—so you can choose not simply what you want to learn, but how you want to learn it.
ESSENTIALS
Learn at your own pace
For students who want to learn independently, with the freedom to watch each class when it works for their schedule
✓
On-demand access to every class
✓
Watch on your own schedule
✓
Revisit the teaching throughout the course
✓
Learn from anywhere
×
Live class access
×
Breakout discussions
Best for
Independent learners who value flexibility and are comfortable engaging with the course material on their own
COMMUNITY
Learn together
For students who want to experience the course live and process what they are learning in a consistent community of fellow students.
✓ Everything in Essentials
✓ Weekly live class access
✓ Breakout discussions during live classes
✓ Consistent study group throughout the course
✓ Peer discussion and study group interaction
× Direct access to the instructor
BEST FOR
Students who learn through conversation and shared discovery and want to build relationships with others who are exploring the same material
DIALOGUE
Learn with the instructor
For students who want to go beyond and engage directly with the instructor around the questions, ideas, and implications raised by the course
✓ Everything in Community
✓ Additional 20–30 minutes after each live class with direct access to the instructor
✓ Bring questions from your own study and reflection
✓ Engage with related research, and perspectives
LIMITED AVAILABILITY*
BEST FOR
Students who want deeper discussion, direct access to the instructor, and space to explore questions, research, and ideas beyond the course material
*
Dialogue groups are intentionally kept small to allow for meaningful interaction with the instructor and deeper conversation.
THEORIA INSTRUCTORS
Learn with experienced teachers
Theoria brings together instructors with distinct areas of scholarship, ministry, and experience, united by a shared commitment to careful engagement with Scripture and its formation of Christian life.
BILL GRIFFIN, PH.D.
Founder, Griffin Ministries
Five decades of biblical scholarship, teaching, and pastoral ministry, bringing ancient context and biblical theology together with the unseen realm and the intersection of heaven and earth.
RICH SCHMIDT, M.DIV.
Lead Bible Instructor, BSSM
Decades of pastoral ministry, church planting, and biblical teaching, bringing rigorous engagement with Scripture together with the work of the Holy Spirit and practical supernatural ministry.
ELIZABETH WONING, M.TH.
Co-Founder, CHANGED Movement
Teaching and theological study spanning New Testament theology, early Christianity, sexuality, and identity—exploring Scripture within its ancient world and tracing how its ideas have shaped the Church.
STAY CONNECTED
Continue the Conversation
Theoria is a growing platform, with new courses and instructors being added over time. Stay connected for course announcements, upcoming teaching, and opportunities to learn with our instructors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much time should I set aside each week?
The minimum commitment is simply to watch the weekly teaching. On-demand teaching will generally be around 60 minutes per week.
If you choose Community, allow approximately 90 minutes for the weekly live class, including breakout discussions.
Dialogue students should allow approximately two hours, including the additional 20–30 minutes with the instructor after class.
These times are approximate and may vary slightly from week to week.
2. Is there homework or required coursework?
The minimum requirement is to watch the weekly teaching.
There are no compulsory or graded assignments. Some courses may include suggested reading, reflection questions, exercises, or other learning activities for students who want to go deeper.
These are provided for your own learning and review rather than assessment.
Some courses may also include practical activities as part of the learning experience.
3. When are the live classes?
Live class times vary by course and are listed on each course page.
Dr. Bill Griffin's current classes meet on Tuesday at 10:00 AM and Thursday at 6:00 PM Pacific Time, depending on the course.
Live schedules for other instructors will be announced on their individual course pages.
4. What if I can't attend a live class?
That's okay. Community and Dialogue students have access to recordings of the teaching, normally available within 48 hours of the live class. Essentials students receive the same teaching on demand.
Live breakout discussions and Dialogue sessions are not reproduced on demand, so those experiences are available only when you participate live.
5. Do I need previous biblical or theological training?
No formal biblical or theological training is required. Theoria is designed for students who want to engage Scripture more deeply, whether they are beginning that journey or have been studying the Bible for years.
Individual courses may vary in depth and focus, and any specific prerequisites will be stated on the course page.
6. How do the study groups work?
Community and Dialogue students participate in consistent small groups during the live classes, providing space to discuss the teaching, exchange perspectives, and learn alongside the same group of students throughout the course.
Groups are also encouraged to connect outside of class if they wish to continue the conversation and build relationships with like-minded peers. Meeting outside class is entirely optional.
7. Where will I find recordings and course materials?
Student LoginYour course recordings and materials will be available through the Theoria learning platform. Teaching recordings are normally added within 48 hours of each live class, along with any notes, slides, or course-specific materials provided by the instructor.
Students will have access to their course for 12 months from enrollment.
8. What about books, and other resources mentioned in class?
Our instructors often mention books, articles, tools, and other materials for students who want to explore a subject further. Where possible, recommended materials will be collected in the Theoria Resources section so you can continue exploring beyond the course.
9. Can I take more than one course?
Yes. You can enroll in as many Theoria courses as your schedule allows, and you don't have to choose the same learning option for each one. You might join one course live through Community or Dialogue while taking another through Essentials on demand.
When taking multiple live courses, consider the weekly class times and any optional preparation when deciding what is manageable.
10. Will I have an opportunity to interact with the instructor?
Dialogue includes an additional 20–30 minutes after each live class for direct conversation with the instructor. This is a space to ask questions, explore ideas from the teaching, and bring insights from your own study, reading, or research into the discussion.
Community is primarily designed around peer interaction through breakout discussions and consistent study groups.
Opportunities for instructor Q&A during the regular live class may vary by course and session.
Still have a question?
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help with questions about courses, enrollment, or learning with Theoria.
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