Graduate Course Descriptions

Transcription

1 Church History (CH) CH 7124 Church History 1 From the close of the Apostolic Age to the Reformation, A. D The Church and Roman Empire; development of theology and dogma; the church of the Middle Ages; doctrinal controversies and movements in religious life; the Renaissance. CH 7229 Church History 2 From the Reformation to present day. The forerunners, causes, progress, chief leaders and effects of the Reformation; the Counter-Reformation; Pietism and the Evangelical Revival; the Roman and Protestant Churches in the nineteenth century. Dissertation (DR) DR 9108 Dissertation Research This course will enable the student to conduct preliminary research for a dissertation proposal, to draw from bibliographical resources relevant to the proposed topic, to prepare for, and begin to write, the dissertation. English (EN) EN 5105 Academic Research & Writing Biblical and theological research strategies are explored with a view to academic analysis and writing with an emphasis on graduate and doctoral studies and communication skills in practical ministry contexts. Includes instruction in use of library materials, computerized databases, bibliographic resources, thesis topic selection, and proper form and style for papers and theses. New Testament (NT) NT 5101 Biblical Greek 1 For beginners in Greek language study. Study of the original language of the New Testament, including how it is written, word formation, sentence structure, vocabulary, and basic translation, with practice reading from the New Testament. Prescribed for students without knowledge of Greek. NT 5206 Biblical Greek 2 For students continuing in the study of New Testament Greek. Basic study in syntax and etymology of common New Testament words. Practice reading and basic exegetical exercises from the Greek New Testament. Prerequisite: NT

2 NT 5207 New Testament Introduction An examination of the content, canon, text, and interpretation of the New Testament, including an introduction to the language of the New Testament, its relation to antecedent and contemporary Greek, and its distinctive characteristics, studying Textual Criticism, and history of the Text, and giving an overview survey and basic content of each individual book and their contribution to the whole Bible. NT 5208 Biblical Hermeneutics A study of the principles of biblical interpretation from a historical-grammatical, contextual viewpoint with emphasis on the unity of scripture as the inspired history of redemption. The history of interpretation, interpretive principles, and contemporary issues of interpretation will be considered. Special attention will be given to the interpretation of the forms of biblical history, narrative, literature, law, poetry, prophecy, parables, and prophecy. NT 5231 Life of Christ A chronological and theological study of the Gospels accounts of Christ s birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The focus will be on the time, place, circumstances, and people involved in the events of our Lord s ministry as they all relate to the Old Testament motifs and biblical-theology of the history of redemption that come to fullness and consummation in the New Testament. NT 6113 The Gospels A study of the four Gospels and Acts, including Jewish backgrounds, the geography of the Holy Land, and the authorship, date, biblical theology, and history of these books. NT 6218 Acts and Pauline Epistles A study of apostolic history and a survey of the life of Paul, before and after conversion, his personal experiences, studying especially his missionary journeys and epistles in their witness to Christ. Gentile backgrounds, geography of the Mediterranean, and the authorship, date, biblical theology and history of these letters are covered. Includes exegetical study of the non-pauline epistles Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II & III John and Jude, the major themes of each book with discussion of structural features, historical setting, and theological emphasis, presenting the major themes and basic content and value of each individual book and their contribution to the whole Bible. NT 6232 Exposition of Romans An in-depth study of the epistle to the Romans that will consider the historical context and background, and that will focus on the logic, structure, theology, and language of Paul s presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. NT 7122 General Epistles and Revelation An exegetical study of Revelation, considering its major themes, structural features, historical setting, and theological emphasis, presenting its major themes and content as they correspond with the Old Testament. 68

3 NT 7133 Exposition of Hebrews Intensive, concentrated study of Hebrews with an emphasis on the exegetical task, theological exposition, biblical Greek, textual matters, and suggestions for application Authorship, date and provenance will be considered. NT 9101 New Testament Theology To complement student skills in exegesis, selected issues in the Biblical Theology of the New Testament will be examined, including the history of New Testament Biblical Theology and key biblical and systematic theologians, as well as the links with OT Biblical Theology. This will include evaluation of presuppositions and method with the goal of discovering and articulating a Biblical Theology of the New Testament. NT 9102 NT Hermeneutics & Exegetical Method This course explores advanced issues in New Testament hermeneutics and exegesis, including the role of the author and the reader in determining meaning, genre considerations, and critical methods relevant to the interpretation of the New Testament. Both and contemporary approaches are included. NT 9211 Advanced Greek Reading To enhance student skills in reading, translation, and exegesis of NT texts. Concentration will be on translating and reading select portions (or books) of the United Bible Society (UBS) text. NT 9212 Exegetical Seminar in John Intensive, concentrated study of John with an emphasis on the exegetical task, theological exposition, biblical Greek, textual matters, and suggestions for application NT 9213 Exegetical Seminar in Romans Intensive, concentrated study of Romans with an emphasis on the exegetical task, theological exposition, biblical Greek, textual matters, and suggestions for application NT 9214 Exegetical Seminar in Hebrews Intensive, concentrated study of Hebrews with an emphasis on the exegetical task, theological exposition, biblical Greek, textual matters, and suggestions for application Authorship, date and provenance will be considered. NT 9215 Exegetical Seminar in Revelation Intensive, concentrated study of Revelation with an emphasis on the exegetical task, theological exposition, the Old Testament background of allusions, echoes, and motifs, biblical Greek, textual matters, and suggestions for application towards teaching and preaching. 69

4 Old Testament (OT) OT 5102 Old Testament Introduction Old Testament Introduction is a study of issues such as the inspiration and canonicity of the Old Testament Scriptures. Included are the genuineness and authenticity of the Scriptures, touching upon writing and writing materials in the ancient world, especially with reference to the Hebrew language and the Hebrew Scriptures. An introduction to lower and higher criticism and its history is given, with special emphasis upon versions and translations of the text. OT 5103 Pentateuch Old Testament Books of the Law is a study of the contents of the five books of Moses, the Pentateuch, with an emphasis on providing a background for an understanding of the New Testament and Christianity. The focus is on the content of the five books, rather than upon issues covered in the course on OT Introduction. OT 6111 Biblical Hebrew 1 An introduction to Biblical Hebrew, during which the students will cover the fundamentals of Hebrew phonology and morphology, gain an introductory understanding of Hebrew grammar, develop a rudimentary vocabulary, and achieve an elementary ability to read Hebrew. OT 6112 Historical Books A survey of the books of Joshua, Judges, 1 &2 Samuel, 1 &2 Kings, Ruth, Esther, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and Ezra & Nehemiah to understand their theological perspectives during the periods of the conquest, the judges, the monarchy, and postexilic Israel. Issues of historiography, literary analysis, and Ancient Near Eastern background will also be covered. OT 6115 Historical and Geographical Studies of Israel An introduction to the geography, history, and archaeology of Israel. Course-work and assignments are completed in preparation for OT E05 Historical/Geographical Studies of Israel (before arrival in Israel). This work provides the necessary biblical background and regional introduction for the study-tour in Israel. OT 6216 Biblical Hebrew 2 Building on elementary Hebrew, the student will recognize features of weak verbs, develop a familiarity with the tools basic to the study of the Bible in Hebrew, continue learning a basic vocabulary for reading simple Hebrew, and begin translation and sightreading of easier Biblical passages. Prerequisite OT 6111 OT 7121 Poetical Books Old Testament Wisdom Literature is a study of the five books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. The goal is to study the theology and artistry of these profoundly beautiful books, while considering their role in the history of redemption. Poetics, the interpretation of wisdom poetry, and the role wisdom has in the life of believers and the church are also explored. 70

5 OT 7226 Prophetical Books A course designed to acquaint the student with the books of the Old Testament Prophets and to build a foundation for further in-depth study in the areas of eschatology, context, and socio-political issues of the times of the prophets. OT 7234 Exposition of Isaiah Intensive, concentrated study of Isaiah with an emphasis on the exegetical task, theological exposition, biblical Hebrew, textual matters, and suggestions for application OT 9103 Historical-Geography and Archaeology of Israel An introduction to the geography, history, and archaeology of Israel. Course-work and assignments are completed in preparation for OT 928 Historical and Geographical Tour of Israel. OT 9104 Old Testament Theology 1: Law/History To complement student skills in OT exegesis, selected issues in the Biblical Theology of the Old Testament Law and History books will be examined, as well as definition and method for discovering and articulating the theology of these books. This study will include consideration of the continuity of OT Theology with NT Theology. OT 9105 Old Testament Theology 2: Prophets/Wisdom To complement student skills in OT exegesis, selected issues in the Biblical Theology of the Old Testament Prophets and Wisdom books will be examined, as well as definition and method for discovering and articulating the theology of these books. This study will include consideration of the continuity of OT Theology with NT Theology. OT 9106 OT Hermeneutics & Exegetical Method This course will examine specific issues in Old Testament hermeneutics and exegesis. The balanced use of current literary-critical techniques such as poetics and rhetorical criticism in Old Testament exegesis will be investigated with a special emphasis on developing genre-specific hermeneutical principles. The relationship of the Old Testament to ancient interpretive materials such as the Septuagint, Targums, early rabbinic literature, and the historical materials of Josephus and Philo, their usefulness, and the principles of their use in Old Testament exegesis will be explored. The uses and limits of archaeology in illuminating and interpreting the Old Testament will be examined. OT 9216 Advanced Hebrew Reading To enhance student skills in reading, translation, and exegesis of OT texts. Concentration will be on translating and reading select portions (or books) of the Masoretic text (MT). OT 9217 Biblical and Targumic Aramaic The objectives of this course are to gain a competence in reading biblical Aramaic texts (esp. Daniel) and to be able to use the Targums as an exegetical tool for OT and NT texts. Emphasis will be on syntax and reading comprehension. 71

6 OT 9218 Exegetical Seminar in Genesis Intensive, concentrated study of Genesis with an emphasis on the exegetical task, theological exposition, biblical Hebrew, textual matters, and suggestions for application OT 9219 Exegetical Seminar in Deuteronomy Intensive, concentrated study of Deuteronomy with an emphasis on the exegetical task, theological exposition, biblical Hebrew, textual matters, and suggestions for application OT 9220 Exegetical Seminar in Isaiah Intensive, concentrated study of Isaiah with an emphasis on the exegetical task, theological exposition, biblical Hebrew, textual matters, and suggestions for application OT 9221 Exegetical Seminar in Psalms Intensive, concentrated study of Psalms with an emphasis on the exegetical task, theological exposition, biblical Hebrew, textual matters, and suggestions for application OT 9222 Historical and Geographical Israel Tour This course follows OT 927 Historical Geography and Archaeology of Israel. In Israel, students attend preparatory sessions designed to integrate assignments with daily field studies to understand the geography and culture of ancient Israel until the time of Christ. Project Research (PR) PR 8105 Project Methodology and Research An analysis of various types of research appropriate to the interests of Christian ministry, with attention to areas, resources, procedures, and requirements for Ministry Research Projects. Practical Theology (PT) PT 5210 Qualities of a Biblical Counselor The focus in this course is upon the counselor as a person, examining the characteristics that effective biblical counselors demonstrate, growing and developing as a counselor, and counseling from specific spiritual gifts and strengths. The course will examine the ethical concerns of the counselor and counseling process. PT 6217 Introduction to Biblical Counseling An introduction to the principles and practice of counseling from a biblical and theological perspective. The course covers principles, theories and techniques of Christian counseling and prepares the student for various types of counseling. 72

7 PT 6220 Biblical Counseling Problems In this course, biblical counseling principles and methodology will be applied to common counseling problems such as depression and anxiety. There will also be critical comparison with differing Christian and secular approaches to counseling these commonly encountered struggles. PT 7125 Marriage and Family Counseling This course will explore biblical foundations and approaches to counseling for marriage preparation as well as marriage and family concerns and problems. There will also be interaction with other counseling approaches so as to develop an ability to critically interact with the popular literature on the subject. The course will also touch upon the specific issues of divorce/remarriage, abuse, premarital relations, and the counseling of children. PT 7227 Biblical Missions A comprehensive survey of the Biblical basis of missions, the present day needs, the missionary imperative, unevangelized fields, and the Lord s return as related to missionary endeavor. PT 7228 Pastoral Theology Biblical basis of church government pastoral life and duties as they relate to his responsibilities and professional conduct; administration including administering the ordinances, conducting services and other specific ministries and concerns of the pastoral ministry. PT 7230 Addiction Counseling This course is designed to provide a biblical foundation for counseling with addictions and then apply those concepts specifically to sexual addictions, drug and alcohol, smoking, food and other common addictive struggles. It will critically interact with popular addictions theory to develop a biblically founded approach to understanding and working with addictions. PT 8103 Church and Parachurch Ministries The Church and Parachurch course is designed for those who are involved or interested in church and parachurch ministries in any setting. This course is relevant to all ministry contexts, providing a solid foundation in biblical and theological reflection, ministry philosophy, practical skills, and personal spiritual formation. Students can tailor much of this course to their unique needs and interests that will best equip them for fruitful ministry. PT 8106 Introduction and Theology of Biblical Counseling This course is designed to enlarge and reinforce the confidence of students in the sufficiency, superiority, and practicality of Scripture for dealing with all of the issues of life, and to convince students that the resources we have in Christ and His Word are not only sufficient for handling and solving all of the personal and interpersonal problems of life but superior to the resources that are found in the world. Emphasis is given to the 73

8 history, theology, and methods of the church s pastoral care of individuals, marriages, families, and congregations. PT 8107 Biblical Counseling Methodology This course focuses on the process of providing counseling from a biblical-theological perspective with interaction and evaluation of contemporary Christian and secular therapy approaches. Focus will be upon both the underlying philosophical foundations for counseling and upon the actual process of providing counseling. Case studies will be utilized to interact with approaches to actual counseling situations. PT 8108 Issues in Biblical Counseling In this course, biblical counseling principles and methodology will be applied to common counseling problems such as depression and anxiety. There will also be comparison with differing Christian and secular approaches to counseling these commonly encountered struggles. Specific problem areas covered will be selected with input from students and direct application through case studies will be a focus of the class. PT 8109 Marriage and Family Counseling This course will explore biblical foundations and approaches to counseling for marriage preparation as well as marriage and family concerns and problems. There will also be interaction with other counseling approaches so as to develop an ability to critically interact with the popular literature on the subject. The course will also touch upon the specific issues of divorce/remarriage, abuse, premarital relations, and the counseling of children. PT 8110 Addictions and Biblical Counseling This course is designed from a biblical worldview to deal with addictions: gender issues related to sexual addiction, marital affairs, pornography, homosexuality, and pedophilia. It will also cover the basics of substance abuse, alcoholism, smoking, food, as well as introduce the student to Biblical counseling methods to address these issues. PT 8111 Foundations in Christian Leadership This course examines biblical and theological themes that directly impact leadership practice. This course builds a theological and ethical foundation for the practice of leadership. Students learn to think theologically about theories, issues, and concepts drawn from the disciplines of leadership, education, and the social sciences. A framework for integrative thinking is developed. PT 8112 Spiritual Formation An exploration of the relevance of biblical teaching to all of the Christian life of vocation, family, work, mental health, spirituality, worship, and service in the church and world. Corresponding to discipleship, the focus will be on how to grow in apprenticeship to Christ as his ambassadors who are prayerfully growing in likeness to him. PT 8113 Christian Leadership The primary objective of this course is to help ministers understand the theory and to develop the skills for effective leadership in the church. Christian Leadership and 74

9 management will be explored in biblical, theological, philosophical, and methodological aspects. Various paradigms, philosophies, models, and strategies will be discussed with emphasis on Christian leadership development. Principles of organization, planning, delegation, and evaluation will be examined and discussed. The course also includes an internship component where knowledge and skills from the course must be implemented and practiced in a ministry context. PT 8114 Principles of Discipleship An introduction to a biblical life of discipleship and ministry that develops followers (disciples/apprentices) of Jesus Christ who seek to bring the gospel of Christ to all the world and to all of life. PT 8115 Developing Leadership Strategies This course provides a review of major personality and developmental theories and their potential application to leadership, education and discipleship. Course content includes an analysis of each theory s worldview assumptions, scientific worthiness and potential contribution to leadership and instruction. Systematic Theology (ST) ST 5104 Prolegomena and Bibliology Prolegomena: A study of the terminology, the necessity of theology, the possibility of theology, the methods of theology, and the disciplines of theology. Bibliology: A study of general and special revelation, theories of inspiration, the Bible as an objective propositional revelation, illumination, canonicity, authority, animation and preservation of the Scriptures. Theology Proper: a study of the knowledge of God, the doctrine of the trinity, and the works of God. ST 5209 Theology and Anthropology A study of God s creation of humans in his image, human personality, the fall into sin, and consideration of the creation and fall of angels. Includes Hamartiology: a study of the entrance of sin into the human race, its results, and its remedy.) ST 6114 Christology and Soteriology Christology: A study of the deity of Christ, the theophanies, incarnation, offices, kenosis, impeccability, sufferings and death, resurrection, ascension, present work, return, reign, and future work of Jesus Christ. Soteriology: a study of the redemption, reconciliation, and justification of sinners. Pneumatology: A study of the nature, ministries, manifestation, and spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit. ST 6219 Ecclesiology and Eschatology Ecclesiology: an in-depth study of the origin of the church, the church as an organism and organization, church offices, and the mission of the church. Eschatology: a detailed study of the biblical covenants as they correspond to the church-age, the return of Christ, the final judgment, the resurrection, and the eternal state. 75

10 ST 7123 Apologetics While exploring speculative and philosophical areas of apologetics, the focus is on the application of biblical apologetics. Diverse approaches to the apologetic task are also investigated. Consideration is given to a systematic, reasoned defense of the Christian faith in our contemporary context. With an emphasis on the credibility of biblical faith, topics include a critique of relativism and pluralism, tests for truth and fallacy, and a study of select issues in the history of apologetics. Theology (TH) TH 8101 Biblical Worldview for Ministry Worldview issues facing pastors and teachers will be studied in light of the Lordship of Christ over all of life principle, and the Cultural Mandate concept. A Christ centered approach that explores the relationship of the teaching of scripture to all of life. Discussion will be encouraged of worldviews and ethics in ministry, perspectives on history, political issues facing the church, economic issues and philosophies, and psychological issues related to worldview formation. TH 8102 Theology and Ministry This course explores how one s theology affects one s ministry through a study of ministerial activity and responsibility from a theological perspective. The biblical distinctives of the Reformed tradition are considered, as well as Christian apologetics, ethics, and historical theology as they affect the doctrine of the church. TH 8104 Biblical Theology An in-depth study of the history, principles, and practice of Biblical Theology, as well as a review of the diverse secondary literature. Emphasis will be on the biblical theology of the scripture, as it is traced through the entire history of redemption from creation to new creation. The perspective taken will be that of the unity and continuity of revelation in the gradual unfolding of the redemptive purposes of God in Christ. TH 9107 Comparative Theology of Major Denominations In this course students will be introduced to the theological positions of various major Christian denominations (Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutheranism, Anabaptism, Presbyterianism, Baptist Church, Methodism, Pentecostalism & Charismatic Movement, Fundamentalist Christianity, Dispensationalism, and Covenant Theology) and compare them with the Bible. TH 9109 Theology and Ministry This course explores how one s theology affects one s ministry through a study of ministerial activity and responsibility from a theological perspective. The biblical distinctives of the Reformed tradition are considered, as well as Christian apologetics, ethics, and historical theology as they affect the doctrine of the church. 76

11 TH 9110 Biblical Theology An in-depth study of the history, principles, and practice of Biblical Theology, as well as a review of the diverse secondary literature. Emphasis will be on the biblical theology of the scripture, as it is traced through the entire history of redemption from creation to new creation. The perspective taken will be that of the unity and continuity of revelation in the gradual unfolding of the redemptive purposes of God in Christ. TH 9223 Ancient Historical Theology This course will explore the post-apostolic period up to the early Medieval period (e.g., Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Athanasius, Jerome, Chrysostom, Augustine of Hippo). It covers the historical development of key doctrines, and heresies, by exploring major figures in the development of Christian orthodoxy (e.g., how Trinitarian and Christological positions developed in the ancient church in the formulation of the historic creeds, the canon). TH 9224 Reformation Historical Theology This course will explore the major historical controversies and developments that led to the Protestant Reformation, as well as the origins and development of Covenant Theology. It will also provide an analysis of the major figures (e.g., Tyndale, Luther, Melanchton, Calvin, Zwingli, Bucer) and events (e.g., Peasants War, 1530 Diet of Augsburg), and movements (late-medieval scholasticism; Anabaptism; confessionalization) of the Reformation. Students will be encouraged to link their research to the historical, theological and social contexts of the time. TH 9225 Biblical Ethics The purpose of this course is to examine the theoretical issues in developing a biblical view of Christian ethics followed by actual work on case studies in current ethical problems facing the church in modern culture. This will include exegetical and theological studies which will provide a framework for discussing individual ethical issues such as the social responsibility of Christians, racial reconciliation, modern technology, abortion and reproductive ethics, the Christian views of war, government, politics, and other issues. TH 9226 Biblical Apologetics The purpose of this course is to examine theoretical issues in developing a biblical view of Christian apologetics along with (1) an examination of specific case studies in the problem of evil, and (2) an examination of the apologetic methodology of at least one current Christian apologist. TH 9227 Theology of Biblical Counseling This course is designed to enlarge and reinforce the confidence of students in the sufficiency, superiority, and practicality of Scripture for dealing with all of the issues of life, and to convince students that the resources we have in Christ and His Word are not only sufficient for handling and solving all of the personal and interpersonal problems of life but superior to the resources that are found in the world. Emphasis is given to the 77

12 history, theology, and methods of the church s pastoral care of individuals, marriages, families, and congregations. TH 9228 Modern Historical Theology This course surveys the major historical figures and theological developments from the post-reformation era to the present. The concentration will be on contemporary debates (e.g., the many divergent theologies, Trinitarian and canon controversies, Evangelical responses to the theological fruits of historical critical hermeneutics (e.g., the Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy and ecumenicalism), as well as internal Evangelical debates [e.g., on justification]) Doctor of Theology Graduates with Professors 78