MASTER of ARTS RELIGION RTS VIRTUAL

MASTER of ARTS RELIGION RTS VIRTUAL

II Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who correctly handles the word of truth.

M A S T E R O F A R T S I N R E L I G I O N COURSE # COURSE TITLE CREDITS Church History (8 CREDITS) 0HT502 History of Christianity I 3 0HT504 History of Christianity II 3 0HT506 The Church and the World 2 Systematic Theology (16 CREDITS) 0ST508 Systematic Theology I 3 0ST516 Systematic Theology II 2 0ST522 Systematic Theology III 3 0ST504 Hist. of Phil. & Christian Thought 3 0ST528 Pastoral and Social Ethics 3 0ST530 Apologetics 2 Integrative Studies (12 CREDITS) 0CE750 Orientation Seminar 3 0ST502 Intro. to Theological Studies 3 0CE751 Integrative Thesis 3 0CE752 Integration Seminar 3 New Testament (8 CREDITS) 0NT512 Gospels and Acts 4 0NT520 Pauline Epistles 4 Old Testament (7 CREDITS) 0OT514 Judges through Poets 4 0OT516 Isaiah through Malachi 3 COURSE # COURSE TITLE CREDITS Electives (9 CREDITS) 0CE514 Educ. Ministry of the Church 2 0CE725 Disabilities and the Church 2 0ST605 English Puritan Theology 2 0OT508 Genesis through Joshua 3 0NT522 Hebrews through Revelation 3 0NT502 Greek I 3 0NT504 Greek II 3 0OT502 Hebrew I 3 0OT504 Hebrew II 3 0PT516 Pastoral Counseling 3 0PT699 Married Life 2 0ST620 C. S. Lewis 2 0ST751 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit 2 Total = 60 Credits virtual.rts.edu Most courses may be started at any time on an individual basis. Occasional online group classes are available for selected courses. Please consult our website for current and upcoming course listings and schedules. Additional courses for electives will be posted there as well. RTS Virtual 2101 Carmel Road Charlotte, NC 28226 Admissions: 704.366.4853 x232 Toll Free: 800.227.2013 distance.education@rts.edu

M A R MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGION RTS VIRTUAL COURSE GUIDE virtual.rts.edu

Pauline Epistles 0NT520 4 CREDITS Course participants are transported into the world and mind of Paul as they delve into his writings and learn more about his calling, theology, and passion for Christ and how these teachings can be applied to the needs of the church both in his day and ours. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees O L D T e s t a m e n t Judges through Poets 0OT514 4 CREDITs Presenting an overview of the literature, history and themes of Judges through Song of Solomon, this course gives attention to the relevance of those books for the church and world today. It is an exposition of two major portions of the Old Testament: the historical books and the wisdom literature. As such, it focuses on the historical periods of Israel s stay in the land of Canaan, the united and divided monarchies, and the destruction and subsequent exile of both Israel and Judah. In addition, it teaches students to consider the poetic writing of the Hebrews. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees Isaiah through Malachi 0OT516 3 CREDITs Continuing on through the rich tapestry of the Old Testament, this course provides an expository study of the message and times of the prophets that emphasizes themes such as the day of the Lord, judgment, restoration, promise and fulfillment, Messiah, kingdom and the new people of God. Students study the historical background, literary structure, and original meaning of the Old Testament prophetic books, as well as the relevance of the prophets to present-day life and thinking. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees M A R E L E C T I V E S Free Electives 9 CREDITs Students have the ability to customize their graduate theological education by choosing from any RTS course! They are encouraged to tailor their program to their interests by selecting from a wide array of subjects offered, including biblical languages, practical ministry, pastoral counseling, or biblical and theological studies. The entire purpose is to help students grow in their walk with our Lord and Savior! Required for MAR degree

I n t e g r a t i v e S t u d i e s Orientation Seminar 0CE750 3 CREDITs Orientation Seminar is the required, introductory, on-campus course for the Virtual Master of Arts degree via distance education. There will be review of distance education strategies, research methods for the thesis, advisement for career and focus of study, and overviews of the theological disciplines. Required for MAR degree Introduction to Theological Studies 0ST502 3 CREDITS An integration of biblical, theological, historical, and practical ministry studies within the Reformed tradition, this course gives students the ability to discuss theology within the Reformed tradition in creative ways appropriate for the church today. Topics include unity and diversity within Christian theology, theology as convictional life-stance, pastoral emphasis on theology, theological concerns, the Protestant view of Scripture, controversial affirmations, dangers of technical terms from the Bible, and many others. Required for MAR degree M A R Integrative Thesis 0CE751 3 CREDITs Writing the integrative thesis begins at the initial seminar. The student is assisted in defining a topic, which will be considered in light of each course. A bibliographic reading list is confirmed by professors and staff. The thesis will be a scholarly monograph that makes use of material from many courses in the program as well as independent research. Required for MAR degree Integration Seminar 0CE752 3 CREDITs This second one-week on-campus seminar will provide an opportunity for the student to present the integrative thesis and an instructional project plan to professors, peers, and staff. Critique and encouragement will be given, as well as an opportunity to respond to questions from faculty and others. Implications for church, vocations, and society will be discussed. Required for MAR degree N e w T e s t a m e n t Gospels and Acts 0NT512 4 CREDITS Emphasizing the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, this course will take students through the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and the continuation of Christ s ministry in Acts. Attention is given to each writer s literary art, theological teaching and pastoral purpose. Students will receive an analysis of the writer, the document, and the original audience as well as present-day applications. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees

W E L C O M E Welcome to Reformed Theological Seminary, Virtual Campus. Reformed Theological Seminary was founded over 40 years ago with a vision to equip God s people to serve the Church and advance His kingdom. From the beginning, RTS has been committed to providing seminary training for ministry rooted in the inerrant Word of God, and grounded in the principles of Reformed theology. The Virtual Campus is a part of that vision and was designed to make a seminary education available to men and women wherever they live. You can study church history, systematic theology, and biblical studies without leaving your home, ministry, or workplace. RTS Virtual offers biblical instruction for mind and heart through an innovative combination of interactive multimedia, distance education and local mentoring. RTS Virtual students take courses from our faculty of world-class professors through a variety of formats: recorded lectures of over 30 full RTS courses; course notebooks with carefully constructed guidance for each course; online courses provided in both live and playback modes; and intensive on-campus weekend seminars. M A R Master of Arts in Religion degree program The Virtual Campus offers students worldwide the Master of Arts in Religion, an accredited theological graduate degree, without leaving church, job or community. As much as 90% of the degree is earned through distance education, including completion of a thesis, plus two one-week on-campus seminars. Courses are required in church history, systematic theology, and biblical studies, with electives in these same departments plus Christian education, practical theology, and Greek and Hebrew language instruction. This is an interdisciplinary foundation for further academic study or Christian ministry in the church or on the mission field. The RTS Virtual Campus is accredited as a graduatelevel program by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Students begin to earn their seminary degree by applying for admissions at virtual.rts.edu, enrolling in their first course, ordering course materials, and completing assignments in four-month terms or less. Please read the following pages for the required course descriptions. Also, you will find a helpful chart on the last page of this brochure. For more details we invite you to visit virtual.rts.edu or call our admissions office at 800.227.2013.

C h u r c h H i s t o r y History of Christianity I 0HT502 3 CREDITS One reason to study church history is summed up in the quote, Those who have not learned the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat its failures. This marvelous story of the Church through the medieval period introduces persons, events, and factors that our Lord utilized to sustain the Church and to prepare it for the Reformation. Focusing on the lasting significance of this vital era will help prepare students to follow God s leading in life and ministry. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees History of Christianity II 0HT504 3 CREDITS Surveying the story of the Church during these incredible centuries gives reason to praise God for His faithfulness in preserving His Bride, the Church. This course will help students to understand and to explain significant influences that have shaped both the Church and society. This general introduction to the history of the Christian church concentrates on great leaders of the church, from John Calvin to the present. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees M A R The Church and the World 0HT506 2 CREDITS The message never changes, but to be effective in communicating the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ, our methodologies must constantly be reviewed. Surveying the history of the church with an eye toward application, this course examines the relationship of Christ and culture, and the impact of beliefs and trends. To develop an appropriate apologetical approach, students learn to interpret and respond to contemporary culture from a biblical perspective. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees S y s t e m a t i c T h e o l o g y Systematic Theology I: Scripture, Theology Proper and Anthropology 0ST508 3 CREDITS Students in this foundational systematic theology course consider the nature of the Bible and what that amazing book tells us about God. In the Bible, God has given us His own words. He identifies Himself in that book, telling us who He is; what He does; how He exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and how His sovereignty relates to our freedom and to evil. Supremely, He tells us about His dear Son, Jesus, who died so that our sins can be forgiven. These complex theological truths are essential, and shape our understanding of eternity, the world, and how we live. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees

Systematic Theology II: Ecclesiology and Sacraments 0ST516 2 CREDITS This course is an introduction to the doctrines of the church and the sacraments. Topics include the following: high and low views of the church, Simon Peter and the foundation of the church, the significance of Pentecost, Paul s metaphors for the church, qualifications for church officers, marks of the church, the covenant, baptism, and the Lord s Supper. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees Systematic Theology III: Christology, Soteriology and Eschatology 0ST522 3 CREDITs While providing a treasured occasion for students to comprehend the wonder and the tragedy of humanity, this course will enable one to grow in worship and awe of humanity s only Hope the Lord Jesus Christ. Students study the topics of Christology (Christ and His work), Soteriology (sin and salvation), and Eschatology (end times). Subtopics include the doctrine of the covenant, the doctrine of atonement, effectual calling, justification and adoption, sanctification, Christian liberty, the work and doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and Christ s return and future judgment. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees History of Philosophy and Christian Thought 0ST504 3 CREDITs Students wanting to be effective in understanding the times and our culture should take this course. Following a brief introduction to philosophical thinking, the course concentrates on major philosophical movements that have influenced history, along with principal developments in Christian doctrine and thought. Gain tools for evaluating culture from a biblical perspective in order to formulate a redemptive worldview. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees M A R Pastoral & Social Ethics 0ST528 3 CREDITs Today s ethical issues are not all found in a concordance, yet God s Word provides instruction that touches the most complex matters moral responsibility, bioethics, conscience, environment, war, the state, worship and more. This is an opportunity to explore the complexities of life s perplexing questions from a relevant and scripturally grounded perspective. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees Apologetics: Honest Answers to Honest Questions 0ST530 2 CREDITs God s existence, the problem of evil, the currents of modern and postmodern thought are most believers prepared to respond to issues with which Christians and non-christians interact? While learning how to defend the faith, course participants examine a variety of apologetic methodologies, and consider what Scripture teaches about knowledge and the process by which a non-christian comes to know Christ. Required for MAR & MDiv degrees

ATLANTA BOCA RATON CHARLOTTE JACKSON ORLANDO WASHINGTON DC VIRTUAL