400 Division - Theological Studies

These courses present thorough coverage of the major doctrines of Christianity. Emphasis is placed on integrating the various doctrines into a coherent whole. The Bible is presented as the ultimate source of truth and the foundation for all theological inquiry. Students are provided an essential grounding in Old Testament and New Testament theology from a historical and biblical perspective.

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 

401 Introduction to Theology
A foreword to theology including an examination of the exegetically defensible supports for doctrine concerning the Holy Scriptures. Discussion will include an examination of historical issues, current issues and problems, including practical implications. 3 hours.

402 Trinitarianism
An examination of the exegetically defensible supports for doctrine concerning the Triune God. Discussion will include an examination of historical issues, current issues and problems, and practical implications. Integration with select related areas will occur as time permits. 3 hours

403 Angelology, Anthropology, Soteriology
An examination of the exegetically defensible supports for doctrine concerning angels, man, sin, and salvation. Discussion will include an examination of historical issues, current issues and problems, and practical implications. 3 hours

404 Ecclesiology and Eschatology 
An examination of the exegetically defensible supports for doctrine concerning the origin, purpose, and nature of the Church. Discussion will include a further examination of the purpose of the Church within the paradigms of biblical eschatology. The doctrine of the future will be examined from within the same framework, with special emphasis on alternate interpretive systems and their implications and on personal eschatology. 3 hours

408 Theology Seminar 
This capstone course addresses selected issues in theology. The seminar includes discussions and presentations of research. Prerequisites: 401-404. 2 hours

409 Independent Study in Theology 
Independent research on some aspect of theological studies not covered in required or elective courses. Credit is proportionate to the amount of research, but not to exceed four hours in one area of study. Research must reflect the historical development of a theological issue and begin with the earliest writers. Prerequisites: 401-404. 1-4 hours

APOLOGETICS

411 Apologetics 
This course is designed to be a basic introduction to the biblical, theological and philosophical foundations of Christian apologetics. Attention is given to the differences between Christian thought and select examples of non-Christian thought. There will also be considerable attention given to epistemology and examinations of various apologetic methodologies. It will examine some of the assorted challenges to Christian belief and provide a survey of resources for meeting those challenges with an emphasis of incorporating apologetics into the local church. 3 credits

413 Logic and Critical Thinking 
The study and practice of fundamental principles and procedures of logic. Attention is given to improper logic in formal and informal fallacies. 2 hours

414 Christianity and Science
A study of the relationship between science and theology, with special consideration of issues such as creation and evolution, the age of the universe, the worldwide flood, and the nature of time. 2 hours

415 Philosophy of Religion 
An introduction to the philosophical issues pertaining to the problems of God, evil, religious language, and experience as they relate to theological issues. 2 hours

416 Cults and World Religions 
An examination of history and theology of contemporary cults and world religions. The course focuses on an apologetic approach that confronts these alternative religious movements with the truth of Scripture. 3 hours

417 Christian Ethics 
This course is a study of methodology in Christian ethics, which includes its central concepts and its relation to broader theological and philosophical concerns. Attention is given to biblical, theological, and philosophical perspectives on select contemporary issues facing the church from such topics as abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, sexual ethics, divorce and remarriage, racism, material possessions, genetic engineering, environmental issues, war, and the Christian relation to society and the state. 3 credits

419 Philosophy for Understanding Theology 
This course surveys the basic areas of philosophy and highlights some of the most enduring philosophical questions that bear on Christian theology and the philosophy of religion. There will be some attention given to the primary readings of philosophers who have influenced the history of western thought and theological development. 2 hours

427 Advanced Christian Ethics 
This course is designed to be an in-depth look at a particular area of ethics or moral philosophy and its implication for the church and contemporary society. Prerequisite: 417. 3 credits

428 Ethical Theories 
This course is designed to be an in-depth look and analysis of various ethical theories and the development of Christian moral theory. Prerequisite: 417. 2 credits

HISTORICAL THEOLOGY

431 Early Church to the Reformation
Study of Christianity from the second century to the Reformation with special emphasis on the institutional expansion of the church as well as theological development in the church. 2 hours

432 The Reformation to the Modern Era
A study of Christianity in Europe and America since the Reformation with emphasis on the numerous influences that have shaped the current religious scene. 2 hours

THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

441 Biblical Theology of Prayer
A course designed to introduce the believer to the theology of prayer in the Bible and the practice of prayer in the life of the believer. The course is comprised of three major sections: preparation for prayer, patterns for prayer, and the practice of prayer. 3 hours

442 Biblical Theology of Leviticus/Hebrews
A biblical and theological attempt to articulate and develop the trajectories of the major theological themes of both Leviticus and Hebrews. Special emphasis is placed on the interrelationships between the two books and on application in the local church. Prerequisite: 101. 3 hours

445 Dying, Death & the Afterlife 
This course will deal with the key issues related to dying, death, and the afterlife. The topics covered will include an evaluation of the concepts of “out of body” experiences, annihilationism, reincarnation, limbo, purgatory, and a biblical critique of euthanasia and doctor assisted suicide. Special emphasis will be placed on the biblical presentation of heaven and hell. Prerequisite: 101. 2 hours

451 Thesis 
The student writes a scholarly thesis on a topic related to theology or apologetics. The thesis advisor must approve the thesis topic. Prerequisite: 593. 2 hours