Christian Studies and Ministry Major Courses
Required Major Courses
The Gospels
Examines historical background to the Gospels, the uniqueness of the genre and the content of the four Gospels with sensitivity to the particular theological emphasis of each of the evangelists.
Christian Thought I
Introduces basic theological categories traditionally included within Christian systematic theologies; Revelation, God, Christology (the doctrine of Christ) and Ecclesiology (the doctrine of the Church). Categories are approached from both a historical and contemporary perspective.
Biblical Book
An in-depth study of a particular Biblical book, varies from year to year.
Pentateuch
Survey of the theologically central documents of the Hebrew bible. Designed to acquaint students with the characters, concepts and events which lay the foundations for the Jewish, Christian (and in some cases, Muslim) religious traditions.
Christian Thought II
Promotes further reflection upon central Christian doctrines: pneumatology (the doctrine of the Holy Spirit); Anthropology (the doctrine of Humanity); Soteriology (the doctrine of salvation); and Eschatology (the doctrine of the last things).
World Religions
Studies different ways human beings, throughout time and around the globe, have expressed what they regard as basic problems and meanings of existence and how to deal with them. Provides tools to use in unlocking experiences central to several primitive, Oriental and Hebraic religious traditions. Lecture, slides, music, sacred texts, scholarly literature, and class discussion assists in relating personal experiences to themes of world's religions.
Christianity in a Pluralistic Society
Examine basic assumptions and beliefs of pluralism and Christianity. Investigate how worldviews interact, challenge, and confront one another. Study church history, modernity, post modernity, and Christianity and its liberal, evangelical, and conservative components.
Christian Ethics
Mixture of classics and contemporary writings selected through consultation with student. Studies various understanding of the relationship of faith to life in society. Explores major models for understanding the moral life.
Internship: Religion
Practical experience in major area of study. Arranged individually and taken after completion of major coursework.
Life and Thought of Paul
Examines the life of Paul in relation to his career and his epistles.
Comprehensive in Religion
Comprehensive in Religion capstone course that guides student in development of integrative projects that demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes.
Elective Courses (choose two):
- Youth Ministry
- Explorations of Personal Ministry
- Jewish-Christian Relations
- Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
- Liberation Theology
- Feminist and Womanist Theologies
- Origins of Christianity
- Introduction to New Testament Greek
- Issues in Science and Religion
- Non-Western Christianity
- Topics in Religious Thought
Recommended Course
Basic Issues in Philosophy
Introduces nature and purpose of philosophical reflection. Emphasis on questions concerning metaphysics, epistemology, religion, ethics and social/political philosophy. Students encouraged to develop their own ideas in dialogue with selected readings and other class members.
Full Degree Catalog