Courses

This study of leadership in ministry emphasizes its biblical basis and its role in the church. Topics covered include decisions and difficulties in leadership, the relationship between personality and leadership style, and the tension between leading and serving.

A study of the nature and mission of the church from a global perspective, including an exploration of a theology of mission and evangelism; special attention will be given to the implications of this study for those who minister from a North American context.

This course offers an introduction to the church's ministry of education with an emphasis on organizing and staffing such a program. Topics covered include a study of the theology and history of Christian education and evaluation of a Christian education program.

This is a study of the life of Jesus based on the three Synoptic Gospels. Specific consideration will be given to the relationship between Jesus' teaching and action and His identity and purpose. Textual issues regarding the similarity and complementarity in the gospel accounts will be explored. The relationship between the Synoptics and the Gospel of John will receive minor consideration. 

This course is a study of the first five books of the Old Testament. By examining selected passages, students explore Israel's view of origins, the national genesis and early history, God's will for Israel and the world, and the regulations for worship. An emphasis is placed on the examination of the various forms of literature that are represented in the Pentateuch, especially in respect to their role in forming and communicating the central themes and concepts in the Pentateuch. 

This course examines selected passages from the prophets of Israel. It will display their unique styles and forms of these passages, their theological emphases, and their responses to the historical crises. Prerequisites: BIB 101 and 102 or permission of instructor.

A study of the letters of the Apostle to the Gentiles, this course explores Paul's thought in its context. Special attention will be given to recurring issues and theological themes in Paul's writing. 

This course provides an introduction to the main themes of Christian theology from both systematic and biblical perspectives. Areas of exploration will include the doctrines of God, creation, humanity, revelation, redemption, church, and last things. In addition to offering a survey of the major tenets of the Christian faith, this course seeks to encourage inquiry about the nature of Christian faith and helps students develop their abilities to think and express themselves theologically. This course will include a lab for exploring spiritual disciplines and practices as they connect to the study of theology.

This study will focus on Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, giving attention to the origins, development, literature, and belief systems of these religions. Issues of inter-religious dialogue will be examined.

This study will focus on Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, giving attention to the origins, development, literature, and belief systems of these religions. Issues of inter-religious dialogue will be examined.

The student develops an understanding of what it means to have knowledge and to believe and live rationally. This understanding is applied to belief in God as students explore direct ways of knowing, theistic and Christian arguments, challenges to theistic and Christian belief, and resources for responding to these challenges. Students from every religious background are welcome, including those who are seeking, doubting, disinterested and the non-religious.

This course is a philosophical analysis of religious belief. Students will analyze a selection of the following issues: faith and reason, religious language, divine omniscience, divine omnipotence, divine goodness, petitionary prayer, miracles, divine immutability, arguments for and against God's existence, and personal immortality.