2021-2022 Catalog 
    
    May 10, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions – All


 

Theology

  
  • THEO 330 - Introduction to Christian Ethics


    3 hours
    Same as PHIL 330 . UG
  
  • THEO 340 - Culture and the Christian


    3 hours
    The impact of popular culture on the worldview and value system of western society in general, and for Christians in particular, is examined. Attention will be given to the philosophical and theological underpinnings of popular culture and the ways these underpinnings affect shifts in thought across time. Focus will then shift to the methods culture uses to affect individual lifestyle choices. Connections will then be made to align faith commitments with moral choices. Special attention will be given to relevant biblical texts that offer direction for contemporary Christian lifestyles. UG
  
  • THEO 350 - Christian Love


    3 hours
    Using the love commandments as the cornerstone of a theology of love, this course will examine the place of love in the Christian life. Various aspects of love will be explored so that love for God, love for others, and love for self can be more fully understood and brought into harmony. The material will thus include a broad survey of theological and philosophical writings on love as well as an analysis of relevant biblical texts. Special emphasis will be placed on the expression of love in concrete situations. As such, the course will typically include a service learning unit. UG
  
  • THEO 351 - History of Christianity I


    3 hours
    A survey of the history of Christianity during the Patristic and Medieval periods. UG
  
  • THEO 352 - History of Christianity II


    3 hours
    A survey of the history of Christianity following the Reformation period. Emphasis will be placed upon modernity, the Wesleyan tradition, American religious history, and contemporary Christianity. UG
  
  • THEO 357 - History of Christianity III


    3 hours
    An examination of the movements, persons, and ideas that shaped religious history in America. UG
  
  • THEO 368 - Ancient and Modern Challenges to Orthodoxy


    3 hours
    Explores the theological challenges to orthodoxy in the ancient and modern church. The material will cover various aspects of theological debate in the early church, including confrontations with various Gnostic groups. The material will then cover modern theological challenges to orthodoxy, including the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Church of Latter Day Saints. UG
  
  • THEO 369 - The Early Church and the Scriptures


    3 hours
    Introduces the critical issues related to Biblical interpretation during the first five centuries of Christianity. Special attention will be paid to the controversy involving allegory and the development of the New Testament canon. The material will include a broad survey of the primary exegetical methods employed by the early church and engagement with the primary source material. UG
  
  • THEO 410 - Topics in Christian Theology


    3 hours
    A concentrated study of the work of one or more theologians, or of a particular theological issue or movement, or the theology of a particular era. Special attention will be given in this course to the meaning and implications of the person and work of Jesus Christ. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 201  and one course in Christian Theology (THEO 310  or THEO 320 ); or permission of the instructor. UG
  
  • THEO 421 - Theology of the Church Fathers


    3 hours
    The Church Fathers are often cited in modern theological writing, but they are often poorly understood. This course will examine the thought of prominent Christian authors through the first five centuries of the Christian church. Special attention will be given to the issues of creation, the Trinity, Christology, salvation, and ecclesiology. UG
  
  • THEO 426 - The Early Councils and Their Creeds


    3 hours
    The early Christian creeds and the first seven ecumenical councils played an important role in the historical development of Christian theology. This course will critically examine the key political and theological issues at stake during each council. The course will also pay significant attention to the ramifications and acceptance of each council and creed. UG
  
  • THEO 430 - Augustine


    3 hours
    This course is an introduction to the life and thought of St. Augustine of Hippo and his foundational role in the development of the theology of the Christian Church in the West. This course will give attention to his location in a transitional historical context and the ways Augustine reflects and influences the movement from the late Roman to Medieval world. Attention will also be given to considering implications for doing theology today. Same as PHIL 430. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310 . UG
  
  • THEO 431 - Ecclesiology


    3 hours
    This course is an inquiry into the meaning and nature of the church. Special attention will be given to the biblical metaphors and classical theological models with a view toward critically evaluating contemporary ecclesiastical models. UG
  
  • THEO 432 - Eschatology


    3 hours
    This course is an inquiry into the doctrine of eschatology and the eschatological nature of all of Christian theology.  Attention will be given to the biblical texts which inform Christian eschatology. We will also investigate theologies and secular historical systems which reveal strong Christian eschatological influences. Topics explored will include death, resurrection, immortality, millennialism, heaven, hell and the second coming. UG
  
  • THEO 435 - Theology in the Era of Reformation


    3 hours
    This course will explore theological development in the Reformation period giving attention to historical and theological context. Reading of primary source material will be emphasized. Study will be focused on key representative thinkers and the theological systems they both reflect and helped to shape. Attention will be given to the major streams of thought and development that emerge from the Reformation. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310 . UG
  
  • THEO 451 - Twentieth Century Theological Ethics


    3 hours
    A survey of Christian theological ethics in the twentieth century, focusing predominantly on Protestant thinkers. The relationship between theology and ethics will be analyzed throughout the course. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310  or permission of the instructor. UG
  
  • THEO 462 - Doctrine of Holiness


    3 hours
    An inquiry into the meaning and implications of the doctrine of holiness and, in particular, of the doctrine of entire sanctification or Christian perfection. This course will focus its attention on the witness of Scripture, the historic testimony of the Church (especially of the Wesleyan tradition), classical and contemporary modes of thought, and the meaning of this doctrine for the life of the student and the Church. To be taken the senior year, unless special permission is granted by the instructor. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310 , or permission of the instructor. UG
  
  • THEO 469 - Contemporary Issues in Theology


    3 hours
    This course will explore recent trends and current issues in Christian Theology, examining them in light of their faithfulness to Scripture, Christian tradition, and Christian practice. Attention will be given to their inner theological coherence and their impact on related Christian doctrines. Reading of primary source material will be emphasized. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310 . UG
  
  • THEO 473 - Christian Institutions


    3 hours
    A study of the history, polity, and missions program of a particular denomination. The student, in consultation with the professor, will reflect the denomination that will be the focus of the study. May, with permission, substitute for THEO 272 . UG
  
  • THEO 482 - Wesleyan-Holiness Theology


    3 hours
    An overview of Wesleyan theology and its roots in the thought of John Wesley. Special attention will be given to the development of distinctive doctrines within the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. UG
  
  • THEO 489 - Individual Reading and Research in Christian Theology


    1-4 hours
    Independent reading and research on a topic agreed upon by the instructor and of special interest to the student. Normally, such study involves a set of short papers and/or culminates in a research paper of substantial length. Prerequisite(s): THEO 310  or permission of the instructor. UG
  
  • THEO 582 - Wesleyan-Holiness Theology


    3 hours
    An overview of Wesleyan Theology and its roots in the thought of John Wesley. Special attention will be given to the development of distinctive doctorines within the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. UG
  
  • THEO 600 - Wesleyan Theology


    4 hours
    This course is a study of the theological tradition inaugurated by John Wesley.  The course focuses its attention on antecedents of the Wesleyan tradition, the theology of Wesley himself, the development of the tradition since Wesley’s time, and/or ideas of specific prominent thinkers that help elucidate Wesleyan doctrine. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 606 - Introduction to Theological Research


    3 hours
    After a broad sketch of the different forms of modern research, this course will focus on the types of research most common in theological and biblical studies. Guidance will be offered on preparing to write a thesis and how to formulate a proper thesis proposal. It will also introduce the student to a more effective use of the library, an understanding of the wide range of biblical and theological databases and how to use them, effective electronic searching, and the services offered by the library staff. Lastly, the course will direct the student to the proper format of a term paper or thesis using Turabian or SBL standards. GR
  
  • THEO 607 - Theology of Ministry


    3 hours
    Students in this course learn the significance of theologically informed patterns of ministry and pastoral leadership, and they develop their own models for ministry that are intelligent and theologically informed. Special attention is given to the issues of ecclesiology as they relate to theological leadership. GR
  
  • THEO 608 - World Religions


    3 hours
    This course is a theological and historical exploration of Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, Taoism, Judaism, Islam, and the relationship of Christianity to those religions. Course goals include 1) to set forth the essential characteristics and practices of the world’s great religions; 2) to disengage the essential differences between Christianity and the other world religions; and 3) to examine the Christian theological appraisal of other world religions. Thus, the course will enable the students to gain a deeper understanding of Christianity by listening to and observing other religious traditions as well as appraising the different major religious traditions of the world. GR
  
  • THEO 611 - Topics in Christian Theology


    3 hours
    This course is a concentrated study of the work of one or more theologians, or of a particular theological issue or movement, or the theology of a particular era. This course requires significant research and writing. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 612 - Philosophy and Ethics for Ministry


    3 hours
    This course will have two foci. First, students will grapple with problems in the philosophy of religion that have the greatest impact on Christian theology and the practice of ministry. Second, students will become acquainted with the various aspects of ethics, including the foundations and parameters of Christian ethics. This knowledge will then be applied to a number of notable issues and situations that call for moral deliberation. GR
  
  • THEO 613 - Systematic Theology


    3 hours
    This course is a systematic, analytical examination of Christian theology. GR
  
  • THEO 614 - 20th Century and Contemporary Theologies


    3 hours
    This course will survey Christian theological ethics in the twentieth century, predominantly Protestant ethics. The thought of key figures will be examined and discussed, noting the influences that shaped each thinker. Moreover, the relationship between theology and ethics will be analyzed throughout the course. GR
  
  • THEO 616 - History of Christianity I


    3 hours
    This course is a survey of the history of Christianity during the Patristic and Medieval periods. The development of the church (e.g., theologically, politically, organizationally, liturgically) from a minor, and sometimes persecuted religion in the Roman Empire to the dominant religion within Medieval Europe will be discussed. Special attention will also be given to developments within the Eastern branches of Christianity. Focus will also be given to the theological developments within Christianity, leading to the eve of the Reformation, and the intersection of Christianity with Judaism and Islam. This course will emphasize research and writing. GR
  
  • THEO 617 - History of Christianity II


    3 hours
    This course examines the development of the Christian tradition from the time of the Reformation to the present, with special attention to the confessional division of the western Christian tradition during the Reformation, and the responses that post-Reformation Christian traditions make to the secularization of Western culture. Another major theme will be the study of the pluralistic and global context of Christianity with attention to the growth of Christianity outside of the West. A special emphasis will be the revival traditions of Christianity. This course will emphasize research and writing. GR
  
  • THEO 621 - Early Church Fathers


    3 hours
    The Church Fathers are often cited in modern theological writing, but they are often poorly understood. This course will examine the thought of prominent Christian authors through the first five centuries of the Christian church. Special attention will be given to the issues of creation, the Trinity, Christology, salvation, and ecclesiology. This course will feature an active engagement with and critical assessment of the primary texts. GR
  
  • THEO 622 - Islamic Studies


    3 hours
    This course engages in the study of Islam as a textual tradition and practiced faith inscribed in history and particular cultural contexts. Surveys the ideals and practices of Islam across its history. Provides an introduction to the origin and history of the Islamic movement. Included are the ritual (worship), theological, philosophical, mystical, ethical and political dimensions of Islam with special attention given to Islam’s primary message and its implementation in the lives of Muslims. Special focus given to Muhammad, the Qur’an as revelation, the contemporary practice of the Islamic faith, Islam and power, contemporary manifestations of Islam, the rise of puritanical Islam and Islam’s relationship to Christianity and the West. GR
  
  • THEO 623 - Systematic Theology I


    3 hours
    This course is an introduction to the clear and coherent presentation of the faith of the Christian church. The course will discuss the classical Christian doctrines of the Christian faith including Revelation, God, Creation, Jesus Christ, Atonement, Salvation, Holy Spirit, Church, Sacrament, and Last Things. While concerned to present the classical thinking of the church, especially in its Protestant heritage, the course will also clearly note and sympathetically explain the distinctives of the Arminian/Wesleyan /Holiness tradition. In addition, this course will give attention to such methodological issues as the norms of theology, thinking theologically about the contemporary church and society, and the interconnectedness of the various doctrines and teachings of the Christian church. GR
  
  • THEO 624 - Systematic Theology II


    3 hours
    This course is a continuation of THEO 623 , Systematic Theology I. GR
  
  • THEO 625 - Philosophy of Religion


    3 hours
    This course is an analysis of the religious concepts and tenets that historically have been debated by philosophers. GR
  
  • THEO 626 - The Early Councils and Their Creeds


    3 hours
    The early Christian creeds and the first seven ecumenical councils played an important role in the historical development of Christian theology. This course will critically examine the key political and theological issues at stake during each council. The course will also pay significant attention to the ramifications and acceptance of each council and creed. Special attention will also be paid smaller regional councils, as well as primary text research. GR
  
  • THEO 627 - Philosophy for Theology


    3 hours
    This course is a study of philosophical topics, perspectives, and approaches that are particularly helpful to the study of theology. Particular attention will be given to issues such as the autonomy of reason, and theological understandings of the role of philosophy (and culture). This is not an introduction to philosophy or theology, which the student should have already taken. A previous course in the philosophy of religion would also be helpful, but it is not required. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 629 - Developing and Reproducing a Leadership Culture


    3 hours
    This course will explore the value systems and behaviors for developing a reproducing leadership culture within a specific ministry context. Exploring Ephesians 4:11 and Alan Hirsch’s APEST theory, students will locate pastoral leadership within the field of micro-multiplication of disciples and leaders within specified areas of ministry. By the end of the course, each student will have constructed a practically applicable leadership pipeline to be utilized in a current/projected ministry. In addition, each student will have identified apprentices within the current ministry setting for contextual implementation. GR
  
  • THEO 631 - Ecclesiology


    3 hours
    This course is an inquiry into the meaning and nature of the church. Special attention will be given to the biblical metaphors and classical theological models with a view toward critically evaluating contemporary ecclesiastical models. GR
  
  • THEO 632 - Eschatology


    3 hours
    This course is an inquiry into the doctrine of eschatology and the eschatological nature of all of Christian theology. Attention will be given to the biblical texts which inform Christian eschatology. We will also investigate theologies and secular historical systems which reveal strong Christian eschatological influences. Topics explored will include death, resurrection, immortality, millennialism, heaven, hell and the second coming. GR
  
  • THEO 645 - Old Testament Theology


    3 hours
    This course includes an examination of the Old Testament as Scripture of the Christian Church in order to hear and understand the biblical testimony to God and his revelatory and reconciling work in the world. The history of the discipline is discussed, including various methods of doing biblical theology, such as: themes and ideas, history of salvation, literary approaches, cultural and sociological methods, and the Bible as canon. The course also contains an in-depth study of the major theological themes of the Old Testament, including covenant, grace, faithful response to God, sin and accountability, holiness, and hope for the future, as well as a reflective analysis of the theological role of the Scripture for today amid various and shifting cultural concerns. This course requires significant research and writing and may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 646 - New Testament Theology


    3 hours
    This course includes an investigation of major themes of New Testament theology, the distinctive contributions of the biblical authors, and the issue of unity and diversity within the canon of the New Testament. This course requires significant research and writing and may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 648 - Missional Theology: Leadership and Praxis


    3 hours
    The objective of this course would be to offer a theologically informed missional hermeneutic derived from the meta-narrative of Scripture, the eschatological promises of Jesus, and the call of the ecclesia into the world, the field on which God’s redemptive purposes are being established. Once introduced to this missional hermeneutic, students would then be challenged to integrate this hermeneutic into a philosophy of missional leadership and articulate the possibilities within their current and particular contexts. GR
  
  • THEO 651 - Historic Christian Thought


    3 hours
    This course is a study of significant movements, epochs, and theologians selected from the formative periods of the life of the Church prior to the modern age. Among the possible subjects of specific study are the early Church, Eastern Orthodoxy, the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, James Arminius, and Jonathan Edwards. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 657 - Topics in History of Christianity


    3 hours
    This course is an examination of movements, persons, and ideas that have shaped the religious history and thought of Christianity. This course may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 664 - Augustine


    3 hours
    This course introduces the life of St. Augustine of Hippo and explores his foundational role in the development of the theology of the Christian church in the West. This course will give attention to his location in a transitional historical context and the ways Augustine reflects and influences the movement from the Roman to Medieval world. Attention will be given to considering implications for doing theology today. This course requires significant research and writing, and it may be repeated with a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 665 - Theology in the Era of the Reformation


    3 hours
    Theological development in the Reformation period, giving attention to historical and theological context, will be the focus of this course. Reading of primary source material will be emphasized. Study will center on key representative thinkers and the theological systems they both reflect and helped to shape. Attention will be given to the major streams of thought and development that led into and emerged from the Reformation. This course emphasizes research and writing, and it may be repeated under a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 672 - History, Missions and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene


    3 hours
    Three related topics are covered during this course: (1) a selective historical study of the world regions of the Church of the Nazarene, with primary emphasis upon the United States regions where independent holiness churches emerged and later united and organized to preach the message of entire sanctification as articulated by John Wesley and the American holiness movement with the vision to create a global holiness church. We also review the issues that shaped the church’s identity and the organizational structures that made global ministry possible; (2) a review of the World Mission program and a discussion of internationalization with a focus on the organizational changes that facilitated rapid growth in world areas during the end of the twentieth century with the resulting implications of becoming a global community; and (3) a concentrated examination of the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene, with focus on the government of the Church at its various administrative levels with the goal to help the student think through important issues relative to membership and ministry as well as to convey the practical rules and regulations that govern community life. Students study primary documents. GR
  
  • THEO 674 - Pastoral Care and Counseling


    3 hours
    This course will explore ministry with adolescents and their families. The lenses of social sciences, context, biblical concepts, and theological insight, will be utilized to determine the faithful action required for Kingdom focus. GR
  
  • THEO 682 - Wesleyan-Holiness Theology


    3 hours
    This course is an overview of Wesleyan theology and its roots in the thought of John Wesley. Special attention will be given to the development of distinctive doctrines within the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. GR
  
  • THEO 693 - Contemporary Issues in Theology


    3 hours
    This course explores recent trends and current issues in Christian Theology, examining them in light of their faithfulness to Scripture, Christian tradition and Christian practice. Attention will be given to their inner theological coherence and their impact on related Christian doctrines. A reading and research course which will give special emphasis to the critical examination of original documents. May be repeated under a different subtitle. GR
  
  • THEO 695 - Tutorial


    1 hour
    For each theology course in which the student is enrolled, there will be an associated tutorial.  The tutorial consists of personalized guidance from the teacher on the professional aspects of the subject, including such items as a deeper and more extensive reading of the academic literature in the area, detailed guidance for writing, and detailed critique of the research paper.  The purpose is to develop professional academic competence in theology.  This course may be repeated.  It is restricted to students in the MACT program. GR
  
  • THEO 696 - Thesis Research


    3 hours
    This course includes guided research on the student’s master’s thesis.  This is taken before the student enrolls in THEO 699 - Thesis .  The grade will be pass/fail.  It can be repeated.  Only open to MACT students. GR
  
  • THEO 699 - Thesis


    3 hours
    This requires the completion of a 50-75-page thesis, the subject of which must be approved by the student’s adviser and the Director of Graduate Studies for the School of Theology and Christian Ministry. This option demonstrates (1) the learner’s ability to design, execute, and report on independent research, and (2) the learner’s creative thinking, critical reflection, and writing ability. It culminates with the learner’s defense of the thesis. The School of Theology provides a detailed guide to the rules and regulations for the thesis, which is available from the Program Specialist. GR
 

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