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Year Course ID Course
2026-2027 RELS 383

Reason & Belief in God

A survey of central issues arising from the question, “Is belief in God rational?” Topics include arguments concerning the existence of God, religious pluralism, natural science and religious belief, religious language, and critiques of natural theology from Kierkegaard and Reformed Epistemology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of Philosophy or third-year standing
Cross-listed: PHIL 383
RELS 383

Reason and Belief in God

A survey of central issues arising from the question, “Is belief in God rational?” Topics include arguments concerning the existence of God, religious pluralism, natural science and religious belief, religious language, and critiques of natural theology from Kierkegaard and Reformed Epistemology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy or third year standing. (3-0; 3-0)
Cross-listed: PHIL 383
2025-2026 RELS 384

Contextualization & Culture

A study of the history of contextualization from biblical to modern times, exploring significant models and paradigms of prominent thinkers and evaluating these adaptations and innovations. Also, the social and spiritual dynamics of culture change are examined, with a view to analyzing those processes which help to make the Gospel relevant in the constantly changing world in which we live.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 384

Contextualization & Culture

A study of the history of contextualization from biblical to modern times, exploring significant models and paradigms of prominent thinkers and evaluating these adaptations and innovations. Also, the social and spiritual dynamics of culture change are examined, with a view to analyzing those processes which help to make the Gospel relevant in the constantly changing world in which we live.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111 or 112 or instructor’s consent
RELS 384

Religion, Contextualization, and Culture Change

A study of the history of contextualization from biblical to modern times, exploring significant models and paradigms of prominent thinkers and evaluating these adaptations and innovations. Also, the social and spiritual dynamics of culture change are examined, with a view to analyzing those processes which help to make the Gospel relevant in the constantly changing world in which we live.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111 or 112, or instructor’s consent.
2025-2026 RELS 385

Suffering & Belief in God

An examination of key issues pertaining to suffering and belief in God. Topics include the problem of evil, arguments from suffering, original sin, everlasting suffering, and providence.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 385

Suffering & Belief in God

An examination of key issues pertaining to suffering and belief in God. Topics include the problem of evil, arguments from suffering, original sin, everlasting suffering, and providence.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy or third-year standing
Cross-listed: PHIL 384
RELS 385

Suffering and Belief in God

An examination of key issues pertaining to suffering and belief in God. Topics include the problem of evil, arguments from suffering, original sin, everlasting suffering, and providence.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of philosophy or third year standing. (3-0; 3-0)
Cross-listed: PHIL 384
RELS 386

Global Theologies

This course seeks to extend the study of theology to the manner in which non-Western communities of Christians endeavour to shape their world by their faith. Special emphasis is given to examining Christology and Soteriology from a cross-cultural perspective and to the manner by which both Western and non-Western traditions may interact to enrich hermeneutics, missiology, and biblical and systematic theology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111 or 112, or instructor’s consent.
2025-2026 RELS 386

Global Theologies

This course seeks to extend the study of theology to the manner in which non-Western communities of Christians endeavour to shape their world by their faith. Special emphasis is given to examining Christology and Soteriology from a cross-cultural perspective and to the manner by which both Western and non-Western traditions may interact to enrich hermeneutics, missiology, and biblical and systematic theology.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 386

Global Theologies

This course seeks to extend the study of theology to the manner in which non-Western communities of Christians endeavour to shape their world by their faith. Special emphasis is given to examining Christology and Soteriology from a cross-cultural perspective and to the manner by which both Western and non-Western traditions may interact to enrich hermeneutics, missiology, and biblical and systematic theology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111 or 112 or instructor’s consent
RELS 387

Christian Theology in Ecumenical Dialogue

A survey and analysis of the main achievements of the ecumenical theological dialogue process among the Christian churches, and the significant challenges still facing that dialogue today. This course utilizes texts from Catholic, Protestant Evangelical, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican sources, and guest lecturers from Catholic, Evangelical, and Orthodox traditions.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 105 or 110 (3-0).
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2025-2026 RELS 387

Christian Theology in Ecumenical Dialogue

A survey and analysis of the main achievements of the ecumenical theological dialogue process among the Christian churches, and the significant challenges still facing that dialogue today. This course utilizes texts from Catholic, Protestant Evangelical, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican sources, and guest lecturers from Catholic, Evangelical, and Orthodox traditions.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2026-2027 RELS 387

Christian Theology in Ecumenical Dialogue

A survey and analysis of the main achievements of the ecumenical theological dialogue process among the Christian churches, and the significant challenges still facing that dialogue today. This course utilizes texts from Catholic, Protestant Evangelical, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican sources, and guest lecturers from Catholic, Evangelical, and Orthodox traditions.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 105 or 110
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2025-2026 RELS 388

Liturgy & Sacraments

Introduces students to the significance and variations of embodied engagements with the Christian mysteries. Drawing upon liturgical experience, sacramental engagement, and liturgical and sacramental theology, students will consider definitions of the sacramental, the role of particular sacraments, how the sacraments affect the experience of God, the pedagogical nature of liturgy, and the influence of liturgy and the sacraments both inside and outside of the Church.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2026-2027 RELS 388

Liturgy & Sacraments

Introduces students to the significance and variations of embodied engagements with the Christian mysteries. Drawing upon liturgical experience, sacramental engagement, and liturgical and sacramental theology, students will consider definitions of the sacramental, the role of particular sacraments, how the sacraments affect the experience of God, the pedagogical nature of liturgy, and the influence of liturgy and the sacraments both inside and outside of the Church.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 105 or 110 or instructor’s consent
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
RELS 388

Liturgy and Sacraments

IIntroduces students to the significance and variations of embodied engagements with the Christian mysteries. Drawing upon liturgical experience, sacramental engagement, and liturgical and sacramental theology, students will consider definitions of the sacramental, the role of particular sacraments, how the sacraments affect the experience of God, the pedagogical nature of liturgy, and the influence of liturgy and the sacraments both inside and outside of the Church.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 105 or 110 or instructor’s consent. (3-0)
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
RELS 395

Being in Christ: Christian Spiritual Traditions

An experience of Christian spiritual traditions through two primary ways of knowing: historical and archival as well as experiential and embodied. Students will investigate the history of Christian spiritual traditions in order to develop a foundational understanding of spirituality as practiced throughout Christian history, and will also learn to creatively apply their knowledge of spiritual practice to a life of “skillful Christian living.”

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third-year standing
2025-2026 RELS 395

Being in Christ: Christian Spiritual Traditions

An experience of Christian spiritual traditions through two primary ways of knowing: historical and archival as well as experiential and embodied. Students will investigate the history of Christian spiritual traditions in order to develop a foundational understanding of spirituality as practiced throughout Christian history, and will also learn to creatively apply their knowledge of spiritual practice to a life of “skillful Christian living.”

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 395

Being in Christ: Christian Spiritual Traditions

An experience of Christian spiritual traditions through two primary ways of knowing: historical and archival as well as experiential and embodied. Students will investigate the history of Christian spiritual traditions in order to develop a foundational understanding of spirituality as practiced throughout Christian history, and will also learn to creatively apply their knowledge of spiritual practice to a life of “skillful Christian living.”

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third-year standing
RELS 399

Catholic Spirituality in the Modern World

An analysis of the teachings on prayer and the devout life of Catholic spiritual writers whose teachings still enrich the life of the Church today: especially St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Bonaventure, St. Francis De Sales, St. Therese of Lisieux, and the Venerable John Henry Newman. This course includes an overview of controversial topics such as the rise of Centering Prayer, the New Age movement, and an analysis of the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and reflections on the Catholic Tradition of Spirituality from non-Catholic perspectives.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 105 or 110, or equivalent with instructor's permission. (3-0)
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2025-2026 RELS 399

Catholic Spirituality in the Modern World

An analysis of the teachings on prayer and the devout life of Catholic spiritual writers whose teachings still enrich the life of the Church today: especially St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Bonaventure, St. Francis De Sales, St. Therese of Lisieux, and the Venerable John Henry Newman. This course includes an overview of controversial topics such as the rise of Centering Prayer, the New Age movement, and an analysis of the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and reflections on the Catholic Tradition of Spirituality from non-Catholic perspectives.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
2026-2027 RELS 399

Catholic Spirituality in the Modern World

An analysis of the teachings on prayer and the devout life of Catholic spiritual writers whose teachings still enrich the life of the Church today: especially St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Bonaventure, St. Francis De Sales, St. Therese of Lisieux, and the Venerable John Henry Newman. This course includes an overview of controversial topics such as the rise of Centering Prayer, the New Age movement, and an analysis of the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and reflections on the Catholic Tradition of Spirituality from non-Catholic perspectives.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 105 or 110 or equivalent with instructor's consent
NB: Course taught at Catholic Pacific College, an approved TWU learning centre.
RELS 400

Directed Study

Independent but guided research in a specialized area of interest to the student.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Consent of department chair.
NB: Designates biblical content courses
2025-2026 RELS 400

Directed Study

Independent but guided research in a specialized area of interest to the student.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Designates biblical content courses.
2026-2027 RELS 400

Directed Study

Independent but guided research in a specialized area of interest to the student.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Consent of department chair
NB: Designates biblical content courses.
2025-2026 RELS 410

Scripture & Science

Examination of conceptions held by ancient cultures and the Bible of the origin, composition, and functioning of the cosmos, and the question of natural or supernatural causality. Students will critically evaluate current models of how Scripture relates to modern scientific knowledge. Using key biblical passages, students will construct a theological model that embraces not only the aspects of science and nature that support the idea of purpose (teleology) but also those aspects that do not readily align with teleology.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 RELS 410

Scripture & Science

Examination of conceptions held by ancient cultures and the Bible of the origin, composition, and functioning of the cosmos, and the question of natural or supernatural causality. Students will critically evaluate current models of how Scripture relates to modern scientific knowledge. Using key biblical passages, students will construct a theological model that embraces not only the aspects of science and nature that support the idea of purpose (teleology) but also those aspects that do not readily align with teleology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 112; 3 sem. hrs. of BIOL, BIOT, CHEM, GENV, GEOL, or PHYS; and third-year standing
Cross-listed: NATS 410
RELS 410

Scripture and Science

Examination of conceptions held by ancient cultures and the Bible of the origin, composition, and functioning of the cosmos, and the question of natural or supernatural causality. Students will critically evaluate current models of how Scripture relates to modern scientific knowledge. Using key biblical passages, students will construct a theological model that embraces not only the aspects of science and nature that support the idea of purpose (teleology) but also those aspects that do not readily align with teleology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 112; 3 sem. hrs. of BIOL, BIOT, CHEM, GENV, GEOL, or PHYS; and third-year standing.
Cross-listed: NATS 410
RELS 415

Intertestamental Literature

A study of the intertestamental Judaic literature, noting the relationships between this literature and the Old Testament and New Testament and showing how this literature serves as an important background for the study of the New Testament documents.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111, 112
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 RELS 415

Intertestamental Literature

A study of the intertestamental Judaic literature, noting the relationships between this literature and the Old Testament and New Testament and showing how this literature serves as an important background for the study of the New Testament documents.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 RELS 415

Intertestamental Literature

A study of the intertestamental Judaic literature, noting the relationships between this literature and the Old Testament and New Testament and showing how this literature serves as an important background for the study of the New Testament documents.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111, 112
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
RELS 423

Apocalyptic Literature

A study of the origin, form, and function of apocalyptic literature as well as important motifs and themes.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111, 112
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 RELS 423

Apocalyptic Literature

A study of the origin, form, and function of apocalyptic literature as well as important motifs and themes.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 RELS 423

Apocalyptic Literature

A study of the origin, form, and function of apocalyptic literature as well as important motifs and themes.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111, 112
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
RELS 425

Pauline Theology

A survey of the general contours of Paul's thinking and a closer examination of one particular aspect of his theology, such as the origins of his gospel, the problem of coherence and contingency, his apostleship, his missionary strategy, his Christology, or the theology of one of his letters.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 112
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 RELS 425

Pauline Theology

A survey of the general contours of Paul's thinking and a closer examination of one particular aspect of his theology, such as the origins of his gospel, the problem of coherence and contingency, his apostleship, his missionary strategy, his Christology, or the theology of one of his letters.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 RELS 425

Pauline Theology

A survey of the general contours of Paul's thinking and a closer examination of one particular aspect of his theology, such as the origins of his gospel, the problem of coherence and contingency, his apostleship, his missionary strategy, his Christology, or the theology of one of his letters.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 112
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
RELS 446

Hebrew Prophets

An introduction to the origin, function, and meaning of the Hebrew prophets through a survey of the prophetic writings of the Hebrew Bible, including a discussion of the relationship to the historical periods in which they were composed and their theological significance within Judaism and Christianity.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 RELS 446

Hebrew Prophets

An introduction to the origin, function, and meaning of the Hebrew prophets through a survey of the prophetic writings of the Hebrew Bible, including a discussion of the relationship to the historical periods in which they were composed and their theological significance within Judaism and Christianity.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 RELS 446

Hebrew Prophets

An introduction to the origin, function, and meaning of the Hebrew prophets through a survey of the prophetic writings of the Hebrew Bible, including a discussion of the relationship to the historical periods in which they were composed and their theological significance within Judaism and Christianity.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 RELS 448

Ancient Near East & the Old Testament

A study of selected ancient Near Eastern texts and their relevance for the exegesis of the Old Testament.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 RELS 448

Ancient Near East & the Old Testament

A study of selected ancient Near Eastern texts and their relevance for the exegesis of the Old Testament.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111, 112
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
RELS 448

Ancient Near East and the Old Testament

A study of selected ancient Near Eastern texts and their relevance for the exegesis of the Old Testament.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111, 112
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
RELS 449

Old Testament Seminar

This course is a study of selected topics that are currently under examination in the field of Old Testament studies.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111 and minimum third-year standing.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 RELS 449

Old Testament Seminar

This course is a study of selected topics that are currently under examination in the field of Old Testament studies.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 RELS 449

Old Testament Seminar

This course is a study of selected topics that are currently under examination in the field of Old Testament studies.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111 and minimum third-year standing
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 RELS 453

Synoptic Gospels & Acts

A study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, focusing on the gospel form and the message of the individual gospels in their historical context. In addition, the Acts of the Apostles is considered with a view to better understanding the Church's birth and expansion.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 RELS 453

Synoptic Gospels & Acts

A study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, focusing on the gospel form and the message of the individual gospels in their historical context. In addition, the Acts of the Apostles is considered with a view to better understanding the Church's birth and expansion.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
RELS 453

Synoptic Gospels and Acts

A study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, focusing on the gospel form and the message of the individual gospels in their historical context. In addition, the Acts of the Apostles is considered with a view to better understanding the Church's birth and expansion.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): RELS 111
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.