Courses

An analytical and critical study of the phenomena, the conceptual patterns, and the sacred texts of some of the major Western religions. Each religion is studied as a total perspective for life, which is embodied in interpersonal and communal life, in cult, and in ideology. This course provides a general introduction to the study of world religions as well as an historical and structural survey of Judaism, Islam, Christianity and new religions in the West. The subject matter is approached from an emic anthropological standpoint—that is, the history, belief and practice of each religious group will be examined in detail, as if the student was living within that religious context.

An analytical and critical study of the phenomena, the conceptual patterns, and the sacred texts of some of the major Eastern religions. Each religion is studied as a total perspective for life, which is embodied in interpersonal and communal life, in cult, and in ideology. This course provides a general introduction to the study of world religions as well as an historical and structural survey of Animism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Sikhism. The subject matter is approached from an emic anthropological standpoint—that is, the history, belief and practice of each religious group will be examined in detail, as if the student was living within that religious context.

This course introduces basic concepts in missiology. Foundational notions from Old Testament and New Testament theology of missions are explored. As well, this course considers the rise and development of the missionary movement from apostolic times to the present. Issues arising from applied anthropology as it relates to cross-cultural communication are also developed. Special emphasis is given to discussion of important trends and select strategies in contemporary world mission.

A study of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible with special reference to introduction, exegesis, and history. Attention is given to their historical and theological significance for both Judaism and Christianity.

An introduction to the place, function, and form of the Psalms and wisdom literature within the context of other ancient Near Eastern literature, including an analysis of selected examples such as Job, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs.

The expansion of Christianity in the non-Western world from the first century to the present. Attention is given to critiquing those factors that hindered or enhanced the expansion of Christianity during specific eras.

An introduction to the theories and concepts utilized by sociologists to interpret religious behaviour and the organization of religion.

Students are invited to investigate some of the most significant theologians and theologies of the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries with a view toward how they influence Christianity today. The approach is both inter-confessional and international in scope and seeks to allow students to grapple with important theological issues in local, national, and global contexts.

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.