Courses

An introduction to biblical hermeneutics focusing upon the significance of divine revelation, primarily as represented in the sacred scriptures of the New Covenant. Students will be exposed to general principles of textual interpretation, perspectives from contemporary theological hermeneutics, and several of the historical debates in the reception of biblical texts, particularly surrounding the ecumenical councils of the first eight centuries. Students will also be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of their presuppositions as readers, with an aim of engaging constructively in debates which continue to divide Christians.

This course comprises an introduction to Hellenistic (Koiné) Greek that is designed to prepare the student for reading the Greek New Testament with linguistic aptitude, as well as developing a cultural intelligence pertaining to the ancient people and history that gave rise to the biblical text. Students will explore and investigate linguistic theories and ideas related to the script, grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of the Greek New Testament, as well as evaluate and compare differences and similarities that exist between the Ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish cultures and our own contemporary culture.

An exegetical study of a selected Old Testament book.

An introduction to the grammar and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew, designed to prepare the student for serious study of the Hebrew Bible as an item of both ancient and ongoing cultural, historical, and theological significance.

An exegetical study of a selected New Testament book.

An exploration of the tasks and tools of Christian theology. Through engagement with key issues, students will interact with foundational questions, sources, and content of the Christian theological tradition with an aim of understanding its significance for Christian faith and life in the world today.

Every area of human life requires a solid theological foundation, consisting of both an informed understanding of Christian doctrine and the ability to view life through the lens of Christian commitment. By exploring three major foci of systematic theology—the doctrines of the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), the church (ecclesiology), and last things (eschatology)—in the light of Scripture, the theological heritage of the Church, and the contemporary context, this course seeks to develop the student’s expertise as a theologically informed Christian for the sake of their life and service to God.

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.