Courses

Surveys the development of the Christian Church from the late medieval period through to the early twenty-first century. Key topics include: the Protestant and Catholic Reformations; the Great Awakenings and the rise of modern Evangelicalism, Fundamentalism, and the growth of modern missionary movements, along with a consideration of significant individuals, changes in theology, institutions, devotional practices, gender roles, and attempts to engage and shape culture.

An introduction to some seminal figures in the Christian tradition. The course investigates their thought and intellectual contributions within their socio-political context and experience.

An introduction to the Fathers of the early Church. The course covers the Fathers from the latter half of the first century CE to the Orthodox writings of St. John of Damascene (ca. 750). Attention is paid to the historical and intellectual contexts within which the Fathers lived and taught, and special attention is given to each one’s unique theological contribution to the development of Christian Orthodoxy—both East and West.

This course is an examination and deeper understanding of Karl Barth's theology. Primary attention is given to the character, development, and significance of Barth's theology. The student also reads Karl Barth in the context of Christian thought.

How do Christians past and present relate to culture? Students are invited to examine some important aspects of Christianity's involvement in Western culture. Alternative models and historical examples of this involvement are considered as well as some specific current issues related to Christian cultural activity.

What is Worldview in relation to Theology? How does it influence us and others? Students are invited to explore the nature and scope of Christian worldview as we investigate some of the salient moments in the history of Christian worldview thinking and its contemporary expressions. We will inquire into implications of Christ's lordship for various spheres of life, such as politics, art, science and the environment. We investigate and develop personal responses to the challenges for a Christian worldview in today's pluralist society. Students are encouraged to analyze their own worldview in order to critically interact with a view toward understanding how it affects relationships in society and the world.

Investigates the theological implications of the historical development of the New Testament canon. Stress is laid upon the contextual reading of primary source evidence and its interpretation in important secondary source literature. New Testament canon development is explored as it relates to the Rule of Faith, the early councils, creeds, and the church fathers. These relationships are then investigated with a view toward how they influence our understanding of Scripture in the twenty-first century.

The principles of Hebrew exegesis are reviewed and applied to several examples of the genres found within the Old Testament.

Old Testament Seminar presupposes RELS 611 (or equivalent) and is offered every spring semester. Seminar topics are selected from the following: Old Testament Textual Criticism, Genesis, Exodus, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, Daniel, Psalms, Chronicles and the Rewritten Bible, Inner-Biblical Exegesis, History of the Hebrew Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Hebrew Bible, and Old Testament Theology. Among other things, students are asked to research and report on various aspects of the seminar topic. One of the purposes of the course is to acquaint students with current issues in the field and to encourage the development of critical thinking.