Courses

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.

A critical survey of the teachings of Vatican I, Catholic social thought, Vatican II, Humanae Vitae, and recent papal encyclicals. This course evaluates the Catholic Church’s engagement with late modern global society and considers the challenges posed to the Church’s ongoing relevance in diverse social contexts.

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 principles of biblical interpretation used in both the Jewish and Christian traditions, including the application of these methods to the major literary genres of the Bible.

A study of the various eras of the history of the Hebrew people in the Old Testament period, including a survey of attempted historical reconstructions. Attention is given to such features as pre-history, nationalism, government, and social institutions.