A study of the biblical story of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation, and how this authoritatively informs our understanding of God, others, and ourselves, specifically in regard to bearing God's image, sex and marriage, and pursuing God's call upon our lives as citizens of his kingdom.

This course examines the basic issues in biblical hermeneutics, including the nature of historical-grammatical interpretation, genre analysis, historical and cultural background, literary analysis, and application. This course examines what it means for humans to have God's word inscripturated into language.

This course focuses on the content of the Old Testament and introduces methods for studying the Bible. Particular attention is paid to learning the various genres of the Old Testament and to the introduction of critical issues for biblical studies. Alongside the coverage of the biblical narrative, the students will study major historical and cultural developments in the ancient near east that cast light on the Old Testament.

This course focuses on the content of the Old Testament and introduces methods for studying the Bible. Particular attention is paid to learning the various genres of the Old Testament and to the introduction of critical issues for biblical studies. Alongside the coverage of the biblical narrative, the students will study major historical and cultural developments in the ancient near east that cast light on the Old Testament. Critical thinking and research skills are introduced.

New Testament Literature continues the purposes of Old Testament Literature and Biblical Hermeneutics: to integrate a Christian worldview with Bible study and scripture. In this course, the student will continue to learn how to read the Bible, while studying the inter-testamental period and the New Testament.

An introduction to world religions including their historical developments, beliefs, and practices. The course takes an empathetic approach to religion, understanding and appreciating religion as a response to the question of human existence. The religions studied include, but are not limited to, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and East Asian religions. Special attention is given to the similarities and differences among world religions.

A general introduction to the Bible and the principles of biblical interpretation.

An analysis of the epistle to the Ephesians designed to put into practice the inductive study skills learned in REL-228. The course reviews background, theme and analytical study of the epistle to understand and apply principles that are relevant in ministry leadership.

An introduction to various methods of Bible study. Emphasis is placed upon inductive study with the intent to provide a method by which ministry leaders become independent students of Scripture. The inductive method is applied to various literary genres of both the Old and New Testaments.

A study of the history of redemption from Adam to Moses as set forth in the Pentateuch. Special attention is given to God's purposes in the call of Abraham and the establishment of the Mosaic economy.

A study of the four Gospels including their backgrounds, themes, outlines and distinguishing features, distinctive portrayals of Christ and His life and ministry as set forth in the Gospel of Mark.

A study of the basic principles of biblical interpretation. Emphasis is placed upon the cultural, historical, grammatical and theological method of interpretation. The application of these principles is drawn specifically from the Old Testament scriptures. The course is designed to provide ministry leaders with a method to properly interpret the Bible.

A survey of the writings of Paul including backgrounds, themes, outlines and distinguishing features with special attention given to the book of Romans.

An introductory survey of the Old Testament books of wisdom including a study of major themes, characteristics of Hebrew poetry and principles that can be applied to Christian living.

This course focuses on the content of the New Testament and continues developing methods for studying the Bible. Particular attention is paid to the various genres of the New Testament while introducing critical issues for biblical studies. Major historical and cultural developments in the Mediterranean area of the Hellenistic period are surveyed. Work will continue on critical thinking and research skills.

A study of the basic principles of biblical interpretation. Special emphasis is given to the method of reading Scripture through a range of New Testament texts. Aspects of this method include attention to cultural, historical, grammatical and theological interpretation.

A systematic study of the basic biblical doctrines of Christianity including revelation, God, humanity, Christ and sin. The course reviews relevant Bible passages and emphasizes the practical application of biblical teachings in Christian living.

An overview of the Old Testament from Genesis to Job, noting its historical perspective and spiritual application.

An overview of the Old Testament from Proverbs to Malachi, noting its historical perspective and spiritual application.

An overview of the New Testament Scriptures, Matthew-Acts, guiding one to understand the historical and biblical context of the New Testament.

A study of contemporary issues from a biblical perspective. Particular emphasis is given to the way in which systemic study of the Bible can provide a basis for addressing issues as part of a Christian worldview.

An overview of the Pauline Letters, General Epistles, and Revelation, guiding one to understand the historical and biblical context of the New Testament.

An overview of the history of American religion. Concentrates on Roman Catholicism, primary Protestant denominations, and indigenous cults via a social-historical approach that includes the analysis of major theological tenets and distinctives as well as ecclesiological structures.

A study of the history of redemption from Adam to Moses as set forth in the Pentateuch. Special attention is given to God's purposes in the call of Abraham and the establishment of the Mosaic economy.

An analysis of the form and content of the books of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and of a number of Egyptian and Mesopotamian texts. The course explores wisdom's worldview and how wisdom literature deals with the issue of theodicy.

An analysis of the form and content of the Old Testament prophets. The course contextualizes Old Testament prophecy within its Ancient Near Eastern background. Attention is paid to early prophetic traditions, the role of the monarchical prophets in the formation of Israel as a state, the emergence of the prophets in the eighth century BCE, and their continued function into the post-exilic period. Special attention is given to the role of social justice and the prophets.

An analysis of the writings of Paul for the purposes of constructing a Pauline theology on such doctrines as man, redemption, incarnation, the church, and last things.

A synthetic study of the General Epistles from Hebrews through Jude. Places particular emphasis on the ethical contributions of James and the basic motifs of the Johannine and Petrine epistles.

An examination of the historical and religious significance of Khirbet Qumran and the literary materials recovered near the Dead Sea, including Qumran, Murabba'at, Nahal Hever, and others. The study will be situated in the religio-historical setting of the Levant from 586 BCE - 70 CE. Attention will be given to a range of issues arising from the materials, such as paleography, textual criticism of Jewish biblical and non-biblical writings, changing political landscapes, and religious developments in Judaism vis-a-vis Hellenism and Zoroastrianism.

A study of the four Gospels, including their backgrounds, themes, outlines and distinguishing features, and distinctive portraits of Christ, as well as a study of the life and ministry of Christ as set forth in the Gospel of Mark.

A study tour in Israel that combines travel with lectures and relevant readings. Site visits throughout the country will focus on historical geography, archaeology, and the relationship between the land and the biblical stories attested in the Old and New Testaments. The trip also will provide context to understand the modern Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A systematic study of the basic biblical doctrines of Christianity including the Holy Spirit, the Church, salvation and end times. The course reviews relevant Bible passages and emphasizes the practical application of biblical teachings in Christian living.

A study of the major doctrines of Christianity. Consideration is given both to the biblical bases and the historical contexts out of which these beliefs were fashioned. The course also traces key developments in the history of Christianity that help explain the diversity of beliefs and practices among various Christian traditions.

A biblical, historical, and systematic treatment of four theological topics: the doctrine of revelation, theology proper, anthropology and Christology. The relevance of these topics to the student's personal life, the corporate life of the Church, and the cultural milieu is emphasized.

A biblical, historical, and systematic treatment of the remaining theological topics: pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. Like REL-354, the course emphasizes both orthodoxy and orthopraxy.

A study of the periods of Israel's history from the Patriarchs to the Restoration in relation to the surrounding nations of the Near East and the unfolding theological revelation of these periods centered in the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic institutions, Israel's response of apostasy and formalism, and the prophetic reactions to that defection.

The inter-testamental period is considered in its historical development as a bridge to the New Testament era. The New Testament is set in its historical, political, cultural, social, economic and religious environments. Considers the major biblical theological themes that emerge from the New Testament in their historical development and presentation.

Practical field experience in a ministry context designed to help the student develop ministry skills and to clarify the student's sense of vocation.

An analysis of the major philosophical problems of religion in the twenty-first century. Emphasis is placed on the problem of religious knowledge in relation to faith and reason, traditional arguments for the existence of God, and contemporary difficulties of religious language and verification.

A study of the history, culture, and religions of the Ancient Near East (3500-323 BC). This class examines the main people groups of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant (Canaan/Israel) with special attention to shared cultural elements, the development of writing, and distinguishing characteristics and events. The class studies key primary texts (in English translation) of different genres while presenting a synthesis of prevalent ideologies. There will also be an introduction to scholarly methods for studying the textual and material finds that form the basis for historical reconstruction.

An examination of Judges in its historical context. Particular attention will be given to Hebrew narrative, the tribal system and societal structure in ancient Israel, Israelite religion, and various interpretative methodologies. The seminar will help students develop competency in research, Hebrew word studies, archaeological interpretation, and historical geography.

This course explores ancient Israel's expression of faith in different seasons and aspects of life. Students will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of psalms by analyzing the form and content of a variety of psalms.

A study of the historical, literary, and theological features of the Book of Revelation and the various schools of its interpretation. The course will examine various examples of apocalyptic literature as they inform our understanding of Revelation.

This course on Romans is built upon the hermeneutical and biblical literature courses. The seminar aims to develop the student's ability to grasp the textual content and application of this important book of the Bible. Emphasis is on the analytical and textual work of the student supplemented by the insight of the professor.

Prepares students to meet a variety of current challenges to the credibility of the Christian faith. The course introduces the major types of apologetic methods, considers several arguments against the truth of Christianity and provides resources to rebut those arguments. It also enables students to give positive reasons for why they believe the Christian story.

A capstone experience that helps students envision how they might contribute to fulfilling God's purpose in the world. Specific attention will be given to the topics of calling, career, decision making, and personal finance. Students will assemble a portfolio of a variety of materials to assist them in formulating next steps after graduation.

Guided readings and reports in the student's areas of interest and need.

Formal class dependent upon student demand and interest of the professor. May deal with particular issues of Christian theology, religious epistemology, modern religious thought, or the writings of a particular theologian or religious thinker. May deal with a particular biblical book or issues of interpretation and methodology.

Consult with division chair concerning possible studies.