This course serves as an introduction to graduate theological education at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. It prepares students for the rigors of graduate scholarship by honing the skills of graduate research, reading and writing. This course is generally required for resident students within the first semester and must be completed by all students, with the exception of Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling students, within the first 15 credits of enrollment.

This course serves as an introduction to graduate theological education at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary for students enrolled in the Urban Cohort program: Master of Arts in biblical studies (MABS) and Master of Arts in ministry leadership (MAML). It prepares students for the rigors of graduate research, reading and writing. This course is generally required during the first semester of enrollment but mandatory within the first 15 credits of enrollment.

The church from the close of the New Testament canon through Augustine in the West and the council of Chalcedon in the East.

The medieval church, primarily in the West, from Augustine through the forerunners of the Reformation.

The reformation and post-reformation church from Martin Luther to early 18th century.

The modern church from the early 18th century to the present.

This course introduces and practices a metanarrative for doing theology. The biblical narratives and propositions are heard in the context of the story that begins with creation, is centered in Jesus' first coming and reaches its culmination in the new heavens and earth. The doctrines of the Scriptures and God are studied, and the foundation is laid for THE-640 Systematic Theology II and THE-641 Systematic Theology III.

This course examines the fundamental concepts of the Christian worldview and demonstrates how to integrate them into counseling situations. The doctrines of Scripture, God and humanity are covered, and the foundation is laid for Theology for Counseling II.

This course completes the survey of the Christian worldview by examining and applying to counseling scenarios the following doctrines: sin, the person and work of Jesus, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the church, salvation and last things.

An elaboration of the Christian perspective upon all of life and reality with emphasis on basic matters such as method, being, knowing and doing.

An independent readings course in preparation for writing a master's thesis in a focused area of theological study. The student will read approximately 2,000 pages and structure a thesis proposal under the guidance of a thesis adviser and in accordance with seminary standards for form and style. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.

This course continues our metanarrative theology by examining the Christian story of creation, fall, redemption and consummation, with special attention given to the nature and task of humanity, the distortion of the world through sin and the redemptive work and person of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

This course will examine in detail the doctrine of salvation (soteriology), the church (ecclesiology), the basic elements of pastoral theology (internal and external call to the ministry, ordination, ministry of the word and sacraments, church discipline and pastoral spiritual formation) and the four last things (death, judgment, heaven and hell).

This course engages a number of contemporary social issues from a biblical and theological perspective. Through guest presentations, lectures, readings and interactive discussion, students consider such issues in Christian social ethics as work and economics, racism and affirmative action, marriage and homosexuality, domestic and international poverty, personal and corporate stewardship, differing roles of government, church, private initiative, entrepreneurship, power relations within the church and leadership integrity.

This course will help students preserve and steward their life and doctrine by evaluating the philosophical foundations of the Christian faith and various ethical problems encountered in pastoral care, spiritual direction and Christian counseling.

This course will aid students in constructing and enacting a theology of public justice by integrating sound biblical exegesis, theology that is grounded in the historic Christian tradition and appropriating insights from contemporary justice movements.

This course will aid students in constructing and enacting a theology of public justice by integrating sound biblical exegesis, theology that is grounded in the historic Christian tradition and appropriating insights from contemporary justice movements. This course serves as a capstone for the Master of Arts in theological studies.

An investigation and evaluation of the thought and influence of great theologians and theological movements.

This guided course will equip the student to survey relevant scholarship and prepare a thesis proposal and outline.

Individualized research and writing for the superior student, building upon a concentration in historical theology. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.

Individualized research and writing for the superior student, building upon a concentration in systematic theology. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.

Individualized research and writing for the superior student, building upon a concentration in moral and philosophical theology. Registration for this course requires adviser approval.

A formal class that addresses the interests of students and faculty. Courses may include current issues, biblical and theological areas and other subjects which call for special analysis.

The student will write a thesis (50-75 pages) under the supervision of a faculty thesis adviser on a significant approved topic in the major field. The thesis format should be governed by "A Manual for Writers of Papers, Theses and Dissertations" (current edition) by Kate L. Turabian, along with any supplemental materials and/or instructions provided by the seminary. Registration for this course requires adviser approval. Each enrolled student will be charged an additional fee of $100.00 for thesis review and binding.