Theological Studies (THE)
THE 633NE
World Religions and Human Spirituality
Credits: 3
This course explores the global character of the church and the practice of ministry in the multifaith and multicultural context of contemporary society. Attention is given to the wide diversity of religious traditions present in the potential ministry settings and considers how the church can serve with faithfulness and respect in a religiously pluralistic culture. Students will have the opportunity to develop their theological convictions in dialog with other religious traditions and gain skills in interfaith engagement as an expression of their Christian discipleship. This course is cross-listed as MIN 633NE and PSF 633NE.
THE 644NE
Gospel of John
Credits: 3
Throughout the history of the Church, the unique character of St. John's Gospel has intrigued and inspired countless theologians, philosophers, historians, and believers. The poignant, specific, and three-dimensional character of the materials selected and the author's subtle and understated theological insights make for a rich meditative experience in Scripture study. This brief but substantive course will pay particular attention to two important aspects of the Gospel, while at the same time, demanding mastery of the basic content: (1) how the Gospel has been read and interpreted over the centuries by the Church; and (2) the sacramental orientation of the Gospel, which pervades its meaning. Reading the English text, lecture, and class discussion will be part of the weekly rhythm. This course is cross-listed as THE 644NE.
THE 695NE
Independent Study in Theological Studies
Credits: 1—3
Under the guidance of a faculty member, a student will investigate a specific area or topics in theological or religious studies.
[Prerequisite: advisor and instructor approval required and a GPA of 3.0]
THE 699NE
M.A. Thesis in Theological Studies
Credits: 3
This course is a research option for M.A. students in the field of theological studies. Students wishing to pursue thesis work must file a written petition with academic services formally requesting this degree completion method prior to registering for the course. (Students who have not completed the thesis project by the end of the semester will automatically be registered for RES 799NE-Continuation of Registration for Master’s Thesis, and charged a $250 fee every subsequent semester until the completion of the master’s thesis.)
THE 703NE
The Christian Doctrine of Human Nature and Sin
Credits: 3
This course will explore the Christian understanding of the human being as the apex of the Creator’s work according to Genesis 1—2, who was plunged into evil and misery according to Genesis 3—5. Significant attention will be given to selected biblical passages, the debate over “original sin” in the Western Church, the different descriptions of human sinfulness that distinguish the Eastern Church from the Western Church, and the implications of these teachings in pastoral work.
THE 715NE
The Openness of God Debate
Credits: 3
One of the most significant, often contentious, current debates in evangelical circles centers on what has been come to be called “Openness of God” theology. Proponents of this theological perspective, while affirming a high view of Scripture, do not view God as the all-knowing, all-controlling, unchanging being often portrayed in classical Christian thought. God is viewed, rather, as a being who does not have infallible knowledge of our future free actions and thus as a being who must work relationally with us day by day to help actualize the divine goals for us and our world. This course will take an in-depth look both at openness theology and the numerous critiques that have been offered in response to it. The main goal of the course will be to help each student come to a clearer understanding of her or his own theological perspective. Offered on demand.
THE 723NE
Theology and Political Action: Reading Luther, Bonhoeffer, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Credits: 3
Theological questions concerning the role of church and state, Christian ethics and public policy, and the intersection of Christian spirituality and civic values are perennial questions that every generation within their own social, cultural, and political context need to address. This course examines Martin Luther's theology of the cross as a framework for addressing his two kingdoms paradigm, and subsequent understanding of the boundaries of temporal authority and church. Luther's construct is instrumental in the development of Bonhoeffer's Christology, his insistence on solidarity with the oppresssed, and resistance to social and political evil. Martin Luther King, Jr. is deeply influenced by both Luther and Bonhoeffer, and further develops concepts that include strategies of active nonviolent resistance, the beloved community, and Christian reconciliation. These themes related to the role of church and state will be explored with an emphasis on application for the 21st century church.
THE 726NE
Wesleyan Theology
Credits: 3
This course explores major theological themes of Wesleyan theology through the examination of primary materials. While focusing on Wesley’s theology of salvation as expressed in his sermons, the course also includes exposure to Wesleyan thought on such matters as the doctrine of God, anthropology, the person and work of Christ, the Church, ministry, the sacraments, and eschatology. In addition, consideration is given to the development of early Methodism in its historical context, its relevance for contemporary Methodist traditions, and its potential contribution to the Church at large. A secondary purpose of this course is to impart to the student an appreciation of the field of Wesleyan Studies and its present-day interpreters. This course fulfills the United Methodist Doctrine requirement for students preparing for United Methodist ordination.
THE 727NE
Calvinism and Arminianism
Credits: 3
This course will focus on the divergent views of Calvinism and Arminianism with significant readings in the primary texts they authored. The course will examine the overarching issues related to Calvinism and Arminianism from an historical, biblical, theological, and practical perspective. The issues will be presented in their clearest possible light in order that they might be discussed and examined with as much understanding and fairness as possible. Attention will also be given to how their successors interpreted and applied their teachings. This course is cross-listed as HST 727NE.
THE 728NE
The Holiness Pentecostal Tradition
Credits: 3
This course surveys the 19th and 20th century Holiness and Pentecostal movements in the United States, including principal and formative events, theological distinctives, and important figures. The course will examine the culture(s) of the movements, major controversies, and opportunities for ecumenical dialogue.
THE 731NE
Suffering, Pain, and Evil: A Theological Response
Credits: 3
Those in ministry must often respond to the following question: “Why did God allow that horrible event—that tragic accident, that terrible betrayal, that intense suffering—to happen?” After outlining the various responses (theodicies) available to Christians, this course will discuss how best to help those asking “why” determine what these responses have to offer. Included among the texts read will be the book of Job.
THE 733NE
Sacramental and Liturgical Theology
Credits: 3
This course examines the liturgical and sacramental life of the church as theologia prima (first theology). Attention is given to the historical and theological development of liturgical and sacramental theology in major branches of Christianity, as well as to the practical implications of liturgical and sacramental praxis for the formation of communal and individual faith. A particular focus of the course is on the Christological, ecclesiological, and anthropological dimensions of liturgy and sacraments.
THE 735NE
Reformed Theology
Credits: 3
This course explores foundational perspectives and contemporary trajectories of the Reformed theological tradition. Students are exposed to key themes in the theology of John Calvin, the confessional literature of the Reformed churches, The Book of Confessions, and selected contemporary thinkers within the Reformed tradition. Through the examination of the ecclesiastical, political, social, economic, and ethical dimensions of Reformed thought, this course seeks to prepare students to articulate the contemporary relevance of the Reformed tradition, to show how Reformed doctrine illuminates Christian faith and life, and to apply Reformed theology to the practice of ministry. This course is open to all students, but required for those preparing for ministry in the Presbyterian Church.
THE 740NE
Theology of the City
Credits: 3
The 20th century began as a predominately rural world. At the beginning of the 21st century, the world is predominately urban; by 2015, more than half of the world’s population will live in major urban centers. This massive demographic shift has created huge challenges for political and social systems and also for the Church. This course will develop a biblical theology for urban mission that will serve as a foundation for pastors and church leaders seeking to understand the city and will guide them in constructing and implementing effective urban ministry strategies.