Biblical and theological studies courses

This course examines the issues involved in Practical Theology. We begin with the biblical / philosophical/theological foundations of ministry, and move into such practical issues such as discipleship, small groups, leadership, administration, dealing with difficult issues, and planning activities. The goal is to equip students to begin formulating a vision for ministry as they prepare to enter into leadership positions in churches and other organizations. (4 credits)

In this course students will explore the identity of the church by engaging biblical, historical, cultural, and missional perspectives, grounding the life and ministry of the church in God's ministry to the world in Jesus Christ. More specifically, this course will focus on the nature and role of youth ministry as an expression of this ministry as students are called to enter into the experiences of young people within contemporary Western culture. Prerequisite: REL 250. (4 credits)

The course focuses on developing a leadership style that facilitates personal and community spiritual development and reflects a biblical understanding of servant leadership. The purpose is to develop a leadership style that empowers others to engage in ministry in the midst of the church and the world. Prerequisite: Must be sophomore standing or higher. (2 credits; non-yearly, consult department)

The purpose of this course is to train students to teach Bible effectively in small group settings. The student is exposed to both the theory and practice of teaching and learning theories. Half the class is devoted to practicum in teaching. Prerequisite: CEY210 and REL328WI. (4 credits; non-yearly, consult department)

In this course students will explore the identity of the church by engaging biblical, historical, cultural, and missional perspectives, grounding the life and ministry of the church in GodRs ministry to the world in Jesus Christ. More specifically, this course will focus on the nature and role of youth ministry as an expression of this ministry as students are called to enter into the experiences of young people within contemporary Western culture. Prerequisite: REL 250. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

In this course students will explore the identity of the church by engaging biblical, historical, cultural, and missional perspectives, grounding the life and ministry of the church in God?s ministry to the world in Jesus Christ. More specifically, this course will focus on the nature and role of youth ministry as an expression of this ministry as students are called to enter into the experiences of young people within contemporary Western culture. Prerequisite: REL 250. (4 credits)

The focus of CEY401 and CEY402 is intentional exposure to various aspects of practical ministry in either Christian education or youth ministry in a local church or para-church organization, for two consecutive semesters. The practical experience must be under supervision of an on-site supervisor and the professor of Christian Education. Weekly seminars for discussion and reflection on ministry and preparation for the writing of a major paper on the philosophy of ministry are conducted on campus. Prerequisites: Senior class standing and permission of instructor. (2 credits)

This course will focus on learning the basics of koine Greek grammar and vocabulary as well as the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament writings. Readings and translation will focus on the Gospel and Letters of John. The New Testament writings will be examined in light of their social-historical and literary settings within Hellenistic Judaism and the broader Greco-Roman world.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)(IGE option under Language and Culture) This course (a continuation of Greek 101) will focus on learning the basics of koine Greek grammar and vocabulary as well as the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament writings. Readings and translation will focus on the Gospel and Letters of John. The New Testament writings will be examined in light of their social-historical and literary settings within Hellenistic Judaism and the broader Greco-Roman world. Prerequisite: GRE101.

This course will focus on learning the basics of biblical Hebrew (vocabulary and grammar) and the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the Old Testament. Readings from the different types of literature in the Hebrew Bible will be incorporated into the course work. The Old Testament writings will be studied against the historical and social backgrounds of the ancient Near East.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)(IGE option under Language and Culture) This course will build on the foundation laid in Hebrew 101 by equipping students to grasp the basics of biblical Hebrew grammar in light of its cultural and linguistic background. Readings from the different types of literature in the Hebrew Bible will be incorporated into the coursework as students develop confidence in speaking Hebrew and interpreting these writings. As a course that satisfies the IGE Language and Culture requirement, students will also explore what it means to read biblical Hebrew with sensitivity toward scholarship, culture, and faith. Prerequisite: HEB101.

This course presents an overview of and orientation to the Bible, focusing on its content, character, role in the Christian faith, and covenant themes of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. This course begins the development of theological thinking for academic study in the liberal arts and equips students for the task of integrating faith and learning in their academic work. Students should complete this course by the end of their second semester. Note: Does not count toward a religion major or minor. (4 credits)

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(4 credits) This course presents an overview and orientation to Christian theology focusing on its formation, content, role in the Christian faith throughout Church history, and its interpretation of key biblical subjects such as God, Christ, creation, sin, redemption, church, and new creation. This course completes the Christian Story sequence and prepares students for a lifetime of critical thinking and faithful living from a biblical-theological perspective. Students should complete this course by the end of their fourth semester. Note: Does not count toward a religion major or minor. Prerequisite: REL150.

A biblically based, theologically and historically informed study of both personal and social moral issues from a Christian perspective. (2 credits, offered at the discretion of the department, consult department)

A survey of the development of Christianity from the apostolic period to the contemporary world. Themes examined will include the separation of Church and Synagogue, Christianity in the Roman Empire, ecumenical councils, missionary expansion of the church in Europe and Asia, monasticism, the church in the High Middle Ages, the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, Confessionalism and the Wars of Religion, Puritanism, Pietism, The Enlightenment, Christianity and European Colonialism, Revivalism, Modernism and Evangelicalism, modern missionary expansion, the ecumenical movement, and Christianity as a global religion. (4 credits)

An examination of Christian witness as verbal proclamation (evangelism), as reasoned response (apologetics), as a distinctive lifestyle and as the practice of social justice. Prerequisite: REL262 (4 credits)

A general overview of the biblical foundations and historical evolution of Christian mission, with special emphasis upon the modern development of mission theory and practice.Prerequisite: REL250(2 credits)

Christian ministry and mission is essentially an ongoing process of interacting effectively with others in ways appropriate to one's message and global/local contexts. By providing a progressively integrated understanding of intercultural issues, this course will enable students to apply principles of communication through their particular vocation or ministry so that they connect theory with models and practice to appropriately communicate the Gospel message across cultures and micro-cultures. (2 credits)

(2 credits) A study of the meaning, purpose and practices of Christian spirituality as this has been understood in the Christian tradition. The course emphasizes the practice of spiritual disciplines and the relevance of spirituality in our contemporary world. Prerequisite: REL250.

A study of a single book or larger section of the Old Testament or a current area of critical inquiry concerning the Old Testament. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the Pentateuch, the Historical Writings, the Prophets, and the Poetic and Wisdom books.Prerequisites: REL110 and sophomore class standing.(2 credits)

A study of a single book or larger section of the New Testament or a current area of critical inquiry concerning the New Testament. Possible topics include the Synoptic Gospels, the Book of Acts, the Johannine Literature, the Epistolary Literature, the Apocalypse.Prerequisite: REL110 and sophomore class standing.(2 credits)

(4 credits) (Writing intensive) An examination of the past and present methods and proposals for Biblical Interpretation and Biblical Theology. The course will analyze and critique various models for hermeneutics and theological interpretation and also assist students in constructing exegetical methods that are biblically based, theologically informed and culturally relevant. In this Writing Intensive course for Religion and CE/YM majors, students will develop research and writing skills that will benefit them in a variety of vocational paths within the field of religion. Prerequisite: REL150.

In this course students will explore the identity of the church by engaging biblical, historical, cultural, and missional perspectives, grounding the life and ministry of the church in GodRs ministry to the world in Jesus Christ. More specifically, this course will focus on the nature and role of youth ministry as an expression of this ministry as students are called to enter into the experiences of young people within contemporary Western culture. Prerequisite: REL 250. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

(2 credits, alternate years, consult department) A biblical, historical, and theological study of Christian worship from classical and contemporary perspectives. This course fulfills a requirement in the Worship Arts Major and complements the introduction to the elements and experience of worship in the Art of Worship course. Prerequisite: REL250.

This course explores the relationship between Christian faith and culture. It will begin by establishing a biblical and theological approach to cultural engagement, as well as a brief historical survey of how the Christian community has engaged issue of faith and culture in different historical and cultural moments. An important part of this course will be an interdisciplinary exploration of the fields of "cultural theory" and "popular culture", specifically focusing upon what they have to contribute to different forms of Christian ministry. Finally, this course will prove the opportunity for students to begins to articulate what it means to live faithfully with a diversity of cultural contexts. Prerequisite: REL 250. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

A study of John Calvin's INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, as well as a survey of other varieties of Reformed theology, including later Calvinism. Prerequisite: REL262 (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A study of one or more standard areas of theology, (such as the doctrines of Revelation, God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Humanity, Salvation, the Church, and Last Things) from a classical as well as a contemporary perspective. Prerequisites: REL150 and 250. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

Focusing on the Christian tradition, this course will examine the individual, institutions, movements and faith traditions which have shaped and contributed to the American religious experience. To understand both the variety of and unity within the pluralist religious landscape, the course will seek to evaluate the interrelationship between religion and the broader social, cultural and political aspects of the American experience.(4 credits)

A historical study of a religious group, theological movement or important leader in the history of the Christian church.(2 credits, offered on demand or discretion of department, consult department)

A study of an interdisciplinary area of religion, not sufficiently covered by other courses, in response to student or faculty interests.Prerequisite: REL262 or permission of instructor.(2-4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

(4 credits)(NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement) The major religions of the world are examined in the light of Christian faith. This course emphasizes the interaction of religion and culture with a view to cross-cultural understanding. In-depth research into a specific topic related to world religions is required.

A topical and selective study of major missiological themes, permitting students to read and reflect intensively upon the nature and challenge of Christian mission. Topics will vary from year to year. Sample topics might include Religious Conversion, The Finality of Christ in a Pluralistic World, Interfaith Dialogue, Contextualization, Women in Mission Yesterday and Today.Prerequisite: REL294 or permission of instructor.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

(2 credits may apply toward the major)

This disciplinary capstone course fulfills both the NWCore Senior Seminar (SR) requirement and a requirement for Religion and CE/YM majors. Building on the basic FYS questions (Who am I? Who are my neighbors? How will we live in the world?), this course will explore the intersection of biblical theology with one's vocation in light of scripture and Christian theological reflection. Students will complete weekly writing assignments, participate in seminar leadership through presiding and lecturing, and complete a major final paper in which they reflect on their college curricular and co-curricular experiences, engage biblical and theological texts in light of a variety of ancient and modern cultural contexts, and reflect on their faith development and sense of vocation. Prerequisites: REL 150, REL 250, and senior class standing. The course is open to students of other majors. (4 credits)