Biblical and theological studies courses

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. (4 credits) Note: Does not count toward a religion major or minor.

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. (4 credits) Prerequisite: REL150. Note: Does not count toward a religion major or minor.

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)

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: BTS250. (2 credits)

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. Note: May be taken more than once provided a different topic is studied. Prerequisites: BTS150 and sophomore class standing. (2 credits)

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: BTS150. (4 credits) (Writing intensive)

The purpose of this course is to thoughtfully examine the biblical, theological, and historical foundations of Christian worship, as well as the contemporary issues facing pastors and worship leaders in the 21st century. An important part of this discussion will be the exploration of worship skills and practices through reflection and participation, as well as the creation of liturgies for a variety of worship services. Prerequisite: BTS250. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

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 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 begin to articulate what it means to live faithfully with a diversity of cultural contexts. Prerequisite: BTS250. (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: BTS250. (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. Note: The course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is studied. Prerequisites: BTS150 and BTS250. (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. Note: This course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is studied. (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. Note: This course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is studied. Prerequisite: BTS250 or permission of instructor. (2-4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

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. Note: This course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is studied. Prerequisite: BTS294 or permission of instructor. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

This is an interdisciplinary course that will analyze a major topic in Christian community development related to relocation, reconciliation and redistribution. There will be significant biblical and theological content integrated with the given topic. A service learning component, consisting of at least 20 hours of student engagement in meeting an identified community need, is required. Students will integrate course materials and various disciplines with their service learning and any past Christian community development experiences. Students will also explore questions and issues raised in this area. This course features the writing and presentation of a major integration paper, discussions, analysis and critique of research. Prerequisites: BTS290 and senior class standing. (4 credits)

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: BTS150, BTS250 and senior class standing. The course is open to students of other majors.

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)

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.