THE - Theology

This course examines the basic beliefs of historic Christianity as summarized in the Apostles' Creed and connects them to Christian practices and life. Specifically, the doctrines of revelation, God, creation, fall and sin, the person and work of Christ, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the church, salvation, and human destiny will be covered. While taking note of distinctive teachings in the major Christian theological traditions, focus is placed on the common understanding of Christian faith as a means of formation in Christian living that enables virtue, servant leadership, and citizenship in God's kingdom.

A synthesis of Christian doctrine that will help students become familiar with the key teachings of the Word of God that form the foundation of evangelical faith.

This course examines the Doctrine of Revelation and Inspiration of scripture, the doctrines of predestination, creation, and providence, and the Doctrine of God with special attention given to His attributes and, decrees.

This course examines the basic beliefs of historic Christianity as summarized in the Apostles' Creed and connects them to Christian practices. Specifically, the doctrines of revelation, God, creation, fall, and sin, the person and work of Christ, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the church, salvation, and human destiny will be covered. Focus will be placed on the common understanding of Christian theology in the major Christian theological traditions, while also taking note of their distinctive beliefs.

This course lays the foundation for all advanced theology courses, by laying out the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Special attention is given to the doctrine of God, Christology, Biblical Authority and Eschatology. Wesleyan/Arminian perspectives are compared with other traditions of Christian faith. Students intending to take only one course in theology should enroll in THE-232; Basic Christian Doctrine.

This course presents an analysis of the doctrine of man and examines Christology. Students reflect on the practical importance of both of these doctrines. Discussion of egalitarian and complementarian views of human relationships will be explored.

A study of soteriology, including the doctrines of sin, prevenient grace, justification, sanctification, and glorification from a Biblical, historical, and practical perspective. The Wesleyan Arminian tradition provides the theological framework for this course and other theological views will be examined from this perspective. Not open to students with credit in REL-424.

This course examines the person and work of Jesus Christ. Students will explore the historical and theological development of orthodox Christology and attendant debates from the New Testament to today. Particular attention will be given to the relevance of Christ's theandric nature, earthly life, offices, atonement, resurrection, session, and second coming for Christian faith. Prerequisite: THE-233.

Ecclesiology addresses the doctrine of the Church with a special focus upon the nature and mission of the Church. The biblical, historical, theological, and practical aspects of ecclesiology will be examined from both a Protestant and Roman Catholic/Eastern Orthodox perspectives, while considering major contemporary theological proposals. This class will also examine the historical problem of ecclesiology in the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition, address contemporary Wesleyan expressions of the Church, and work toward a biblically and theologically informed ecclesiology. Prerequisite: THE-232 or THE-233.

Pneumatology examines the person and work of the Holy Spirit. This course begins with the examination of the historical and theological developments of orthodox Pneumatology and its attendant debates. Next, it explores the Holy Spirit's offices, gifts, economy, and relationship within the Trinity. Finally, it concludes with an appraisal of contemporary Church. Throughout the course, special attention is given to Wesleyan perspectives. Prerequisite: THE-232 or THE-233.

The purpose of this course is to make the student aware of the presuppositions and commitments that shape and define a biblical Christian worldview, not only in the areas of philosophy and theology, but also in the areas of the arts, the social sciences, and the physical sciences. The course will also provide guidance for how to best support and defend the Christian worldview in the face of secular and non-Christian challenges.

This course focuses on the rational defense of the Christian faith based on apologetics and, to a lesser degree, philosophical reasoning. Special attention is given to arguments for God's existence, the problem of suffering. In addition, issues related to Christ's death, resurrection, and judgment will be covered. Not open to students with credit in REL-228.

A study of one of the most influential shapers of Western Christianity by examining his life, his basic interpretation of salvation and the church, and his subsequent impact upon Roman Catholic and Protestant theology alike. Special attention given to his own writings, especially the Confessions. Prerequisite: REL-331 or REL-241.

An intensive study of soteriology, including the doctrines of sin, prevenient grace, justification, sanctification and glorification from a Biblical, historical and practical perspective. The Wesleyan Arminian tradition will provide the theological framework for this course, we will examine other theological views from this perspective. Special attention will be given to John Wesley's doctrine of holiness. Prerequisite: THE-233 or THE-232.

The purpose of this course is to immerse students in the primary theological sources of the Patristic period, which form the interpretative foundation for theological orthodoxy. Specifically, students will read, examine and discuss the major theological treatises of the Doctors of the Eastern Church - Athansius, Basil the Great, Gregory Naziansus, and John Chrysostom and the Doctors of the Western Church - Ambrose, Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great. Principal attention will be given to their systematic treatments of Christian doctrine. Prerequisites: THE-232 or THE-233.

The theology of John Wesley introduces students to the thought of John Wesley. While the historical background and history of the Methodist movement are considered, the focus is upon Wesley's theology through a study of Wesley's Standard Sermons and key treatises and letters. All major doctrines in John Wesley's theology will be addressed. However, because Wesley's theology of salvation is addressed substantially in REL-424: Theology II, Wesley's soteriology will not be a focus. Prerequisite: REL-232 or REL-233.

This course analyzes the nature of systematic theology and examines the terminology and divisions of theology and the importance of Scripture including the doctrines of revelation and inspiration. The course also presents the doctrine of God, including his Trinitarian and other attributes, and the doctrines of creation, salvation, sanctification, and providence. The student will also reflect on the practical importance of key aspects of the doctrine of God.

This course examines and analyzes the doctrine of humanity and the doctrine of Christ and His work. Students reflect on the theological and practical importance of these doctrines.

This course provides an advanced survey of biblical theology including methodological issues of debate over the past two centuries. Scriptural themes will be explored from multiple perspectives including narrative theologies of the history of redemption, domatic themes emerging from the text, and biblical theology's relationship to exegesis and systematic theology. The course engages ministers in the use of biblical theology for teaching and preaching.

This course introduces the doctrine of salvation. Special emphasis is placed on the concepts of union with Christ, the external and internal calls, regeneration, conversion, repentance, saving faith, justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification. The student will reflect on the practical application of soteriology.

The purpose of this course is to allow flexibility for the student to pursue individualizedresearch projects. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six (6) semester hours. Enrollment is limited to upper level MTS students and requires approval of the department chair.