THEO - Theology

This course explores the historic beliefs of orthodox Christianity, including the nature of revelation, God, Christ, the Spirit, creation, humanity, sin, salvation, the church, and the end of the age. It also explores the cross-cultural nature of these beliefs through engagement with Christian theology in the global South and East.

An integrated theological study of the doctrine of Christ and to various understandings of the redemptive work of the cross (theories of atonement), and the support these theories may provide for pastoral ministry and Christian community. Students will examine relevant biblical, classic, systematic and contemporary theological texts on atonement. Prerequisite: THEO-500.

An integrated theological study of Christmas, attending both to the original event of Christ's incarnation and its ongoing celebration in the life of the Christian church. Students will examine relevant biblical texts, the historical development of Christmas worship, classic theological texts on the incarnation, and contemporary Christmas practices both sacred and secular. Students will develop skills of rigorous theological reflection contextualized within local church practice in order to be better prepared for the Christmas season and its pastoral responsibilities.

This course is an integrated study of the theology of prayer. Students will reflect theologically on the conditions, expressions, and implications of the practice of Christian prayer. Students will exegete relevant scriptural texts, explore the historical development of both communal and individual prayer, engage classic and contemporary theological texts concerning prayer, examine the relationship between Christian doctrine and Christian prayer, survey various types of prayer, and, most importantly, practice praying in a rigorous and reflective way. Special reference will be made to the doctrine of God-the triune identity, nature, and attributes of God-in connection with the central Christian claim that God hears our prayers. Students will develop skills of rigorous theological reflection contextualized within local church practice. Prerequisite: THEO-500

An integrated theological study of Easter, attending both to the original event of Christ's resurrection and its ongoing celebration in the life of the Christian church. Students will exegete the relevant biblical texts, explore the historical development of Easter worship within the context of the liturgical year, engage classical and contemporary theological texts on the resurrection, and evaluate contemporary ecclesial practices. Special reference will be made to Christ's resurrection as the basis of the church's hope and mission. Students will develop skills of rigorous theological reflection contextualized within local church practice.

This course reviews the historic beliefs of orthodox Christianity, including the nature of revelation, God, Christ, the Spirit, creation, humanity, sin, salvation, the church, and the end of the age.

Our journey will entail a systematic study of sanctification, including the doctrines of humanity, 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. Special attention will be given to John Wesley's doctrine of holiness.

This course examines the ethical and moral character of the Christian life, particularly the life of the minister, analyzing various ethics approaches in light of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and a theology of holiness. Attention will be given to contemporary issues, ministerial ethics, and guiding individuals and congregations in the formation of holy habits and disciplines to maintain integrity in Christian life and ministry.

This course is an interdisciplinary theological examination of the relationship between popular culture and the Christian life of faith. Like religious practice, the narratives, symbols, and practices of popular culture shape our identity and imagination. How should Christians navigate and engage secular culture? Students will analyze popular cultural texts and practices in conversation with Christian theology and create strategies for Christian formation that account for and leverage the formation occurring within popular culture for the sake of discipleship.

Through first hand experiences and interactions, this course will address Jerusalem's prominent role in the faiths of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. In addition, the religious and political policies of both Israel and Palestine will be examined. Special consideration will be given to the challenges that face the local Christian church. Travel expenses and all applicable fees required.

This course explores the theology of John Wesley. Emphasizing the study of John Wesley in his own words. Close examination of his sermons, treatises, and letters will be utilized towards a reconstruction of his theological commitments as a whole. Consideration will also be given to John Wesley's relation to other Christian traditions and the 'burning questions' of our time.

This course reviews the historic beliefs of orthodox Christianity, including the nature of revelation, God, Christ, the Spirit, creation, humanity, sin, salvation, the church, and the end of the age.

An integrated theological study of the doctrine of Christ and to various understandings of the redemptive work of the cross (theories of atonement), and the support these theories may provide for pastoral ministry and Christian community. Students will examine relevant biblical, classic, systematic and contemporary theological texts on atonement. Prerequisite: THEO-500.

This course is an interdisciplinary theological examination of the relationship between popular culture and the Christian life of faith. Like religious practice, the narratives, symbols, and practices of popular culture shape our identity and imagination. How should Christians navigate and engage secular culture? Students will analyze popular cultural texts and practices in conversation with Christian theology and create strategies for Christian formation that account for and leverage the formation occurring within popular culture for the sake of discipleship.

This course explores the theology of early British Methodism through their Hymns and Poetry with a focus on the lyrics of Charles Wesley. Students will critique the theological function of lyrics by a close reading of the theological content of hymns and theological poetry. Students will use these skills to evaluate how poetry can be used to describe specific doctrines.

From Epworth through the 21st century, the Methodist movement has never been without women serving in various leadership capacities. Examining the lives of women who helped spearhead Methodism in Britain, Ireland, America, Argentina, and beyond, this course will investigate the conditions, both resistant and permissive, in which women have co-labored as laity, deaconess, and ordained ministers.

This course investigates biblical, historical, and theological sources of soteriology in order to construct a theology of Christian growth and transformation. Students will engage various sources, including those of the Wesleyan tradition, in order to construct a theology that articulates the interrelationship between divine grace and human responsibility.

This course explores pastoral theology within the context of the office of the pastor and pastoral work in its many forms. Students will examine and deploy concepts related to pastoral theology that will form a foundation for pastoral care, pastoral counseling, and other practical relationships within the congregation. Students will engage theological and historic texts with special reference to ethical issues in pastoral ministry.

This course investigates biblical, historical, and theological sources of soteriology in order to construct a theology of Christian growth and transformation. Students will engage various sources, including those of the Wesleyan tradition, in order to construct a theology that articulates the interrelationship between divine grace and human responsibility.

This course explores pastoral theology within the context of the office of the pastor and pastoral work in its many forms. Students will examine and deploy concepts related to pastoral theology that will form a foundation for pastoral care, pastoral counseling, and other practical relationships within the congregation. Students will engage theological and historic texts with special reference to ethical issues in pastoral ministry.

This course is a doctoral-level examination of the person and work of Christ and the nature of the Church. Students will develop a theology of the Incarnation of Christ (Christology) as a foundation for Christian ministry, and synthesize Christology with soteriology (theology of Christ's saving work) to strengthen their understanding of the nature of the Church (ecclesiology). Students will apply this advanced theological acumen to critically evaluate ministry praxis.