300

This course evaluates how the church has historically responded to questions related to the issues of race, class, and gender as well as how these issues have influenced Christian witness and vocation across time. Extended attention will be given to current challenges that face the church and the society regarding issues of race, class and gender. Prerequisites: BIL-101, BIL-102, THE-101.

This course explores both a theological and practical understanding of the relationship that potentially exists between human suffering and hope. Students will use Scripture, theology and contemporary research to build a redemptive view of pain, trauma and loss. Collectively they will explore the wide range of trauma that humans are exposed to including, but not limited to, illness, abuse, sexual exploitation, loss, terrorism and natural disasters. Each student will then select one form of suffering and assess the forms of help that bring the suffering into redemptive hope. Prerequisite: THE-101.

Realizing that the medium of film has become the principal mass vehicle for the transmission of philosophical and theological ideas, this course will study a variety of films with the intent to identify ontological, epistemological, and ethical presentations of both Christian and non-Christian world views. Prerequisite: PHL-180.

A study of the major events, personalities, and issues of church history from the Apostolic Age to Luther. Special attention is given to the teachings of the church fathers and the Protestant reformers. Open to juniors and seniors.

A study of the major events, personalities, and issues of church history from the Protestant Reformation to present times. Special attention is given to American church history and contemporary trends. Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: REL-331.

This course provides a comparison between Catholic and Protestant doctrines, with emphasis on the differences to be found in doctrines of salvation, revelation, mediators, and church polity. Variances in doctrinal and practical issues will be discussed as well as areas of cooperation within a Latin American context.

This course will expose the student to a myriad of potential sports ministry models. It will also explore the nature and dynamics of quality sports ministry in various settings with a view to equip students to create, expand, and sustain effective sport ministries.

This course will explore the theoretical foundations and practical methods of evangelism and discipleship in a sports ministry context. It will equip students to practical personal evangelism/discipleship as well as plan and execute evangelistic and spiritually formative sports ministries.

This course explores tenets of the Christian faith as it relates to health, healing, and care ministry. It is designed to assist students in developing a theological framework for integrating their understanding of the nature of God; the nature of spiritual forces; the problem of suffering; and the hope and meaning of health, wholeness, and maturity. Selected experiential or virtual learning will be included in this course. Prerequisite: REL-232 or REL-233

This internship will provide the student with an overview of how the personal faith of business leaders informs and directs their particular business. Students will be directly involved in the life and flow of a local business including times for guidance, evaluation, and reflection by the primary supervisor and by other appropriate business leaders. Prerequisite: REL-200 or by permission of the professor.

Each student will be involved in practical experience in a local church, providing that student with a "laboratory" for the application of principles taught in other classes. Some will serve student pastorates with congregational observers assisting the instructor, and others will serve under the supervision of an experienced pastor. Open to juniors and seniors.

Each student will be involved in practical experience in a local church, providing that student with a "laboratory" for the application of principles taught in other classes. Some will serve student pastorates with congregational observers assisting the instructor, and others will serve under the supervision of an experienced pastor. Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: REL-361.

Each student will be involved in practical experience in a local church, providing that student with a "laboratory" for the application of principles taught in other classes. Some will serve student pastorates with congregational observers assisting the instructor, and others will serve under the supervision of an experienced pastor. Open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: REL-362.

A comprehensive study of the types of sermons and the principles of construction and delivery. The minister's call and preparation of his life's work will be considered. Original sermons are prepared, and some of them are delivered before the class under the supervision of the instructor with critiques and suggestions for improvements. This Theory and Practice course requires at least 25% of the assigned out of class work to be completed in a ministry setting. Open to juniors and seniors. Limited to majors and minors in the Division of Practical Theology unless permission is granted by the Division. Prerequisite: BIL-202.

A comprehensive study of the types of sermons and the principles of constructing and delivering expository sermons. Original sermons are prepared, and some of them are delivered before the class under the supervision of the instructor with critiques and suggestions for improvements. Open to juniors and seniors. Limited to majors and minors in the Division of Practical Theology unless granted by the Division. Prerequisite: REL-365. Co-requisite: REL-366P.

Each student will be involved in practical experiences in a local ministry setting providing the student with a "laboratory" for a preaching and teaching ministry with opportunity for gathering feedback and developing a personal plan for improvement. Prerequisite: REL-365; Co-requisite: REL-366 or YTH-366.

A study of the biblical and theological framework of pastoral counseling. The course will cover most of the typical counseling problems faced by the local pastor, including pre-marital counseling, hospital visitation and grief counseling. This Theory and Practice course requires at least 25% of the assigned out of class work to be completed in a ministry setting. Only open to Juniors and Seniors.

This course provides an overview of the global expansion of Christianity from apostolic times to the present day. This is accomplished by focusing on core elements and prominent characteristics of Christian faith and practices, featuring key persons that have contributed to spreading Christianity around the world, and promoting reflection regarding how it is contextualized in each place and time.

This course provides an overview of the global expansion of Christianity from apostolic times to the present day. This is accomplished by focusing on core elements and prominent characteristics of Christian faith and practices, featuring key persons that have contributed to spreading Christianity around the world, and promoting reflection regarding how it is contextualized in each place and time.

A sweeping account of strategic events, persons, movements, texts, and issues that have shaped Christian faith and praxis from the early Church to the twenty-first century. Various geographical regions will be examined, with attention to how diverse historical and cultural contexts have shaped the global Christian Church.

A sweeping account of significant events, persons, movements, texts, and issues that have shaped religious practices and belief systems in the modern Middle East. The Christian faith and praxis in Middle East from the early Church to the twenty-first century will be examined. Focused attention will be given to the various Christian communities found in the Holy Land and the current challenges that faces the Christian Church in the Middle East. This course is part of the Summer in the Holy Lands Program.

This seminar will examine life habits (personal, spiritual, professional) that create long-term success in ministry. In addition, this course will address issues related to ministerial job placement including but not limited to preparing resumes, networking, interviewing skills, compensation and benefits, and job expectations. Open to junior students enrolled in a major or minor in the school of Theology and Ministry.

A sweeping account of strategic events, persons, movements, texts, and issues that have shaped Protestant Christianity from the sixteenth to the twenty-first centuries. THe major Protestant traditions will be traced from their European origins through their development in the United States. Special attention is given to the denominational and cultural diversity of American Protestantism, and the influence of Protestant Christianity on major events in American History.

Students will work under a faculty mentor in their major and in cooperation with an Honors College advisor, producing a research thesis or creative project.