Religious Studies

BI 103. Synoptic Gospels Bi 103. (3 Credits)

"The story of Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection in chronological sequence is studied in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ is studied through a focus on sayings and actions from incarnation to ascension."

BI 104. Biblical Introduction Bi 104. (3 Credits)

"This course introduces the history and origins of the Old and New Testaments. Topics include the canonization of the Old Testament, religious backgrounds of both canons, and an evaluation of historical and textual criticism."

BI 105. Pentateuch. (3 Credits)

The first five books of the Bible are explored with special attention to the development of God’s plan of redemption and Satan’s efforts to stop it. These books relate a continuing record of revelation and the foundation of the rest of the Bible.

BI 109. John and Acts. (3 Credits)

This course covers John’s close-up portrait of Jesus and Luke’s history of the church He began to build. The two books form a continuing story that presents and defines true New Testament Christianity.

BI 111. Life of Christ Bi 111. (3 Credits)

"This course covers a chronological overview of Jesus’ life from birth to resurrection, based upon the Gospel record."

BI 117. Biblical Literature. (3 Credits)

"This course gives a broad overview of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament text within the context of its history, geography and culture. The course is geared toward examining and exploring the dating, authorship, theological, and philosophical perceptions of each book as well as discuss the social, cultural, political, and ideological arguments proposed by the diverse writers’ of the books. Using a literary and socio-historical lens to interpret the world of the text and the intention of the writer, the course attempts to theologically and philosophically reconstruct the teachings and rhetoric found within the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament/New Testament. This is a survey course. It is fast paced and seeks to give a better than cursory understanding of the testaments."

BI 207. Corinthians & Thessalonians. (3 Credits)

"This course will be an analysis and exposition of each book stressing the historical background, devotional and doctrinal matters with special emphasis on the gifts of the Spirit as treated by Paul in 1 Corinthians."

BI 208. Romans and Galatians. (3 Credits)

"Law and grace, works and faith are studied using the principles of exposition to examine the background, date, destination, and doctrinal content of both books."

BI 211. Ministry of Paul Bi 211. (3 Credits)

"This course explores the sense of calling and mission which compelled Paul. It examines the Apostle’s journeys, his teachings, and actions. The study draws from the Acts of the Apostles and many portions of the Pauline epistles."

BI 230. Bible Study Methodology. (3 Credits)

"This course introduces the methods of inductive Bible study. Students will learn applied hermeneutics and exegetical principles. It is divided into two main sections: a) structural content methods, and b) technical methods."

BI 240. Biblical Typology. (3 Credits)

"This course surveys biblical types in the Old Testament, especially those foreshadowing the coming and work of Christ, the antitype. "

BI 320. Old Testament Prophetic Books. (3 Credits)

"This study of the last twelve books of the Old Testament shows the revelation of the will of God in their message, how they viewed their call, and the circumstances they faced."

BI 323. New Testament Epistles. (3 Credits)

This course gives an analysis and exposition of the books of Ephesians through Jude (except 1 and II Thessalonians) as the Gospel message is explained.

BI 326. Wisdom Literature. (3 Credits)

"This course explores the Books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Their authenticity, historical setting, and major themes will be examined with insight on the correct approach to Hebrew poetry interpretation."

BI 412. Isaiah and Jeremiah. (3 Credits)

"This course covers the 118 chapters of Isaiah and Jeremiah, the two major prophetical books of the Old Testament, including the role of the prophets in God’s dealings with His people, their call, experiences, historical circumstances, and revelation of the will of God."

BI 431. Early Hebrew History. (3 Credits)

"The historical books from Joshua through Esther are presented through this chronological study of character studies, war stories, and romance, in this often-neglected section of the Bible. Each book’s relationship to the fulfillment to God’s plan of redemption is demonstrated."

BI 438. Pastoral Epistles Bi 438. (3 Credits)

The Apostle Paul’s counsel to ministers is applied to the circumstances of ministry today in an intensive study of the Epistles of I and II Timothy and Titus. The historical context and social issues of the first century Church will be examined.

BI 439. Prison Epistles. (3 Credits)

"Paul’s theology is explored through Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, with emphasis on the conditions of the churches at the time of writing."

BI 501. Old Testament Bi 501. (3 Credits)

"This course gives a broad overview of the entire Old Testament in the context of history, geography and culture of its time demonstrating how each book fits into the whole story of redemption."

BI 502. New Testament Bi 502. (3 Credits)

"This course gives a broad overview of the entire New Testament in the context of history, geography, and culture of its time. The chief events, characters, and teachings of each book will be studies in reaction to God’s ongoing plan."

BI 603. Isaiah. (3 Credits)

"This course will be an exposition, emphasizing the background issues, purpose, structure, and interpretation of prophetic literature and theological contributions of Isaiah."

BI 606. Romans. (3 Credits)

"This course will be an exposition, emphasizing the background issues, purpose, structure, and interpretation of prophetic literature and theological contributions of Romans."

BI 623. Survey of Genesis. (3 Credits)

"This course examines the structure of the book of Genesis, its theological message and the implications of its message today. The student will be led through an analysis of this foundational book of the Hebrew canon, including an intensive look at the first four narratives"

BI 627. Survey of Ancient Hebrew History. (3 Credits)

"This subject provides a comprehensive overview of Ancient Hebrew history with an emphasis on its Biblical history as cataloged in the Hebrew Bible and the classification of it poetic discourse known as Wisdom literature. The discussion will focus on two questions. First, what is clearly known of Ancient Hebrew history as viewed in the text of Scripture? This of course is a central question of all history. Since the subject ranges over a wide range of times and places, it is not surprising that the readings are based on a wide range of evidence. And to understand how has Ancient Hebrew history survived as a continuous ethnic/religious group? Secondly, what are the important and particular value of Wisdom literature. Combining these two unique and quintessential views will proffer a strong conception of Hebrew life, culture and literature. We will seek to discover what is durable about the Hebrew experience that opens our perspectives to the faith we value."

BI 633. Apocalyptic Literature. (3 Credits)

Examination of apocalyptic literature in the Old and New Testaments and in literature from the Second Temple period. Emphasis placed on the development of skills and techniques for the analysis and interpretation of apocalyptic literature. Interpretive aspects of the course focused primarily on the writings contained in Daniel and Revelation. Consideration and exploration of the narrative and social worlds of ancient Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature will form the foundation of this course.

BI 640. Survey of the Gospels. (3 Credits)

"This course will examine the life, the ministry and the teaching of the historical Jesus as presented in the Synoptic Gospels. During this course, we will consider the society in which Jesus lived, as well as the religious context in which he taught. We will also ask questions like, “What is a Gospel?” and “Why are the Gospels so different?” In addition to these things, we will also engage with several scholars who seek to de-harmonize the Synoptic Gospels by questioning their authenticity. This course will not only equip the student to think critically about the Synoptic Gospels but will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Jesus for Christian faith and practice."

TH 203. Systematic Theology I. (3 Credits)

"This course serves as an introduction to the nature and source of theology, the inspiration and verification of the Scriptures, the doctrine of God, the creation and doctrine of man, and the doctrine of angels. Study includes God’s attributes, God’s names, and trinitarianism."

TH 213. Systematic Theology II. (3 Credits)

"This course examines Christology (the doctrine of Christ), that includes the names of Christ, His natures, humiliation, exaltation, and offices, as well as the soteriology (doctrine of salvation)."

TH 231. Holy Spirit in the New Testament. (3 Credits)

"This exegetical study of key New Testament passages associates with the person of the Holy Spirit. Stress will be on the role of the Holy Spirit in the early Christian community, the ministry of the Spirit in the worship, and interpersonal relationships."

TH 307. Hermeneutics. (3 Credits)

"This course develops the skill of biblical interpretation based on contextual, grammatical, and historical research. The principles of sound exegesis, which improve the ability to understand and teach the Word, are imparted."

TH 308. Gifts of the Spirit. (3 Credits)

"An intensive study on the person of the Holy Spirit and His gifts covering the office, manifestation, and motivational gifts, and how each gift works within the Body of Christ to facilitate releasing the saints to do the works of service (See Ephesians 4)."

TH 313. Systematic Theology III. (3 Credits)

"This course covers the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, how He works in the Church, the nature of the Church, its organization and its work."

TH 325. Apologetics. (3 Credits)

"1 Peter 3:15-18 (NIV) 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer [apologia] to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the discipline of apologetics from a Christian perspective. Christian beliefs are explained and students are introduced to other religions and worldviews that contradict our Christian beliefs. With 1 Peter 3:15 as the foundation, this course covers how to structure arguments and strategies for an effective and confident defense of our faith, including how to effectively argue for the existence of God, the deity of Christ, miracles, and evil."

TH 344. Historical Theology. (3 Credits)

"This course covers theology in its historical development throughout the centuries, taking note of the development, growth, and change in the church’s understanding of the central doctrines of the faith."

TH 415. M.L. King Jr. and the Chruch as a. (3 Credits)

"The course entitled, ""Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Church as a Social Agent of Change” will explore and examine the theological, ethical, and philosophical foundations of the life, work, and thought of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Attention will be given to King’s understanding of God, Christ, the Church, the move of the Holy Spirit and G-D's mandate to and for humanity along with how the interplay of these concepts informed his quest to critique, contest and transform North American civilization and the emerging global order. Students will be asked to explore and examine the cultural and social dynamics that shaped King’s identity as a minister/theologian, preacher of the Gospel, and his understanding of the church's role and significance as G-D's agent of transformation in and to the world. The Course will also examine Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact on international theology, his cultural legacy, and his engagement with historical theologians, the theologians of his day, historical ethicist and the ethicist of his day, and the prevalent thought and attitudes concerning race, gender, class, and justice."

TH 503. Systematic Theology I. (3 Credits)

"This course serves as an introduction to the nature and source of theology, the inspiration and verification of the Scriptures, the doctrine of God, the creation and doctrine of man, and the doctrine of the angels. Study includes God attributes, God’s names and Trinitarians."

TH 513. Systematic Theology II. (3 Credits)

"This course examines Christology (the doctrine of Christ), that includes the names of Christ, His nature, humiliation, exaltation, and offices, as well as the soteriology (doctrine of salvation)."

TH 601. History of Christian Thought I. (3 Credits)

This course is a study of the early church scholars and how each impacted Christian theology and doctrine. It deals with early church councils and the writings of church fathers.

TH 602. History of Christian Thought II. (3 Credits)

This course is a continuation of the study early church scholars and how each impacted Christian theology and doctrine. It deals with the Reformation and the history of various contemporary theologies.

TH 606. Women in Theology. (3 Credits)

"This course examines the historical roots, key ideas and trajectories of women in theology and philosophy, the passions and contradictions of these women and their effects on various social practices and religious institutions."

TH 607. Hermeneutics. (3 Credits)

"A study of basic principles and specific guidelines of interpretation some attention is given to the historical schools of interpretation, but the focus of the course is on historical-grammatical interpretation and legitimate application of the Scriptures. General principles, such as reliance on the Holy Spirit, biblical context, ancient culture, and different literary genre are studies in this course."

TH 608. Introduction to World Religions. (3 Credits)

This course will study the historical ethnic religions with special emphasis on their comparison and encounter with Christianity.

TH 615. M.L. King Jr. and the Church as a. (3 Credits)

" Introduction to Graduate Studies Orientation will prepare the students for graduate work in Professional Studies through a thorough overview of the program and orientations in student services, financial aid, accounting, and the library. The students will also select a class representative for this course and form learning teams. This is a one-hour credit course."

DM 704. Daniel. (3 Credits)

"This course will be an exposition, emphasizing the background issues, purpose, structure, and interpretation of prophetic literature and theological contributions of Daniel."

DM 722. Survey of Revelation. (3 Credits)

In this course you will study the nature of apocalyptic literature in the New Testament era and examine the structure and message of the Book of Revelation against its historical background. Emphasis will be placed upon the significance of this book for church in the world today.

DM 901. Doctor of Ministry Orientation. (3 Credits)

"This introductory course gives a general overview of the program and provides specific instruction and guidance toward fulfilling the requirements of the program. This includes: course progression, APA writing requirements, statistical analysis, covenant group stipulations, dissertation planning, etc. Students will meet with their individual faculty advisors and begin preliminary discussion of project/thesis topic."

DM 902. "Foundations for Ministry Leadership: Scripture, History, and Theology". (3 Credits)

"This course will address the theological, philosophical, and historical tenets of ministerial leadership by exploring Scripture, the historical development of ecclesiastical leadership paradigms, and some contemporary models of ecclesiastical leadership. The servant leadership model of Jesus will also be explored as a methodology for contemporary ministerial leadership in the twenty-first century."

DM 903. Executive Coaching for Transformational Ministry. (3 Credits)

"This course will expose students to the executive coaching model. The students will be expected to learn the practices of executive coaching techniques including developing authentic peer relationships, employing the Socratic method of listening and asking questions, providing focus, feedback, and reflection in a coaching context."

DM 904. Leadership and Peacekeeping: Conflict Resolution. (3 Credits)

"This course will address the role and function of ecclesiastical leaders as peacemakers and the manner in which this role and function can be used in conflict management and the reconciliation of parties. The theology, philosophy, and ethical dynamics associated and ascribed to the role of the “peacemaker” will be explored and examined with the context of a transitioning global context. This exploration will therefore examine and discuss the diverse techniques being taught and practiced within the 21st century on issues of conflict resolution and reconciliation. "

DM 906. Leading Worship and Discipleship. (3 Credits)

"This course will highlight the role of the minister within the worship experience, church discipleship, and communicator of the Word. It will examine and discuss biblical principles and precepts related to facilitating the liturgical embodiment of a community at worship and how that worshipful community lives out its divine calling. It therefore provides individuals with a forum to enhance their skills in these areas and provide them with methodologies and techniques for teaching others to function in these roles within the church or parachurch setting."

DM 909. "Holistic Mission: Evangelism, Justice, and Mercy Ministries". (3 Credits)

"This course will explore the role of the church in addressing social justice issues within the United States and around the world and engage in mercy ministries that empower and liberate the mind, soul, and spirit of oppressed, marginalized, disenfranchised, and dispossessed people. This exploration shall invite the students examine acts of mercy and justice as loving acts of evangelism. It will address the concept of holistic mission as it relates to the church or parachurch ministries in the world of the twenty-first century."

DM 910 HYB. Ethics and Society. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to a general knowledge of the development of the literature of Christian ethics. It focuses on the impact of social sciences that inform the task of critical inquiry into the moral life through learning to analyze ethos and lay bare the roots of fundamental character of a community’s moral life.

DM 915 HYB. The Church as a Learning. (3 Credits)

"This course is designed to offer advanced instruction in research, structure, and development of scholarly work. It will expertly guide students in the initial formulation of a dissertation proposal and outline. This course provides specific instructions concerning Turabian writing and dissertation planning. Students will undergo a thorough review of the process and management of research, especially as it relates to theological studies. Students will be introduced to the contemporary conventions of advanced academic research and communication, and become acquainted with newly emerging possibilities for framing inquiries and for gathering, organizing, and critically examining data. "

DM 920. Critical Issues for 21st Century. (3 Credits)

"The purpose for this course is to survey contemporary issues that those who are engaged in ministry in the 21st century will certainly encounter. The principle objective of the course is to provide a socio-cultural overview of the perennial challenges of the contemporary times and suggest methods for meaningful Christian engagement with people and the issues they embody. This course frames discussions about prevalent cultural concerns within a framework of sacred scripture, cogent theology, and solution-oriented practical suggestions. This course hinges upon the notion that those engaged in ministry must be conversant in these issues of common culture."

DM 925. Globalization and the Role of the Leader. (3 Credits)

"Contemporary organizations have become increasingly focused on both the global marketplace and global competition. Large organizations frequently have physical locations and employees in numerous countries around the globe, but many relatively small organizations compete on a global scale even if physically located in one or a few countries. "

DM 931. Advanced Research Methodologies. (3 Credits)

"This course is designed to offer advanced instruction in research, structure, and development of scholarly work. It will expertly guide students in the initial formulation of a dissertation proposal and outline. This course provides specific instructions concerning Turabian writing and dissertation planning. Students will undergo a thorough review of the process and management of research, especially as it relates to theological studies. Students will be introduced to the contemporary conventions of advanced academic research and communication, and become acquainted with newly emerging possibilities for framing inquiries and for gathering, organizing, and critically examining data. "

DM 933. Doctor of Ministry Project/Dissertation. (3 Credits)

"The class will guide students through the proposal stage of a dissertation. It will expose students to many models and will engage students in interactive reflections as they go through the process of writing a research proposal. Specifically, DMin 933 will explore chapter 3 of the proposal and dissertation – “methods."

DM 933 E. Doctor of Ministry Project/Dissertation Extension. (1 Credit)

Dissertation Extension.

DM 934. Doctor of Ministry Project/Dissertation. (1 Credit)

This class is a 3-credit hour class offered in a Directed Study format. Students will schedule periodic meetings with the Dissertation Chair for consultation and guidance in writing their dissertation. The course will culminate with a complete dissertation that is ready for defense before the dissertation committee.

DM 934 E. Doctor of Ministry Project/Dissertation Extension. (1 Credit)

Dissertation Extension.

DM 940. Christ and Community. (3 Credits)

"This course is an examination into the theological and ethical constructs of Practical theology and its conversation with Social Justice, Human Rights, and Social Transformation. We therefore engage in examination and conversation around issues that are intrinsic to the human spirit and issues of oppression, subjugation, dehumanization, and the Christian message of justice."

DM 941. The History of the Pentecostal. (3 Credits)

"The purpose of this course is to survey the beginnings, growth, and current developments in the Pentecostal movement. The course will cover the beginnings of the movement and will be international in scope. Major attention will be given to the theological development of the first ten years of the movement from 1906 – 1916, the historic significance of the subsequent years, the major figures of the movement, and then shift to current events and personalities in the various Pentecostal denominations and movements from that period forward. The course will be concerned with the teachings and personalities of each movement and will attempt to evaluate their current and potential importance in world Christianity."

DM 942. Research and Writing II DM 942. (3 Credits)

DM 946. Worship. (3 Credits)

"This course will be a study of Christian worship. The theological and contemporary concepts of worship and music will be explored to discover a deeper way of seeing and glorifying God. Attention will be given to the theological basis and practical application of ritual, form, and stylistic considerations for worship in the church. This course will also help the students evaluate and critique their own worship leadership and that of the church with skill and sensitivity."

DM 950. Ethics of Pastoral Leadership. (3 Credits)

"This course examines the appropriate ethical conduct of Christian workers based upon the text of the New Testament. Of particular interest will be such contemporary issues as gender behavior in the workplace, confidentiality and liability, abortion, euthanasia, living wills, stem cell research, and genetic engineering."

DM 970. Comparative Theology DM 970. (3 Credits)

DM 987. Transformational Leadership in the 21st Century. (3 Credits)

DM 990. Professional Development Seminar. ( Credits)