Course Descriptions for Diploma in Theology

Diploma in theology requirements

BIBLICAL STUDIES (15 hours)
BS 111 Introduction to New Testament
BS 112 Introduction to Old Testament
Three of the following:
   BS 135 Studies in the Prophets
   BS 145 Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels

   BS 155 Life and Letters of Paul

   BS 170 Johannine Literature

THEOLOGICAL/PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES (12 hours)
TP 201 Christian Theology I
TP 202 Christian Theology II
PH 245 Philosophy of Religion
PH 265 Christian Ethics

HISTORICAL/CULTURAL STUDIES (6 hours)
HC 301 Church History
HC 321 Baptist Belief and History

MINISTRY STUDIES (15 hours)
MS 415 Preaching and Communication MS 465 Formation for Ministry
Three of the following:
    MS 412 Spiritual Formation MS 425 Church Administration MS 430 Christian Education
    MS 455 Pastoral Care & Counseling MS 445 Worship and Music

48 Total Required Hours

PROGRAM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

BIBLICAL STUDIES

BS 111 Introduction to New Testament
The application of critical methodology to the Biblical text to discover the basic meaning and message of the New Testament. Attention is given to the secular and religious history of the period as well as to the life and teachings of Jesus, the letters of Paul and the origins of the Christian Church.

BS 112 Introduction to Old Testament
The application of critical methodology to the history, literature and religion of the ancient Hebrews. Attention is given to the historical context, the development and the message of the Hebrew faith.

BS 135 Studies in the Prophets
The historical background, function, message, contribution and contemporary significance of the Hebrew prophets.

BS 145 Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels
A study of the life and teachings of Jesus through a careful examination of the synoptic gospels in light of the available historical, cultural and literary studies.

BS 155 Life and the Letters of Paul
An introductory course on the life and thought of Paul. The Pauline letters are studied within the historical context of the first century Christianity and contemporary importance for the church in today's world is explored.

BS 170 - Johannine Literature
A study of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John and the Revelation. The student will master the contents of the books and the major critical issues involved in their interpretation and will demonstrate competence in using modem research in interpretive methods.

THEOLOGICAL /PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES

TP 201 - Christian Theology I
A study of the foundations of systematic theology of the Christian church, with a historical and philosophical emphasis on Classical Christian doctrines.

TP 202 - Christian Theology II
An in-depth continuation of Christian Theology I.

TP 222 - Introduction to Philosophy
An introduction to the major ideas and figures in the Western philosophical tradition.

PH 245 - Philosophy of Religion
An introduction to the philosophical foundations of religious beliefs, including traditional arguments for God's existence, the immortality of the soul and life after death.

PH 265 - Christian Ethics
An introduction to the study of Christian ethical teaching examining the philosophical, Biblical and theological traditions, with special emphasis given to discussion of contemporary issues.

HISTORICAL /CULTURAL STUDIES

HC 301 - Church History
A study of the history of the Christian religion and Church from the first century to the beginnings of the modern period. The course highlights the theological and sociological developments in the Early Church, the Middle Ages, the Reformation and post-Reformation periods.

HC 321 - Baptist Beliefs and History
A study of the history and heritage of Baptist beliefs and influence.

HC 361 - Sociology of Religion
An introduction to the major themes and figures in the sociology of religion.