M.A. COURSES
(NOT APPLICABLE TO M.DIV./M.A.R. PROGRAMS)OT 131 Biblical Theology I
Purpose: To show how responsible interpretation and application of any biblical text does not begin with the question “How do I apply this passage to my life?” but with “How does this passage connect to the great narrative of redemption which climaxes in the gospel, the story of Christ, and his people?” Topics covered include the nature of the Bible and its coherence; continuities and discontinuities in various major themes, such as the kingdom of God, definitions of the people of God, the Spirit and the New Covenant; the centrality of the gospel in application. Not available to M.Div. or M.A.R. students. 3 semester hours.
OT 141 Old Testament for Ministry
Purpose: To expose the student to specific interpretive issues in Old Testament historical and prophetic books; to demonstrate how Old Testament historical and prophetic books are to be interpreted and applied in light of the gospel; to engage in close reading and apply to specific books (Joshua and Jeremiah) the principles of biblical-theological interpretation learned in Biblical Theology I and Biblical Theology II. Topics covered include redemptive-historical interpretation and the question of application; critique of various popular methods of application of historical and prophetic literature; the nature of biblical history-writing; the office, function, and theology of the prophet in the Old Testament; the specific theologies and redemptive-historical trajectories of the books of Joshua and Jeremiah; and the use of Old Testament historical and prophetic literature in ministry. Prerequisites, OT 131, and NT 133. Not available to M.Div. or M.A.R. students. 3 semester hours.
NT 133 Biblical Theology II
For course description, see OT 131. Not available to M.Div. or M.A.R. students. 3 semester hours.
NT 143 New Testament for Ministry
Purpose: to examine some of the ways that New Testament writers applied the story of Jesus Christ to various problems confronting the first-century church; to develop responsible ways of applying the story of Jesus Christ to problems we face today. Topics covered include how the centrality of Jesus in the NT functions in relation to redemptive history, how that history applies to believers today, some major theological themes of the NT Gospels and Epistles, and the task of bridging the historical and cultural gap between the ancient and modern worlds. Not available to M.Div. or M.A.R. students. 3 semester hours.
ST 131 Survey of Reformed Theology
Purpose: To learn the basic doctrines upheld in mainstream Reformed theology; to grasp the coherency of the system; to understand the biblical basis for Reformed doctrine; to appreciate the distinctiveness of Reformed theology. Topics covered include the inspiration and authority of Scripture, covenant theology, creation of man in the image of God, the person and work of Christ, and the application of redemption in Christ. Not available to M.Div. or M.A.R. students. 3 semester hours.
CH 131 Survey of Church History
Purpose: To introduce students to the major movements and personalities of church history; to give students an understanding of why the church, its life, and its thought, developed in the manner it did; to enable students to begin critical reflection on the relationship of church history to contemporary Christianity. Topics covered will be drawn from all periods of church history, from the immediate post-apostolic period to the development of Christianity in the modern world. Not available to M.Div. or M.A.R. students. 3 semester hours.
PT 173 Biblical Interpretation
Purpose: To gain an overall framework for interpreting/applying any passage of Scripture, a framework that is sensitive to the reader’s world, the author’s world, and the text itself; to gain experience in seeing the Christological/Gospel-centered implications of any text as a prerequisite for meaningful personal application; to grow in ability to rivet Scriptural truth to real-life ministry situations; to practice biblical interpretation in the context of community. Topics covered include the problem of meaning, historical and contemporary models for the interpretation/application of Scripture, Bible translators, resources for Bible study, genre, and contemporary challenges in interpretation (including the role of the reader and the impact of culture in the process of interpretation). Not available to M.Div. or M.A.R. students. Prerequisites, OT 131. 3 semester hours.
