Schedule & Calendar
Fall 2024 – Starts September 9
Old Testament Biblical Theology A
BibTh 103/123 (3 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to be an introduction to the Old Testament Scriptures, the first three–quarters of the Christian Bible. The emphasis will be placed upon
understanding the text in its historical, cultural and canonical contexts and its underlying theology. Matters such as setting, date, authorship, structure and content, as well as interpretive problems, will be considered, but the main emphasis will be on trying to discern the theological structure of the Old Testament in light of its meta–narrative. One of the major Jewish sequence of books will be followed, since this was probably the order of the oldest arrangement of the books, and formed the Bible of Jesus and the earliest church. This sequence begins with Genesis and ends with Chronicles. My intent for this course is to help you get an overview of a very different place and culture and time, and to help you use this context to understand the Old Testament Scriptures! So welcome to the journey, a journey like no other. It begins with God’s command to create light in Genesis 1 and it ends with a command to rebuild the temple in 2 Chronicles 36, and so to fill the world with the light of His Presence.
Historical Theology
HTheo 203/223
The course will survey major themes (doctrine and practice) in historical theology as these matured, developed and erred, all with an eye to historical context and contemporary application, equipping students for further study and practical application. It will follow Allison’s Historical Theology, itself a complement to Grudem’s Systematic Theology.
There will be an emphasis on Western Christianity (i.e. .Catholicism and Protestantism), Evangelical, Reformed and Baptist theology in English contexts but not to the neglect (or in ignorance) of other traditions or cultures (e.g. Orthodoxy or emergent Christianity of the 19th and 20th centuries).
Christian Foundations
Found 101/123 (3 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to be an introduction to the language and systems of Christian theology. In it we will survey 10 areas of systematic theology. The importance of thinking biblically and theologically in all areas of life leading to a Christian worldview will be emphasized. To accomplish this, we will pay
particular attention to God’s unfolding plan of redemption in the Old and New Testaments, and the centrality of Jesus Christ, who holds the scriptures together, and is the key to their interpretation.
History of Western Thought
Apol 203/223 (3 Credit Hours)
This course is a survey of the history of western philosophy. Our two bookends are Socrates and Nietzsche, with the ancient, medieval, and modern periods in between. Other philosophers to be discussed include Plato, Aristotle, Boethius, Anselm, Aquinas, Descartes, Leibniz, Locke, Hume, Kant, Marx, and Mill. As might be expected, a wide range of thinkers implies a wide range of topics. Chief among these are metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, philosophy of religion, and political philosophy. Finally, we will also examine the relation between philosophy and Reformed theology. This includes a Reformed perspective on natural theology and on foundationalism.
Principles & Methods of Bible Study
BibSt 103/123 (3 Credit Hours)
The course presents an objective way of approaching Scripture that helps students to set aside their own preconceived ideas and to look carefully at what is being said. It considers different principles of interpretation and how they should be applied to different genres in the Bible. It is a foundation course that prepares students for the course in Biblical Hermeneutics. This course can be taken as a graduate course by doing extra reading and more comprehensive assignments.
Academic Research & English Grammar and Writing
ResTh 123/ResAc 103 and EngGW 102NC (3 Credit Hours)
This course introduces undergraduate students to the fundamental principles and practices of academic research. We will examine the nature of critical inquiry and academic research and develop the skills and habits of thought necessary to plan, execute, and present an academic research paper. Research assignments, in-class exercises, work in the library, and the completion of a book review will help students to put their learning into practice. Class sessions will consist of short lectures, discussions, and exercises.
Pastoral Theology II
Past 403/423 (3 Credit Hours)
The purpose of this course is to discuss the running of a Baptist church. Beyond the theory and general principles, we will examine the “nuts and bolts” of leadership and responsibility within a local church. As far as possible we will try to anticipate the kind of meetings and situations that a pastor will encounter
as he cares for the flock of God over which Jesus Christ—the head of the church—has made him a shepherd. In the final analysis, faithful leadership requires that we know what to do and how to do it.
Biblical Hermeneutics
Herm 103/123 (3 Credit Hours)
This course is designed to help students to interpret and apply the biblical text in a responsible and informed manner. This will be achieved through an understanding of methods, skills, research tools, important concepts, and values necessary for interpretation and application. A brief survey of biblical interpretation and the presuppositions behind different forms of biblical interpretation will also be considered. The acquisition of good interpretive skills will be enhanced through both individually written and in-class group assignments.
New Testament Exegesis I
Grk 523 (3 Credit Hours)
Exegesis from the Greek text is the proper foundation for the proclamation of the New Testament’s message. Students who have completed preliminary studies in the mechanics of Koine Greek will continue to sharpen and enlarge their exegetical skills in this course. Attention will be given to applying the rules of grammar and syntax while recognizing the nuance of idiom and historical context as students examine texts in the New Testament, especially Philippians.
The bulk of class time will be devoted to a detailed analysis of the Greek text by means of interaction with students.
Hebrew Grammar I
Heb 123 (3 Credit Hours)
A thorough knowledge of Biblical Hebrew is essential for understanding the Old Testament and proclaiming its message in the church today. This course is designed to enable students to acquire a basic reading knowledge of Biblical Hebrew prose and will lay a foundation for future study of Biblical Hebrew syntax, including intermediate to advanced prose and poetry.
Hebrew Syntax and Reading I
Heb 323 (3 Credit Hours)
A thorough knowledge of Biblical Hebrew is essential for interpreting the Old Testament in its social and cultural contexts and understanding its applicability for the church today. This course is designed to provide the tools necessary to competently translate any portion of the Hebrew Bible
Greek Grammar I
Grk 123 (3 Credit Hours)
A thorough knowledge of Biblical Greek is essential for understanding the New Testament and proclaiming its message in the church today. This course is designed to enable students to acquire a basic reading knowledge of Biblical Greek prose and will lay a foundation for future study of Biblical Greek syntax, including intermediate to advanced texts.
Greek Syntax and Reading I
Grk 323 (3 Credit Hours)
Exegesis from the Greek text is the proper foundation for the proclamation of the New Testament message. Students who have completed preliminary studies in morphology and grammar will continue to sharpen and enlarge their exegetical skills in this course. Attention is given to applying the rules of grammar and syntax while recognizing the nuance of idioms and historical context as students examine a series of New Testament texts.
