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Theology I is designed to provide a systematic framework for understanding the Scriptures contained in the Old and New Testaments. Students begin by surveying major systems of theological discourse, with sensitivity to the divergent traditions represented in the student body. Students will then proceed to examine four major branches of theology: Bibliology, which is concerned with the nature and truth of divine revelation; theology proper, which seeks to discover the nature and wonder of God himself; Christology, which is concerned with the person and nature of Jesus, in whom God has revealed himself; and finally, anthropology, the nature of man, with particular attention to his creation and his fallen condition. These doctrinal areas are basic to reckoning with all that God has done, is doing and will do in the world. [One semester. Rhetoric. Text: J. I. Packer, Concise Theology] Theology II is a continuation of Theology I, and provides a systematic framework for understanding the Scriptures contained in the Old and New Testaments. Students begin by surveying major systems of theological discourse, with sensitivity to the divergent traditions represented in the student body. Students will then proceed to examine the following branches of theology: ecclesiology, which examines the nature and purpose of the Church, including the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist; soteriology, which is concerned with the redemption of mankind in Jesus Christ; finally, the course will examine the major eschatological views derived from Scripture. [One semester. Rhetoric. Text: J. I. Packer, Concise Theology] Introduction to Apologetics is a half-year course and constitutes an introduction to Christian Apologetics. Included is a survey of various extant worldviews, biblical Christian responses to them, and the basics of historic Christianity. Receiving special emphasis are orthodox (biblical) Christian responses to typical challenges to the Christian worldview such as the problem of evil and suffering, the need to believe in miracles, the person and nature of Jesus Christ as the unique God-Man, alleged errors in the Bible, and the exclusivity of historic Christianity. Students are introduced to some works of some great Christian thinkers. Differences among Christian apologists are mentioned, but it is the commonalities that are emphasized. Through papers, presentations, and debates, students are encouraged and led to develop their own individual approaches to Christian Apologetics, within the parameters of historic Christian theology. [One semester. Rhetoric. Prerequisites, Theology I & II. Text: Christian Schools International: Exploring Apologetics] Ethics is a one semester course introduction to Christian Ethics. Included is an introduction to the theoretical foundations of secular philosophical ethics and how biblical Christian ethics differs from them both theoretically and practically. Receiving special attention are specifically and uniquely biblical emphases in ethics, such as divine command morality, areas of current ethical controversy, including problems in medical ethics and bioethics, and practical applications of biblical ethics. Students are introduced to works of great Christian thinkers. Through response papers, presentations, and discussion, students are encouraged and led to develop their own individual approaches to Christian Ethics, within the parameters of historic Christian theology. [One semester. Rhetoric. Text—, Zondervan: Exploring Ethics; Text: McGraw Hill, Philosophy: History & Problems] Hermeneutics is a one semester course and comprises an introduction to biblical hermeneutics, the art and science of biblical interpretation. This includes the study and application of the principles of biblical exegesis, with strong emphasis on a literary genre approach. Included is an introduction to the art and science of Bible translation, with special emphasis on how to compare translations. By learning how to interpret and apply God’s Word for themselves, students are led to a greater appreciation of God, his self-revelation in Scripture, and the importance of consistently living in accordance with it. [One semester. Rhetoric. Text: Zondervan: How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth] Introduction to Philosophy is a beginner course in Western philosophy, both secular and Christian. After introducing the basic areas of traditional philosophy such as ontology, metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, ethics, social/political theory, and the foundations of the disciplines and arts, the course takes a historical and worldview approach to introducing its subject matter. Emphasis is placed on the role philosophy has had in shaping Western culture and on the interplay between secular philosophy and Christian philosophy and theology. The main goals are mastery of the key concepts and terminology of philosophy, the development of a rigorous, uniquely Christian philosophical framework, the evaluation of secular philosophical concepts and positions from such a framework, and the integration of this framework into the other academic subject areas. The course includes a major term paper, along with much reading and discussion. [One semester, half credit. Prerequisite: Ethics. Rhetoric. Text: McGraw Hill, Philosophy: History & Problems] |