Theology Courses

THEO 201 History of Christian Thought (3)
A survey of the history of the Christian church from its inception to the twentieth century, with special emphasis on the most significant events, movements, personalities and teachings which have influenced the development of the church. Offered each Fall. 

THEO 323 Friends Heritage (3)
A study of the origins of Friends, the early evangelistic and missionary movements, quietism, schisms, revivals and modernization. Attention will be given to the place of Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region in the history of Friends. Prerequisites: HIST 111 or 112; 211 or 212. Cross-listed with HIST 323. Offered Fall 2002 and alternate Fall semesters.
 
THEO 325 Biblical & Theological Foundations to Missions & Cross-Cultural         Ministries (3)
This course will explore the Biblical and theological underpinnings of missions and cross-cultural ministries.  Biblical bases and models for cross-cultural ministries will be examined.  The course will also investigate a wide variety of Christian theological perspectives on world missions and the destiny of the unevangelized.

THEO 331 Christian Theology I (3)
An introduction to the major themes of theology based on the Scriptures and in the context of historical Christian thought and philosophy. This first course in theology covers revelation, inspiration and the attributes of God. Offered each Fall. 

THEO 332 Christian Theology II (3)
This is a continuation of THEO 331 and covers the doctrines of sin, redemption, church and final things (eschatology). Offered each Spring. 

THEO 340 War, Peace and Revolution in Christian Tradition (3)
This course explores the various historical positions relative to war and peace. It concludes with an examination of contemporary issues relative to peacemaking such as nuclear crisis, draft, peace movements and civil disobedience. Offered on demand.

THEO 342 Spiritual Formation (3)
This course will introduce the student to the nature of the spiritual life by examining the biblical, theological, and historical foundations for Christian spirituality. Assuming a holistic perspective of life, attention will be given to the expression and growth of our spirituality, and the role of the spiritual disciplines. Offered each Fall. 

THEO 343 Philosophy of Religion (3)
It is the purpose of this course to examine classical questions in philosophy of religion as well as to consider current trends in the discipline. The course will include an examination of theistic proofs, the nature and activity of God, talk about God, as well as other closely related topics. This design is intended to provoke thought and reflection as well as to hone philosophical skills. Prerequisite: PHIL 100. Cross-listed with PHIL 343. Offered Spring 2003 and alternate Spring semesters.
 
THEO 362 Apologetics (3)
This course examines (1) the role of apolgetics in the historic Christian faith, (2) schools of apologetics that have emerged among Christians, and (3) particular apologetic arguments used to defend and advance the Christian worldview.  Students will be empowered to think through personal questions of faith and will investigate how apologetics may be used with skeptics as well as those who are seeking the truth in a post-modern world.
 
THEO 366 History of World Missions (3)
 This course surveys the history of Christian missionary movement from the time of the early church to the present.  Historical topics include missionary movements in "barbarian" Europe, colonial Latin America, and global efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries.  Special attention will be given to issues of culture and authority that have emerged in the transmission of faith, as well as the implications of the recent shift of the center of Christianity from the northern to the southern half of the globe.  Cross-listed with HIST 366.

THEO 407 Faith and World Views (3)
An exploration of the major worldviews and a review of the rich resources of the Bible for creative personal faith and life in the modern world. An opportunity to integrate faith, learning and living within the nursing profession is the goal. Only students in the nursing degree completion program may register for this course. Prerequisite: completion of Trimesters I, II and III.
 

THEO 410 Faith and Personal Ethics (3)
This course is both a study of significant ethical theories and the factors involved in ethical decision making as well as a study of several contemporary ethical issues from a Christian perspective. This course cannot be taken on a tutorial basis. Prerequisites: BIBL 110, 120; PHIL 100, 210; junior or senior standing.

THEO 413 Contemporary Theology (3)
This course examines the thinking of the most influential theologians of the twentieth century, with a special focus on how their thinking has both reflected and shaped modern understandings of God. Prerequisites: THEO 331 and 332, or 201. Offered Spring 2003 and alternate Spring semesters.
 
THEO 421 Current Controversies in Theology (3)
The purpose of this course is to help students clarify and deepen their understanding of significant, controversial theological issues (e.g., God's sovereignty and human freedom, miraculous gifts today, women in ministry, destiny of the unevangelized, etc.).  By exploring important, widely disputed areas of theology students will enhance their capacitites to dialogue positively with others in the process of formulating and articulating their own convictions.  Prerequisite:  THEO 201 or 331.
 
THEO 450 Advanced Topics (1-3)
An opportunity for superior students to pursue a subject of special interest on their own initiative or in a seminar group. Open only to juniors or seniors who are majors in this area and who have completed or are taking regularly scheduled courses. Enrollment by permission of the Dean.
 
THEO 460 Senior Seminar (2)
A capstone course required of all majors in the School of Theology.  The course will challenge students to synthesize biblical and theological principles with insights gained through ministry courses and experience to create a personalized theology of ministry.  Students will be required to write a major integrative research paper and pass a set of qualifying examinations.  Prerequisite:  Senior standing.
 
THEO 461 History of World Religions (3)
A study of the history of the main religions of the world, with particular emphasis on Indigenous Religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto, Judaism, Islam, and Ba'hai.  this course will focus on the most important beliefs and practices of each religious tradition.  Students will learn about the founders and key individuals as well as examine portions of the sacred text(s) of several major religious traditions.  Experiencing sacred music and places of worship of the world's major religions will enable the development of a deepened understanding of other religions.  Also emphasized will be cross-cultural engagement and a Christian response to interaction with adherents of other religions.  Cross-listed with HIST 461.
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