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Christian Ethics: A Biblical Theology of Morality
In a self-centered culture, how do we demonstrate a God-centered ethic? This course presents a biblical model for ethics in a postmodern world, examining the ethical theories of obligation and value from a philosophical perspective. The lectures survey various ethical systems, identify unstated assumptions in ethical theories, and evaluate those theories for legitimacy, relevancy, and cogency. The goal of the course is to provide learners with a Christian framework of values and ethics, leading them to make God-honoring decisions in a truth-relative world.
Introduction to World Christian Missions
God has one unified, global purpose for all He does. This course introduces the exciting biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic dimensions of His plan. It addresses key issues: the basis of and necessity for world missions, and the status of and plan for world missions. Students are introduced to the basics they need to pursue missionary training or to help lead their local church in its global ministry.
The Theology of Jonathan Edwards
He has been called one the most brilliant men ever born on American soil. In this course, learners will examine the theological insights of Jonathan Edwards. Taking a topical approach, the course covers Edwards’ teachings on all the major points of systematic theology, giving particular emphasis to his unique theological contributions. Topics such as the place of reason, the decrees of God, the nature of justification, and the extent of sanctification are presented and analyzed with the goal that students apply new insights to their own lives and ministry.
A History of the Charismatic Movements
Charismatic theology is more than just a theology of spiritual gifts; worship, bibliology, sanctification, and ecclesiology are also central. Learners will complete a historical and theological study of the origins and developments of Classical Pentecostalism, Charismatic Renewalism, and Restoration Movements, with emphasis given to theological backgrounds and trends. Lectures also analyze other related movements, including the Jesus Only Movement, the Vineyard Movement, and the Toronto Revival Movement. Throughout the course, the pros and cons of the various charismatic movements are presented.
The History of Missions Through 1983
History is “His Story”: the account of God at work establishing His purposes and His Kingdom. In this course, Dr. Kane covers the historic development of the Christian world mission in chronological sequence from Pentecost to the birth of the modern missions movement (1800). He then introduces the modern period along geographical lines: Asia, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. The course culminates by evaluating the missionary achievements of the past and the prospects for the future.
Christology
Since His ascension, Christians have asked questions about Jesus. What was His nature? What role did He play in creation? For whom did He die? In this course, Dr. C. Fred Dickason takes learners through an indepth study of Christ in an attempt to understand His person, nature, teachings and work. Known as Christology, the study of Christ brings learners face-to-face with the most important event in history as individuals unpack the Bible’s teachings on Jesus. Learners will be stimulated intellectually and spiritually as they visit the decisions reached by the early church councils and explore the questions raised since…
The Theology of Martin Luther
“On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me.” Those words of Martin Luther reflect the unswerving commitment to Scripture that permeated his theology and sparked his Reformation. In this course, learners survey the background and setting of Luther’s thought, as well as his teaching on a range of topics that form Christian theology: his understanding of sin and grace, justification and faith, and law and gospel. The course also emphasizes Luther’s view of the workplace as an arena to serve God. The goal of the course is for students to appreciate Luther’s steadfast commitment…
Contemporary Theology I: Hegel to Death of God Theologies
For good or for bad, philosophy has played a pivotal role in the development of theology and culture. In this course, learners examine the major trends in contemporary theological thought in light of their philosophical contexts. The course begins with a review of the major developments in Western thought prior to Hegel, and then explores the theologies of Hegel, Kierkegaard, Barth, Bultmann, and Tillich. The course culminates in the “Death of God” theologies of Paul Van Buren and Thomas Altizer. The course enables learners to evaluate contemporary, non-evangelical theologies and to recognize their impact on everyday life.
Augustine and Medieval Theology
Augustine is one of the most influential theologians in church history. His teachings have shaped the thinking of Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, and Barth. In this course, learners study a comprehensive introduction to Augustine; his life, his works, and his legacy in the medieval church. The course details his youth, conversion, literary works, and his battles against the day’s emerging heresies. Surveying Augustine’s life as a pastor, teacher, and writer, students are encouraged to evaluate his contribution to the development of medieval theology and to apply those contributions to their own lives and ministries.
The Missionary Encounter with World Religions
Nothing demonstrates the pluralism of our world better than religion. Christians must be able to respond to the myriad of religious systems that permeate society. This course develops a biblical theology of religions by studying current models and approaches. Using major religious systems as examples, the lectures sketch five characteristics of all religions. Students will learn the major concepts in religious encounter, including the concept of elentics, various definitions of “religion,” and the five magnetic points of religions. The course culminates with practical suggestions for approaching world religions evangelistically.
Contemporary Theology II: From Theology of Hope to Post-modernism
Post-Modernism is having a profound influence on the Church, from within and without. Changing ideas about the source and nature of truth are affecting Christians’ lives and ministry. In this course, learners examine current trends in contemporary theology, and how these trends arose. The course focuses on the theologies that were prevalent in the 1960’s, including Theology of Hope, Liberation Theology, Feminist Theology, Process Theology, New Age Theology, and four forms of Post-modern Theology. Students are encouraged to draw from the course content so as to relate and communicate better to their post-modern world.
Adult Ministries in the Church
How do adults learn? What are the most successful ways to teach them? This course presents principles of adult education and their application to various adult age levels within the church. Learners explore theories in young, middle, and older adult education, and examine successful ministries to singles, single parents, and families. The course promotes Malcolm Knowles’ andragogical model of adult education, emphasizing such important subjects as how adults learn, how to structure the classroom, and how to facilitate learning.
Church History Since the Reformation
Since the Reformation, the church has experienced countless changes and advancements. In this course, learners survey the development of the Christian church’s doctrine, faith, and practice from the Protestant Reformation to the present. The lectures focus on the cultural, political, and economic backgrounds of the Reformation, Enlightenment, and Great Awakenings, and emphasize the contributions of key figures of these eras. The course highlights the rise and spread of various traditions, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Puritanism, Evangelicalism, and Fundamentalism. Students will also study the nature and trends of modern and postmodern Christianity, with the goal of applying insights to contemporary life.
Foundations of Systematic Theology
Theology can be intimidating for beginners. Many students have been overwhelmed by the diversity of opinions and sheer volume of information to comprehend. If they are to succeed in theological studies they must first establish a foundation of concepts and terminology on which to build their theological framework. In this course, Dr. Frame covers the essentials of all major areas of systematic theology with the goal of orienting listeners to the basic material necessary to understand and study God’s Word. Focusing on the overarching theme of God’s Lordship, Dr. Frame uses three “Lordship Attributes” (control, authority and presence) to organize…
Church Leadership and Administration
What is leadership? How do you make effective decisions? How do you motivate those around you? This course answers such theoretical and practical questions by examining the administrative process, including goal setting, organization, delegation, human relations, group dynamics, supervision, and leadership training. Though administration principles are universal, the course focuses on Christian organizations, particularly the local church. The course is designed to help students become more effective church leaders in both theory and practice.
