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Theologies of Liberation
Liberation theology has sought to liberate the disenfranchised from poverty, oppression, and social injustice – but at what price? This course addresses the historical and thematic development of liberation theologies in the social and religious context of Latin America. The course covers the various denominational roots, as well as the various methodologies that those denominations utilize. Dr. Mulholland presents a systematic theology of liberation, analyzing its relation to the areas of soteriology, Christology, and ecclesiology.
Church History to the Reformation
Nearly every major doctrine of the church was established before the Reformation. In this course, learners discover how the Church’s doctrine, faith, and practice developed from Pentecost to the time of the Protestant Reformation. The lectures focus on the cultural, political, and economic backgrounds of both the Patristic and Medieval periods of church history, and emphasize the contributions of key figures up to the Reformation. The course culminates with the Renaissance, which was the cultural context for Luther’s Reformation. From Augustine to Wycliffe, students will see how God used ordinary people to accomplish divine purposes.
Soteriology
Soteriology means different things to different people. Buddhism views salvation as a death of desire. Hinduism sees salvation as an end to samsara. Muslims surrender themselves as they repent and atone for their sins while Sikhism looks to one’s personal meditation and discipline to achieve union with God. But what about Christianity? What does the Bible teach about salvation. In this course, Dr. H. Phillip Hook explores the Scripture’s teachings on soteriology in order to know how one is saved and to understand the impact of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Management
Organizational communication is a powerful tool of construction or destruction. In this course, learners discover biblical principles of interpersonal communication and conflict management in human relationships. The course gives attention to communication models, self-concept, nonverbal messages, stress, and strategies that assist Christian leaders in developing interpersonal communication skills. In addition, the course focuses on the nature of conflict, how to identify common styles of conflict management, and how to manage conflict acceptably and productively.
Urban Missiology
The large cities of the world present enormous challenges and opportunities to the church of Christ. The purpose of this course is to develop a relevant evangelical practice for the church within the urban context, understood as contextual, or local theology. This course will expose the student to various dimensions of post-modernity as examined by several contemporary authors. The goal of the course is to help learners develop pertinent theological, missiological, and strategic initiatives for urban settings that can be applied to their own ministry.
Karl Barth and Neo-Orthodoxy
Through the years, the church has been greatly influenced by theologians. Augustine shaped the church’s understanding of orthodoxy. Aquinas brought philosophy and theology together. Luther reclaimed salvation by faith alone; and Calvin reminded believers of God’s sovereignty over all things. In a postmodern world, the church continues the process of knowing God in the wake of the teachings of Karl Barth. In this course, Dr. Lubbertus Oostendorp explores the impact of Barth’s influence on Neo-Orthodoxy. Developed shortly after the Age of Enlightenment, Neo-Orthodoxy provided the springboard for today’s theologians as believers seek to be both biblically true and culturally relevant.
Ministering to Women in the Church
Often overlooked or misunderstood are the vital roles of women in the home, society, and the church. Learners will study ministry to and by women, including biblical foundations for women and principles for evangelizing, discipling, and counseling women. Lectures focus on the history of women’s ministries in the church, the role of women’s ministries in the New Testament, and the contemporary cultural context for women’s ministries. In addition, students will learn how to minister to the needs of specific women’s groups, such as singles, homemakers, those in the workplace, and those who are hurting.
Doctrine of Salvation
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” No question is more important or more debated than this one posed by the Philippian jailer. This course presents a critical and historical overview of the message, plan, and components of salvation. The lectures trace each element of the salvation process, from God’s decree to our final glorification and union with Christ. Topics such as the order of salvation, the nature of justification, and the possibility of perfection are given in-depth treatment. The course emphasizes a Reformed view of salvation, while offering fair treatment to all sides.
Urban Mission and Ministry
As the cities go, the world goes – politically, intellectually, economically, socially, and religiously. This course addresses Christian mission and ministry in the world’s growing cities. A biblical basis for urban ministry is presented and case studies of effective urban strategies worldwide are examined. The course provides key logistics, strategies, models, and insights from one of today’s leading experts in urban missiology. Throughout the lessons the instructor emphasizes holistic ministry, i.e., meeting all needs: social, civil, and political, as well as the spiritual.
A History of the Church in China Since 1949
With almost twenty percent of our world’s population, China is a large mission field. This course presents a history of Protestant Christianity in China since 1949, tracing the development of the church within the context of modern Chinese history. Learners examine the influence of politics on religious and church life, and study the Party’s influence upon both the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the independent house churches. The course begins with a discussion of church and state relations and concludes with spiritual lessons learned from Chinese history. Students are encouraged to appreciate the tremendous needs and opportunities in China, and to…
Reformation Church History
The Reformation changed the world spiritually, socially, and even politically. In this course, learners trace the historic development of the Protestant Reformation from its 16th century background to its impact on the world and church today. The course examines the lives and teachings of the leading Reformers (Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and Knox) and traces the Reformation movement in various nations. In addition, students study the rise of the major Protestant movements (Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anabaptism, and Puritanism) and the Roman Catholic reactions to those movements. The goal of the course is to apply the Reformation battle cries of faith alone, grace…
Doctrine of the Trinity
To know God and to make Him known is our highest calling. By studying the historic, classic, and orthodox doctrine of the Holy Trinity, learners discover how and why the doctrine emerged in the fourth century, as well as the various and progressive ways this doctrine has been understood throughout history. Throughout the course, Dr. Toon demonstrates that a right understanding of the Trinity is essential to a right understanding of God’s relation to man and man’s relation to God.
The Christian Life: An Evangelical Spiritual Theology
With the contemporary interest in spirituality, it is imperative that the Church establish a comprehensive theology of Christian spirituality that can inform the life and witness of Christian believers. This course presents such a theology of spirituality: a theology that is biblical, practical, and contemporary, accounting for and enabling spiritual formation and nurture in a post-modern, pluralistic, materialistic society. In addition, the course provides a theological foundation for a life of prayer that will empower and sustain the believer in life and ministry.
The Ancient Church
We are indebted to the church fathers for the lasting influence of their lives and their works. This course covers the history of the ancient church (Pentecost to AD 500) and the men and writings of that era. Following a historical progression, the course covers the development of doctrine and the main figures in the Patristic Age. Lectures focus on influential men like Irenaeus, Origen, Chrysostom, Athanasius, and Augustine. Significant creeds are also analyzed for their intentions, influence, and correctness. Throughout the course, students are prompted to evaluate their own beliefs as they begin to understand historical orthodoxy.
African Theology and Religions
With the broad expansion of Christianity in Africa, the African Church and African theology should be understood by us all. This course examines Christian theological formation in Africa against the background of African cultures and religions, and in light of its contemporary context. Also considered are how to study and understand Africa, and the factors that led to the debate on Christian theologizing in Africa. Throughout the course, descriptions and analyses of African religions are provided.
