Course Descriptions

The graduate level colloquium examines the historical origins, development, theology, polity, and mission of the Baptist denomination, with attention to the historic Baptist groups and denominations, their presence around the world, and the varieties of Baptist expressions through the churches, conventions, and other organizations. The colloquium will involve readings in primary source materials and significant secondary works, with close focus given to the Southern and Texas Baptists.

 

In this course students will examine the purpose and practices of Christian worship. Attention will be given to developing a philosophy of communal worship based on Biblical principles, and skills to plan worship services effectively for a congregation.

 

The focus of this course is on the meaning religion has for an individual in today’s world. Utilizing a synthesis of classic and contemporary research on religious thought, feeling, belief, and behaviors, the course will explore a three-dimensional model of different ways of being religious person. The course is not concerned with purely conceptual or philosophical discussions of religion, but seeks to provide a comprehensive evaluation from an empirical perspective.

An in-depth study of the ethical theology, methodology, and instruction of the Apostle Paul. The course gives significant attention to literary and contextual issues in determining how the Apostle Paul sought to shape the lives of his converts for the purpose of witness in the world of life as God intends. Particular focus will be directed to the Christological, Ecclesial, and Eschatological dimensions of Pauline moral discourse.

 

A multi-directional study of the relationship between Christianity and contemporary culture, including analysis of various understandings of “culture,” a survey of biblical and historical models for the relationship of Christian faith and practice to broader cultural settings, analysis and evaluation of various methods of theological interpretation of cultural texts and trends, and application of such methods to selected expressions of contemporary North American culture.

 

An advanced study of the nature, history, methods, and themes of Old Testament theology. The Old Testament teaching about God, creation, the land, anthropology, hamartiology, soteriology, community, leaders, and eschatology will be treated as well as the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

 

A study of the major theological themes of the New Testament. The focus of the course will be on the exegesis of critical New Testament texts as the basis for New Testament Theology. Attention will be given to the question of the theological coherence of the New Testament canon.

 

A study of the church as presented in the New Testament. The focus of the course will be on the exegesis of critical New Testament texts, examining the purpose, function, organization, and leadership of the church.

 

A study of the archaeology, historical geography, religion, manners and customs, economics, social concerns, and literature of the Old and New Testaments, the Ancient Near East, and the Greco-Roman world.

 

An advanced study of the nature, history, methods, and themes of biblical theology. The topics of God, creation, anthropology, hamartiology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology will be treated both synchronically and diachronically.

 

This course identifies the educational leadership needs of a church. An examination will be made of Bible study, discipleship, and mission education and action needs for adults, youth, children, and preschools in a church. Emerging twenty-first century educational and ministry needs will be examined.

 

Introduction to the recent growth of worldwide Christianity with a particular emphasis on the perspective and contributions offered by Christians from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Attention will be given to recent theological developments; key historic, demographic, and cultural themes; and emerging partnership opportunities.

This course is the preparation of a prospectus for a Religion Master of Arts research thesis/ministry project. A completed prospectus will include a clear statement of the focus of the thesis/project and a survey of the professional literature relevant to the thesis/project.

 

This course is consists of the completion of a graduate research thesis or ministry project, including the submission of a research thesis/project report in both written and oral formats.