Theology

Courses

THEO2100: Introduction to Christian Theology

Credits 3

A study of the essential doctrines of the Christian faith in systematic form. The underlying foundation will be biblical faith, with special emphasis given to the interpretation of the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition. This course is designed for general students.  Must receive a grade of C- or higher to fulfill the General Education Christian Formation requirement.

Prerequisite Courses

THEO3540: Christian Holiness

Credits 3
A study of the doctrine of Christian perfection, stressing its biblical and historical background with particular attention to its development in the writings of John Wesley and the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. Special emphasis will be given to spiritual formation aspects of entire sanctification. This course is designed for general students.
Prerequisite Courses

THEO3560: Theological Explorations of Evangelism

Credits 3

A study of the various historical and contemporary expressions of evangelism from a theological perspective. The course seeks to help students develop a theological understanding of evangelism within the broader categories of ecclesiology and discipleship, as well as enabling them to reflect on and evaluate different methods often associated with evangelistic practices. Fee: Additional fee required.

THEO3580: Love

Credits 3

An examination of theological and philosophical aspects of love. There will be a spiritual formation project. Fee: Additional fee required.

Prerequisite Courses

THEO3590: Theology of the Church

Credits 3
An advanced study of ecclesiology exploring the relationship between communal worship, Christian belief, and ethics. The course will also explore the biblical and theological background of various Christian traditions, the relationship of the Church to culture, current ecclesiological shifts, and the trajectory of the Church in a postmodern culture.
Prerequisite Courses

THEO3620: Science and Christian Faith

Credits 3
The primary objective of the course is to enhance the interdisciplinary dialogue taking place between science and theology. To accomplish this, the course will explore several core scientific theories (cosmology and the big bang, macroevolution, and quantum physics) and how these theories impact Christian theology. Key questions undergirding the course are: How does modern science aid the theological process? How has Christian faith aided the rise of modern science? How does modern science challenge some theological views? What are the limits of natural science in relation to the Christian faith? (See PHIL3620)

THEO3630: Exploring Western World Religious Traditions

Credits 3
A historical and theological exploration of the dominant Western (Islam, Judaism) world religions and selected Christian sectarian movements. Special attention is given to student participation in field trips and to the issue of religious pluralism. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Competency (CC) requirement.
Prerequisites
BIBL1100, THEO2100, or instructor's approval.

THEO3640: Exploring Eastern World Religious Traditions

Credits 3

A historical and theological exploration of the dominant Eastern (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism) world religions. Special attention is given to student participation in field trips and to the issue of religious pluralism. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Competency (CC) requirement.

Prerequisites

BIBL1100, THEO2100, or instructor's approval.

THEO3700: Social Justice in the Christian Tradition

Credits 3
The virtue of justice has deep roots in Christian Scripture, philosophy, and the Christian theological tradition as an essential feature of a society ordered toward the common good. What does justice look like in the tradition of Christian thought? What makes a just society? How might Christians actively contribute to a society that is more just? This course encourages students to explore such questions through Scripture, the church’s theological heritage, and engagement with the work of active practitioners today.
Prerequisites
BIBL1100, THEO2100, or instructor's approval.

THEO3710: Church, Culture, and Christian Living

Credits 3

This course focuses on the relationship of Christian faith to culture. In the past, Christians have tended to think about the need to be prepared to have various responses (a la Niebuhr) to "culture". This course will offer an additional alternative to students: the church as culture and Christians as culture makers. So, although the course will give students ways to further discern the nature of the surrounding culture(s), the course will also focus on participating in the divine, co-creational command to "fill the earth" with God-glorifying culture. The course will also help them think about their future as God-honoring culture makers.

Prerequisite Courses

THEO3730: Theology and Practice of Compassion

Credits 3

A study of the theology and practice of compassion and social holiness as expression of lives of Christian stewardship. This course will consider the history and current expressions of compassionate ministry as it relates to the Christian faith. Service projects will be required parts of the course. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Competency (CC) requirement. 

Prerequisite Courses

THEO3740: Theology and Practice of Spiritual Formation

Credits 3

A study of the theology and practice of spiritual formation as part of Christian discipleship and faithfulness. This course will consider the history and current practices of spiritual formation within the Christian traditions and how that relates to serving others in the world. Fee: Additional fee required.

Prerequisite Courses

THEO3810: Christianity in Europe

Credits 3

This course will look specifically at ecclesiology and sacraments in light of the Wesleyan historical tradition. This course will offer an opportunity to experience and engage the church throughout European context as well as visit important Wesleyan historical sites. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Experience (CE) requirement and a General Education upper division Theology elective. 

Prerequisite Courses

THEO4240: Theology of Holiness

Credits 2
A study of the theology of entire sanctification designed for Christian Ministry majors. Emphasis will be given to its biblical and historical background, especially as developed by John Wesley and the Wesleyan Holiness tradition.
Prerequisite Courses

THEO4530: Christian Theology I

Credits 3

An advanced systematic study of the Christian faith from a Wesleyan perspective, with particular reference to historical development and contemporary understanding. The subjects include theological methodology, revelation and inspiration, the trinitarian God, humanity, and sin. Fee: Additional fee required.

Prerequisites
Two courses in theology, or instructor's approval.

THEO4540: Christian Theology II

Credits 3

An advanced systematic study of the Christian faith from a Wesleyan perspective, with particular reference to historical development and contemporary understanding. The subjects include Christology, soteriology, pneumatology, Christian ethics, and eschatology. Fee: Additional fee required.

Prerequisites
Two courses in theology, or instructor's approval.

THEO4550: Systematic Theology I

Credits 3
An advanced systematic study of the Christian faith from a Wesleyan perspective, with particular reference to historical development and contemporary understanding. The subjects include theological methodology, revelation and inspiration, God, humanity, sin, theodicy, and holiness.
Prerequisite Courses

THEO4560: Systematic Theology II

Credits 3
An advanced systematic study of the Christian faith from a Wesleyan perspective, with particular reference to historical development and contemporary understanding. The subjects include God and creation, soteriology, eschatology, and Christian life and ethics.
Prerequisite Courses

THEO4570: Systematic Theology III

Credits 3
An advanced systematic study of the Christian faith from a Wesleyan perspective, with particular reference to historical development and contemporary understanding. The subjects include Trinity, Christology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, and sacraments.
Prerequisite Courses

THEO4900: Religion Capstone

Credits 1

The course evaluates how students in the Department of Philosophy and Religion have integrated theology and ministry practice through the use of case studies. The case studies will provide a context for faculty to assess whether students have integrated the university outcomes in their understanding of Christian ministry.  Fee: Additional fee required.