Department of Philosophy and Religion

Mission

The Department of Philosophy and Religion serves both general students and departmental majors. Graduates of the Department will be able to enter a variety of fields. Those who major in philosophy will be prepared for graduate work in philosophy, ethics, religion, law, and related fields. Those who pursue academic programs focused on ministry preparation may pursue pastoral or lay ministries according to their calling and choice of minor, as well as graduate work in religion.

Faculty

Tomás Álvarez, Joseph Bankard (Department Chair), Joseph Gorman, Timothy Hahn, Michael Kipp, Diane Leclerc, Marty Michelson, Brent Peterson (Dean), Mary Schmitt

Student Learning Outcomes (Philosophy)

  1. Students will demonstrate the ability to summarize, explain, and critique challenging philosophical texts.
  2. Students will describe and critique the developmental history of Western philosophy.
  3. Students will explain and apply salient features of formal and informal logic.
  4. Students will construct and evaluate philosophical arguments using principles of sound reasoning.
  5. Students will demonstrate sound ethical reflection, revealing a deep understanding of Christian values regarding the questions of human life.

Student Learning Outcomes (Religion)

  1. Content: Graduates will demonstrate a working understanding of Scripture, theology, and the history and mission of the church within the framework of Wesleyan tradition.
  2. Context: Graduates will assess the historical, social, and contemporary environments in which they minister and creatively engage the world with the mission of the church.
  3. Character: Graduates will integrate thoughtful engagement with the curriculum into a life [of personal, communal, and social] pursuit of holiness and justice.
  4. Competency: Graduates will demonstrate competency in the effective communication of the Gospel and the administration of the pastoral office.

Ministerial Preparation

The Department of Philosophy and Religion provides oversight and guidance to students preparing for Christian vocational ministry. Ministerial preparation includes academic achievement, personal development, and divine calling. Each major or minor sets forth a program of academic achievement.

The student's progress is monitored by the administrator of the major or minor. Matters of personal development are treated in a series of courses (PRTH1710, PRTH1810, PRTH1820, PRTH2810, PRTH2820, PRTH3810, PRTH3820, PRTH4810, PRTH4960) spread throughout the student's years of enrollment. Such matters as a call to ministry, personal religious experience, self-understanding and character development, professional conduct, avenues of Christian service, and ministerial licensing are discussed with each student. These courses include many hours of field experience and internship in a ministry setting, as well as personal interviews by members of the faculty and area pastors.

Because of the increasing complexity of ministry in contemporary society, the Department (as part of the College of Theology and Christian Ministries) and the Church of the Nazarene strongly encourage all ministerial students to prepare themselves well and complete a seminary education. Those who do not intend to pursue graduate-level education for ministry preparation are urged to select the Christian Ministry, Intercultural Ministry, Worship Arts, or Youth Ministry major in preparation for ministry following graduation. Those who intend to fulfill the educational requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene through their undergraduate program will complete those requirements with either the Christian Ministry or Youth Ministry major; those who take the Intercultural Ministry or Worship Arts major will also need to complete the minor in Christian Ministry to fulfill those Nazarene educational requirements for ordination.

Ministerial Standing

Ministerial Standing is a formative process that encourages the highest possible standards in students planning to enter vocational ministry. This process seeks to be developmental and holistic by recognizing personal growth over time, rather than merely applying a fixed standard uniformly. The items assessed in the process toward acceptance are: academic performance (Truth), personal initiative and leadership (Community), spiritual formation (Transformation), and the ability to integrate academic learning into the local ministry context (Service).

Prior to achieving Ministerial Standing, they are considered to be in ministry observation/exploration. However, Ministerial Standing is mandatory for formal admission to a program of ministry preparation and for graduation with a Christian Ministry, Intercultural Ministry, Worship Arts, or Youth Ministry major from the College of Theology and Christian Ministries (CTCM). Ministerial Standing is also required for those who are seeking to fulfill the educational requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. In addition, Ministerial Standing will be strongly considered in awarding Religion Department scholarships as well as in making recommendations to local churches, pastors, church leaders, and graduate schools.

Application to Ministerial Standing

To be eligible for a program of ministry preparation, a student must meet the following requirements for the achievement of Ministerial Standing:

  1. Complete the following courses prior to application: PRTH1710, PRTH1810, PRTH1820, and BIBL1100;
  2. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better;
  3. Apply for Ministerial Standing in the fall semester of their sophomore year and reapply each subsequent year;
  4. Obtain favorable character references from peers, NNU faculty, NNU Student Development, and pastors;
  5. Submit critical assignments in ministerial training;
  6. Interview with a CTCM faculty subcommittee; and
  7. Receive a favorable recommendation for the granting of Ministerial Standing from the CTCM faculty.

Those who do not achieve Ministerial Standing will receive clear feedback and be encouraged to reapply the following year.

Continuation of Ministerial Standing

To continue to hold Ministerial Standing, a student must meet the following requirements:

  1. Make progress towards the completion of the degree program by being enrolled in NNU during one of the previous two semesters;
  2. Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better;
  3. Reapply for Ministerial Standing annually (including the application requirements above); and
  4. Receive favorable recommendations from field experience and/or internship.

Failure to meet any of these four requirements will result in the withdrawal of Ministerial Standing. Graduating seniors who do not achieve Ministerial Standing cannot graduate with a Christian Ministry, Intercultural, Worship Arts, or Youth Ministry major but may seek to graduate from the Department and University with a different major. However, those whose Ministerial Standing has been withdrawn may reapply after one semester with a favorable recommendation from the Dean of the College of Theology and Christian Ministries.
 

Five-Year Pastor-Scholar Program (B.A. to M.A.)

The Five-Year Pastor-Scholar Program is a joint degree program that combines the four-year Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program (with a major in an area of ministry offered by the Department of Philosophy and Religion) with the 30-month Master of Arts (M.A.) program in Pastoral Ministry (offered by the Graduate School of Theology). This combined program enables students to complete both degrees in five years, rather than in the typical 6.5 years, by taking master-level courses during their undergraduate program that will also fulfill the requirements for their undergraduate degree. The program culminates with a two-year church residency.

Upon completion of this five-year program, the successful student will have completed two degrees,  a Bachelor of Arts in one of the majors listed below and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. 

Admission Requirements

In order to participate in this program, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Students must apply for admission into this program (generally before their first year at NNU and no later than the end of their second year), complete the interview process, and be granted admission into the program. 
  • Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 and achieve Ministerial Standing during their first three years in the program and/or at NNU. If a student’s GPA falls below the minimum GPA requirement at any time during those first three years, they have one semester to restore it to the required level or be discontinued from the program (but continuing in the “regular” undergraduate program). 
  • Students must apply and be accepted provisionally for the M.A. program before taking master-level work (which will also cover requirements for the B.A. program) before the start of the spring semester of their third year (as full acceptance cannot be considered or granted until the completion of the B.A. degree). 
  • Students will participate in and successfully complete a two-year church residency as part of the Pastor-Scholar Program.
B.A./M.A. Dual Enrollment Courses

Students must apply and be accepted provisionally for the M.A. program before taking masters-level work before the start of the spring semester of their third year in the undergraduate program.  Full acceptance in the M.A. cannot be considered or granted until the completion of the B.A. degree. The student will dual enroll in the corresponding undergraduate courses in order to complete their B.A. while earning credit towards their M.A. degree.

The following graduate courses will also fulfill undergraduate course requirements in the B.A. program:

Bachelor of Arts Courses

CR

 

Master of Arts Courses

CR

BIBL4340 New Testament Narratives
Or BIBL4350 New Testament Letters

3

BIBL6860 New Testament Exegesis

3

PHIL4520 Experiencing God

3

-

PHIL6860 Philosophy of Religion

3

PRTH4720 Missional Church II: Local Church Perspectives

3

-

PRTH6960 Missiology and Contextualization

3

PRTH4820 Spiritual and Leadership Formation

1

-

CHED6160 Congregational Education and Formation

3

PRTH4960 Internship in Christian Ministry

3

-

PRTH6990A and PRTH6990B Supervised Ministry (2 credits each)

4

THEO4550 Systematic Theology I

3

-

THEO6860 Issues in Christian Theology

3

THEO4560 Systematic Theology II

3

-

CHIS6960 History of Christianity II

3

THEO4570 Systematic Theology III

3

-

THEO7960 Christian Theology II (3)

3

To complete the M.A. in Pastoral Ministry, the students will take the following courses after completing the B.A.:

BIBL6760 Old Testament Interpretation (3)
CHIS6560 History of Christianity I (3)
PRTH6760 Spiritual and Personal Formation (3)
PRTH7560 Pastoral Leadership (3)
PRTH7960 Preaching and Worship (3)

To view the graduate course descriptions, please view the Course section of the Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

BIBL1100: Introduction to Biblical Studies

Credits 3

An introduction to the serious study of the Bible in its historical, cultural, and literary context. The course emphasizes the essential content, structure, and theological message of the books of the Bible. Students are introduced to the practice of biblical exegesis and to the geography and archaeology of the lands of the Bible. This course is designed for general students.  Must receive a grade of C- or higher to fulfill the General Education Christian Formation requirement

BIBL3150: Biblical Interpretation

Credits 3

A study of the history, methods, and principles of biblical interpretation. Students will develop skills in interpreting different genres in both the Old and New Testaments. Other topics include the authority of the Bible as the Church's Scriptures and the relationship between the Testaments.

BIBL3220: Psalms

Credits 3
An exegetical and practical study of the book of Psalms. The course will include a discussion of the structure, formation and theology of the Psalms. Representative samples of each major type of Psalm will be studied. Part of the course will develop practical ways of using Psalms for personal spiritual formation. This course is designed for general students.
Prerequisites

BIBL3230: Wisdom Literature

Credits 3
An exegetical and practical study of the books of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. The course will include a discussion of the structure, formation and theology of the wisdom literature. Students will also be introduced to ancient wisdom literature from other cultures. Part of the course will develop practical ways of using the wisdom literature for personal spiritual formation. This course is designed for general students.
Prerequisites

BIBL3260: Life and Teachings of Jesus

Credits 3
A study of the life and ministry of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels with special attention to background, exegesis and theological interpretation. Personal and social implications leading to spiritual formation and social responsiveness will be emphasized. This course is designed for general students.
Prerequisites

BIBL3270: Johannine Writings

Credits 3
An inductive study of selected books traditionally included within the Johannine collection: the Gospel of John, the Johannine Letters, and the Book of Revelation. The course will focus on the development of exegetical skills and on the theology of these texts, with particular attention to the role of these texts in spiritual formation. This course is designed for general students.
Prerequisites

BIBL3810: The Bible and the Holy Lands

Credits 3

This course is a study and travel experience of the Holy Lands (the region around and including modern Israel), one of the most significant places in both the ancient and contemporary worlds. As the sacred lands for three major religious traditions, this region has been the setting for defining events in religious history, not to mention the central context for much of what is described in the Bible. This course includes a study of the region, geography, and culture of the Holy Lands (both past and present), with attention to how such experience may contribute to the interpretation of biblical texts. Attention will also be given to students' interaction with different cultures and peoples of the region. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Experience (CE) requirement. Fee: Additional fee required.

Prerequisites

BIBL4340: New Testament Narratives

Credits 3

An exegetical study of selected New Testament narratives, including the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. This course will give specific attention to the canonical and theological context of these books in relation to other books of the New Testament and the rest of the Christian canon.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as a corequisite or a prerequisite

BIBL4350: New Testament Letters

Credits 3

An exegetical study of selected New Testament letters. This course will emphasize the occasion, purpose, and theological message of a few different letters on a rotating basis.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as a corequisite or prerequisite 

BIBL4440: Old Testament Narratives

Credits 3

An exegetical study of selected Old Testament narratives, including texts from the Torah and/or the Historical Books. This course will give specific attention to the canonical and theological context of these books in relation to other books of the New Testament and the rest of the Christian canon.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as a corequisite or a prerequisite

BIBL4450: Old Testament Prophets

Credits 3

An exegetical study of the prophets of the Old Testament. The course will include an overview of the history of the prophetic movement and the primary message of selected writing prophets.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as a corequisite or a prerequisite

BIBL4460: Old Testament Psalms and Writings

Credits 3

An exegetical study of the psalms and writings of the Old Testament. This course will offer a selected study of materials from one or both of these collections, focusing on their canonical and theological significance.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as a corequisite or a prerequisite

CHED3840: Foundations and Principles of Family Ministry

Credits 2
An exploration of the principles and practices of educational ministry to families. The course will focus on the changing definition of family and the exploration of current strategies of ministry to the church as family. Attention will be given to fostering spiritual growth in families.

CHIS3630: Christ, Councils, and Creeds

Credits 3
A study of the historical development of Christianity. The course will trace the significant influences in history on the theological and ecclesiastical changes and maturation. The student will be given opportunity to read primary sources as well as grasp the overall flow of church history.
Prerequisites

CHPL1000: Chapel

Credits 0

Chapel is a key component of the NNU community experience. Students attending chapel will participate in a variety of ways, primarily through worship services, academic ceremonies, guest speakers, and general community-building activities. Above all, chapel seeks to help students build habits of heart and mind that contribute to the larger holistic development that occurs within the Christian liberal arts environment.

GREK2110: Elementary New Testament Greek I

Credits 3
A study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek. Grammar, vocabulary, and syntax will be emphasized. The course will include selected readings in the Greek New Testament.
Prerequisite Courses

GREK2120: Elementary New Testament Greek II

Credits 3
A study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek. Grammar, vocabulary, and syntax will be emphasized. The course will include selected readings in the Greek New Testament. Sophomore status and prior foreign language experience are recommended or instructor's permission.
Prerequisite Courses

GREK4340: Greek Exegesis: New Testament Narratives

Credits 3

An advanced study of selected New Testament narratives in the Greek text. This course will focus on advanced grammar, application of exegetical principles and methods, and utilization of the major scholarly resources for Greek exegesis, applied to these New Testament materials.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as either a corequisite or prerequisite.

GREK4350: Greek Exegesis: New Testament Letters

Credits 3

An advanced study of selected New Testament letters in the Greek text. This course will focus on advanced grammar, application of exegetical principles and methods, and utilization of the major scholarly resources for Greek exegesis, applied to these New Testament materials.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as either a corequisite or prerequisite.

HEBR2110: Biblical Hebrew I

Credits 3
A study of the basic elements of Biblical Hebrew. Grammar, vocabulary and syntax will be emphasized. Course will include selected readings in prose Biblical Hebrew.

HEBR2120: Biblical Hebrew II

Credits 3
A study of the basic elements of Biblical Hebrew. Grammar, vocabulary, and syntax will be emphasized. Course will include selected readings in prose Biblical Hebrew. Sophomore status and prior foreign language experience are recommended.
Prerequisite Courses

HEBR4440: Hebrew Exegesis: Old Testament Narratives

Credits 3

An advanced study of one or more narrative books of the Old Testament in the Hebrew text. The course will focus on advanced grammar, application of exegetical principles and methods, and utilization of the major scholarly resources for Hebrew exegesis, applied to these Old Testament materials.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as either a corequisite or prerequisite.

HEBR4450: Hebrew Exegesis: Old Testament Prophets

Credits 3

An advanced study of one or more books dealing with the prophets of ancient Israel in the Hebrew text. The course will focus on advanced grammar, application of exegetical principles and methods, and utilization of the major scholarly resources for Hebrew exegesis applied to these Old Testament materials.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as either a corequisite or prerequisite.

HEBR4460: Hebrew Exegesis: Old Testament Psalms and Writings

Credits 3

An advanced study of one or more books within the collections of the Psalms and Writings in the Hebrew text. The course will focus on advanced grammar, application of exegetical principles and methods, and utilization of the major scholarly resources for Hebrew exegesis, applied to these Old Testament materials.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as either a corequisite or prerequisite.

PHIL2010: Introduction to Philosophy

Credits 3
A study of the major problems with which philosophy deals and an introduction to the major philosophers of the Western world. Students will be introduced to critical thinking and writing.

PHIL2020: Ethics

Credits 3
An introduction to the concept of good, involving a study of the major ethical theories of the West and their applications to contemporary moral problems.

PHIL2030: Quest for the Good Life

Credits 3
In Quest for the Good Life, you'll have the opportunity to wrestle with the big questions about how to live and what makes your life meaningful. The course tackles such issues as personal identity (who am I?), how do I know what I know, what moral obligations do I have, how can I live a purposeful life, what does the good life look like and what sacrifices should I make for others? We will learn what the Greats like Aristotle, Plato, and Descartes have to say about how to live well. We'll reason through real-world case studies where philosophical considerations underlie major business and life decisions. We will talk in small intensive dialogue groups and in large, raucous debates about how we answer these questions.

PHIL3010: Deconstructing the Western Mind

Credits 3
A chronological study of the foundations of Western thought from the early Greeks through the medieval period, concentrating on the primary source material from Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Thomas Aquinas.

PHIL3020: Systems of the World

Credits 3
A survey of the major philosophers of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries with special consideration for the influence of their thought upon the modern world.

PHIL3080: Critical Reasoning

Credits 3
An introduction to the science of logic and reasoning, including both deductive and inductive reasoning processes. Basic concepts such as validity, soundness, strength, and argument evaluation will be covered. The course will also cover fallacies (both formal and informal), truth trees, biases within argumentation, and symbolic logic.

PHIL3094: Special Topics in Philosophy

Credits 1 3
An examination of a specific area in philosophy. Topics will be announced as the course is scheduled and may include: applied ethical theory, philosophy of education, philosophy of logic, philosophy of nature, etc.

PHIL3520: Philosophy of Science

Credits 3
A survey of the major theories in epistemology as they relate to scientific and philosophical investigation. The primary objective is to enhance the interdisciplinary dialogue taking place at the interface between science and philosophy. The course will also focus on some of the ethical and metaphysical implications of current scientific investigation.

PHIL3600: Clinical Ethics

Credits 3
A review of the traditional theories of and the contemporary ethical applications to health care. The focus is the integration of ethical responsibility and the medical environment. Theorists and practitioners will contribute insight about methodology and motives that determine decisions made in modern medical care.

PHIL3620: 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 THEO3620.)

PHIL3700: Political Philosophy

Credits 3

This course is designed to introduce you to the history of political thought. This course seeks out the truths discovered in political thought, truths about human nature and governance. In reading, answering questions and writing, you will critically examine the tenets of the philosophers; in doing so, you will develop a better understanding of the world we live in and its history; you will learn to respect the depth of the ideas surrounding political discourse; and you will recognize basic social structures that seem to be present in every ‘polis’. Finally, your own self-understanding should develop as you recognize yourself as an integral part of a larger political body, with roots in the ideals of previous centuries.

PHIL4210: Relativity and Disaster

Credits 3

A survey of the philosophers of the 20th century and the trends in natural, social, and political science that have impacted their thought. Both the analytic and continental streams of thought will be addressed with special attention given to positivism, existentialism, linguistic analysis, and postmodernism.

PHIL4430: Metaphysics

Credits 3

An investigation of the ultimate philosophical commitments about reality. Topics selected may include the basic constituents of ontology, the nature of space and time, causality, freedom and the self. Representative figures in the history of philosophy may be considered and analyzed.

Prerequisites

Four credits in philosophy or instructor's approval.

PHIL4520: Experiencing God

Credits 3

A constructive study of religious claims, thoughts, and practices from the philosophic point of view. Special attention is given to problems such as: the idea of God, immortality, evil, freedom and determinism.

Prerequisites

Four credits in philosophy or instructor's approval.

PHIL4900: Philosophy Capstone

Credits 1
A course designed to bring to completion a student's NNU education, with an eye toward philosophical integration of the student's entire study. The course will involve systematic reflection of university outcomes and will seek to further refine a student's ability to read and write philosophy.

PHIL4980: Seminar in Philosophy

Credits 3
A study of topics will be announced as the course is scheduled and could include: personality, social philosophy, philosophy of science, and aesthetics. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites
6 credits in philosophy, or instructor's approval.

PHIL4990: Philosophy and Aesthetics

Credits 3

A senior level capstone course integrating philosophy and the visual arts. Students will gain a working knowledge of basic theories in aesthetics with an aim to understanding assessment of the visual arts. The culminating project will include a piece of group artwork displaying robust synthesis of aesthetic theory and basic art practice. The project will include a ten-page paper articulating the group's process.

PRTH1710: Exploring Vocation and Call

Credits 1

An exploration of calling and vocation. Emphasis will be given to the experience of a "call." Stories of how others have experienced their call and come to serve in their vocation will be considered.

PRTH1810: Spiritual and Personal Formation I

Credits 1
This course introduces the student to basic spiritual and personal practices and disciplines associated with those going into vocational ministry. Preparation for serving in a local church will be included in this course.

PRTH1820: Spiritual and Personal Formation II

Credits 1

This course continues the study and practices begun in PRTH1810. Students will develop some consistent habits and practices that will help them be successful as persons and future ministers. Fee: Additional fee required.

PRTH2420: Missional Church I: Intercultural and Global Perspectives

Credits 3

An introduction to the study of the Christian church in its mission. Attention will be given to biblical and theological foundations, historical perspectives, and cultural dimensions of the mission of the church, with specific attention to intercultural and global perspectives regarding that mission. This course will include a study of Christian missions and its current role with contemporary global ministries. A field trip is a required part of the course. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Competency (CC) requirement. 

PRTH2810: Spiritual and Professional Formation I

Credits 0 1

This course focuses on the development of specific spiritual and professional practices as they relate to the Christian life and vocational ministry. Students will be expected to serve in a local church context. Included will be some specific assessments through the Spiritual and Professional Lab that is attached to this course (PRTH2810L).  Fee: Additional fee required.

Corequisite Courses

PRTH2810L: Spiritual and Professional Formation Lab

Credits 0

Students in this lab meet in person or online with a student in NNU's graduate counseling program for the interpretation of their California Psychological Inventory (CPI) results and a formative assessment of their personal development with respect to theological studies and vocational ministry. Successful completion of this lab is required for graduation. Grade of Pass/Fail.

Corequisite Courses

PRTH3320: Worship and Sacraments in the Church

Credits 3

This class will consider a theology of worship with a practical application for how to form faithful communal worship services. Along with a study of the principles of Christian worship, attention will be given to the development of contextualized, theologically informed worship, and the rites and sacraments of Christian worship.

PRTH3710: Preaching

Credits 3

A study of the preparation and delivery of sermons within the context of worship; includes preaching practice.

PRTH3770: Pastoral Care and Counseling

Credits 3
This course will explore pastoral care in two dynamic forms. The first relates to the ability of pastors to care for their own selves. The second is closely related to the first by focusing on a pastor's ability to provide spiritual and whole-person care for others. The course focuses on basic styles of pastoral counseling, congregational care ministries, and the internal discipline of pastoral self-care in addition to the pastor's external role as both a spiritual counselor and guide for those who require more advanced professional support.

PRTH3810: Spiritual and Ministry Formation I

Credits 0 1

This course continues to focus on the spiritual development of the student in relation to one's call to ministry, but also seeks to develop and nurture specific ministry skills in local church settings.

PRTH3880: Camping and Recreation Ministry

Credits 2

An introduction to the philosophy, methods and skills necessary to plan, organize and administer camp and recreation ministries for the local church and other connected entities. Fee: Additional fee required.

PRTH4720: Missional Church II: Local Church Perspectives

Credits 3

A continuing study of the Christian church in its mission, with special emphasis on church health, growth, and worship as related to contemporary conversations in ecclesiology. Attention will be given to the observation and study of church and community, both historical and contemporary. This course will also deal with the socialization and dynamics of the church to culture and how these affect ministry in the twenty-first century. A field trip may be required. 

PRTH4820: Pastoral Leadership

Credits 3

A study of leadership and administration in Christian ministries. Areas to be discussed will include: spiritual gifts, selecting, organizing, and maintaining a church staff, conflict management and professional ethics. Field trips to several churches will be included.

PRTH4960: Internship in Christian Ministry

Credits 3

A practical course, open only to seniors in the Department of Philosophy and Religion, involving ministry experience in areas which include preaching, counseling, teaching, education, evangelism, administration and missions. This experience will be under the direction of the instructor in cooperation with the supervising ministry mentor. May be repeated for credit. Fee: Additional fee required.

Prerequisites

PRTH1710, or instructor's approval.

REST4400: Ancient Near Eastern History and Culture

Credits 2
A study of the history, culture, art and religion of the ancient Near East. Attention will focus on the major civilizations of the period 7000-300 BC. Israel's interrelations with these civilizations will be touched on briefly. Major archaeological contributions will be discussed.

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.