Department of Philosophy and Religion

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A study of the foundations, principles, and practices of ministry in the church as related to children. This course is particularly designed to aid those who are specializing in ministry to children and their families.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A study of the major concepts of existential philosophy along with the literary styles that are used by the major existential thinkers. The study will include Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, Tillich, and Buber. (See THEO3410.)

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

This course is a continuation of PRTH2810.  Fee: Additional fee required.

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.

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

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.

This course is a continuation of PRTH3810.  Fee: Additional fee required.

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.

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. 

This course focuses on assisting students in developing and utilizing leadership skills in the context of ministry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.