Genesis through Deuteronomy. Historical and hermeneutical issues of Gen. 1-11; the Abrahamic Covenant; patriarchal narratives; the Exodus, the Mosaic Covenant; sacrifices, atonement, and forgiveness of sin in Leviticus; the wilderness wanderings; the covenant structure and Deuteronomy. 3 hrs.

116 Old Testament Historical Narratives

Joshua through Nehemiah. Period of the conquest, the judges, monarchy, exile and restoration; geography of Eretz-Israel; the covenantal- contextual relationship to the socio-political milieu. 3 hrs.

117 Old Testament Prophetic Literature

Isaiah through Malachi. The prophetic office; prophetic themes in the pre-exilic, exilic, and post-exilic periods; prophetic proclamation in the covenant and legal context; Messianic prophecies; judgment, restoration, and eschatology. 3 hrs.

118 Old Testament Hymnic and Wisdom Writings

Job through Song of Songs. Special attention given to the structure and interpretation of Hebrew poetry; introduction to the individual books; doctrinal and practical emphasis. 3 hrs.

121 Advanced Hebrew

Vocabulary mastery of words occurring 50 or more times in the Old Testament. Inductive approach to, and review of grammatical, syntactical, and semantic features through a detailed analysis of the Hebrew text. 3 hrs.

122 Hebrew Exegesis

Exegesis of a selected OT book(s) with special attention given to Hebrew grammar and syntax of the text; prerequisite: Advanced Hebrew. 2 hrs.

143 Survey of the Old Testament

Chronological survey of the OT canon; attention given to content, authorship, and dates of individual OT books; relevant archaeological discoveries and historicity of events examined. 3 hrs.

190 Thesis in Old Testament

A thesis of approximately 10,000 words, prepared under the direction of the Old Testament department, defending a proposition related to the exegesis of the Old Testament. The thesis is to follow the format described in the latest edition of Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 2 hrs.

1315 Deuteronomy

Study of the historical background and interpretation of the Hebrew text of Deuteronomy. Attention given to the Pentateuchal and Old Testament context of the book how it was influential in later biblical theology. 2 hrs.

1337 Daniel

Survey of the history of interpretation of the book of Daniel; attention given to the critical attack upon the book; interpretation of the text with selected translations from the Hebrew and introduction to the Aramaic portions. 2 hrs.

1348 Zechariah

Study of the historical background and interpretation of the text of Zechariah. Attention given to Zechariah’s prophecies and visions in their context of the Mosaic covenant; translation from the Hebrew of select passages. 2 hrs.

1371 OT Theology

Survey of the modern history of OT theology; the nature and method of OT theology; major OT themes examined, especially from within the context of covenantal promise. 2 hrs.

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Department of New Testament

201 Basic Greek 1

Prescribed for students without knowledge of Greek. Rudiments of NT Greek and basic vocabulary are learned; practice in reading. 4 hrs.

202 Basic Greek 2

Prescribed for students with a cursory knowledge of NT Greek. Review of basic elements of Greek; vocabulary mastery of words occurring 100 or more times in the NT; introduction to additional grammar with emphasis on reading. 4 hrs.

203 Basic Greek Review

Prescribed for students who have learned the elements of Greek but evidence a need for review; rapid review of NT grammar; vocabulary work; practice in reading. 3 hrs.

215 Christ in the Gospels

Sources for the study of the life of Christ; special introduction to the gospels; survey of the history of the study of Jesus’ life; outline of Christ’s life as recorded in the gospels; analysis of difficulties and supposed contradiction in the gospels. 3 hrs.

216 Life and Epistles of Paul

Special introduction to the Acts of the Apostles and to the Pauline epistles; survey of the history of the critical study of Paul; outline and chronology of Paul’s life and ministry; historical and theological relation of Acts to various passages of the Pauline epistles. 3 hrs.

217 General Epistles

Special introduction to the epistles of Peter, James, and Jude, and the Epistle to the Hebrews; outline and general teaching of each book. 3 hrs.

218 Johannine Writings

Special introduction to the epistles of John and the book of Revelation; survey of themes emphasized in John’s gospel and epistles; outline and content of John’s epistles; methods of interpretation of Revelation; outline and teaching of Revelation. 3 hrs.

221 Intermediate Greek

Review of basic Greek; vocabulary mastery of words occurring 50 or more times in the NT; principles of textual criticism and use of the critical apparatus; use of intermediate level Greek tools; practice in reading easier portions of the NT with application of syntactical principles. 2 hrs.

222 Advanced Greek

Vocabulary mastery of words occurring 25 or more times in the NT; systematic study of Greek syntax; use of advanced level Greek tools; Greek synonyms; survey of science of linguistics as it relates to NT Greek; continued application of textual criticism and the critical apparatus; reading of moderately difficult NT portions, with application of syntactical principles. 2 hrs.

223 Greek Exegesis

Exegesis of a selected NT book(s) with special attention given to Greek grammar and syntax of the text; prerequisite: Advanced Greek. 2 hrs.

243 Survey of the New Testament

Historical background of the Intertestament period through the Apostolic era. Survey of the lives and ministries of Christ and of Paul. Contents and general character of the books of the NT. 3 hrs.

290 Thesis in New Testament

A thesis of approximately 10,000 words, prepared under the direction of the New Testament department, defending a proposition related to the exegesis of the New Testament. The thesis is to follow the format described in the latest edition of Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 2 hrs.

2306 New Testament Textual Criticism

Introduction to orthography and review of the NT critical apparatus; the principal manuscripts of the NT; testimony of the Church Fathers; current issues relating to textual criticism. 2 hrs.

2316 Romans

Study of the introduction, structure, and argument of Paul’s epistle to the Romans; translation and exegesis of selected portions; special attention given to Romans’ teaching on major topics as original sin, justification, sanctification, predestination, Israel and the church, civil authority, and Christian liberty. 2 hrs.

2319 Galatians

Study of the background, audience, and occasion of the epistle; translation and exegesis of the Greek text; special attention given to Paul’s doctrine of justification and its relation to good works. 2 hrs.

2320 Ephesians

Special introduction to the Greek text of Ephesians; translation and exegesis with special attention to word usage, quotations and allusions to the OT, and thematic structures. 2 hrs.

2321 Philippians

Study of the history and background of the Macedonian churches; special introduction to Philippians; translation and exegesis of the Greek text; special attention given to Paul’s doctrine of Christology, and his attitude toward God’s providence in his life. 2 hrs.

2322 Colossians and Philemon

Paul’s relation to the Colossian church; special introduction to these two books; translation and exegesis of the Greek text; Paul’s teachings concerning the “Colossian heresy” concerning Christology; and concerning slavery. 2 hrs.

2328 Hebrews

Study of the authorship, audience, and intent of the epistle to the Hebrews; translation and exegesis of selected portions; special attention given to the epistle’s teaching concerning the use of the OT, the comparison of the old and new covenants, faith and perseverance. 2 hrs.

2331 Jude and 2 Peter

Special introduction to the Greek text of Jude and of 2 Peter; study of the relation of the two books; translation and exegesis with special attention to word usage, quotations and allusions to the OT, and thematic structures. 2 hrs.

2336 Thessalonian Epistles

Background and history of the Thessalonian church; special introduction to these epistles; translation and exegesis of the Greek text; special attention paid to Paul’s teachings regarding his own ministry, and regarding the second coming of Christ. 2 hrs.

2340 Romans 1-4

Special introduction of the epistle; translation and careful exegesis of Romans 1-4; special attention paid to Paul’s doctrines of natural revelation, sin and depravity, and justification by faith; Greek prerequisite. 2 hrs.

2341 Romans 5-8

Translation and exegetical study of the Greek of Romans 5-8; special attention to the Pauline doctrines of original sin, union with Christ, sanctification, adoption, and assurance of salvation; Greek prerequisite. 2 hrs.

2342 Romans 9-11

Translation and exegesis of Romans 9-11; special attention given to Paul’s use of the OT, and to Paul’s teaching concerning divine sovereignty and election, eschatology, and the relation of the church to Israel; Greek prerequisite. 2 hrs.

2343 Romans 12-16

Translation and careful exegesis of Romans 12-16; study of Paul’s teaching concerning practical issues of the Christian life, including Christian fellowship, the civil magistrate, the Christian and the law; debatable issues of conscience; Paul’s view of his own life and ministry; and data concerning the early church in Rome. 2 hrs.

2350 NT Theology

Survey of the history of NT theology as a discipline; study of the development of major theological themes in the NT’s identification of the apostolic tradition regarding Christian doctrine and the Christian life. 2 hrs.

2351 Kingdom of God in the NT

An examination of every NT reference to the Kingdom of God; definition of this often misunderstood concept; OT background to the Kingdom concept; current theological issues relating to the Kingdom ideal. 2 hrs.

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Interdepartmental Studies

911 Biblical Introduction

Historical and literary backgrounds of the biblical message; contemporary ancient religious traditions; principles for establishing the canon of the Old and New Testaments; the apocrypha; survey of the history of biblical criticism with evaluation of higher criticism; transmission of the biblical text. 3 hrs.

912 Biblical Interpretation

Introduction to the science of hermeneutics; the various literary forms in the Bible, use of OT in NT, typology, the various methods and tools of exegesis and exposition. 2 hrs.

932 Intertestament Survey

History of the Jewish nation in the Persian, Hellenistic and Roman periods; cultural and religious developments behind NT times; significance of the LXX and of the DSS; origins of Jewish rabbinics and apocalyptic literature. 2 hrs.

9111 Bible Difficulties

Alleged contradictions in Scripture and the resolutions of these putative contradictions proposed by orthodox, biblical interpreters; relevant interpretation techniques and their significance for the broader enterprise of biblical exegesis. 2 hrs.

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Division of Theological and Historical Studies

Department of Systematic Theology

311 Theology 1: Doctrine of the Word of God

Revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of the Word of God; covenants; methodology in biblical and systematic theology. 3 hrs.

312 Theology 2: Doctrine of God

The existence, knowability, attributes of God; God as Father, Son, and Spirit; Trinity; deity of Christ and of the Spirit; incarnation of Christ; the work of God, His decrees, creation, preservation, and providence. 3 hrs.

313 Theology 3: Doctrine of Man, Sin, and Salvation

Man as created (origin, nature, and state); his fall; sin and its effects; the redemptive work of Christ, application of work of Christ by the Holy Spirit in grace; predestination, election, calling, regeneration, repentance, faith, justification, adoption, union with Christ, sanctification, perseverance. 3 hrs.

314 Theology 4: Doctrine of the Church and Eschatology

Origin, nature, and purpose of the church; biblical covenants; the sacraments; church government; relation of the church to eschatology; the intermediate state, resurrection and judgment, the eternal state; premillennialism compared with amillennialism and postmillennialism; varieties of premillennialism. 3 hrs.

331 Theology 5: Apologetics & Ethics

The Christian life and defense of the faith; discussion of moral and social concerns, world view, faith and reason, philosophy and history. 3 hrs.

341 Survey of Theology 1

Prolegomena; revelation; theology proper, the Trinity, creation, providence; anthropology; hamartiology. 3 hrs.

342 Survey of Theology 2

Christology, soteriology, predestination, the atonement, ecclesiology, eschatology. 3 hrs.

351 Westminster Standards

Survey of the history of the Westminster Assembly and the development of the Standards; content of the standards and approaches to subscription; memorization of the Shorter Catechism; required for M.Div. and M.T.S. students. 2 hrs.

352 Seminar in Systematic Theology

A seminar concerning a specific theological issue tracing both the biblical foundation and theological development of the issue. 2 hrs.

353 Seminar on Biblical Theology

A seminar discussion concerning the theology of either a biblical book, author, or type of literature; e.g., theology of Genesis, Mosaic theology, or the Law. 2 hrs.

380 Independent Study in Systematic Theology

Individual study of issues in theological method and/or systems available to those interested in advanced research. Department permission required. 2 hrs.

382 Independent Study in Biblical Theology

Individual study of issues in biblical theology available to those interested in advanced research. Department permission required. 2-3 hrs.

390 Thesis in Systematic Theology

A thesis of approximately 10,000 words, prepared under the direction of the Systematic Theology department, defending a proposition related to systematic theology. The thesis is to follow the format described in the latest edition of Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 2 hrs.

392 Thesis in Biblical Theology

A thesis of approximately 10,000 words, prepared under the direction of the Theological Studies department, defending a proposition related to biblical theology. The thesis is to follow the format described in the latest edition of Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 2 hrs.

3111 Introduction to Traditional Logic

An introduction to the subject of logic from the traditional standpoint. Includes categories, predicables, propositions, distribution of terms, immediate inferences, syllogisms and related forms, and common fallacies. 2 hrs.

3311 Theological Systems

An introduction to the various theological positions throughout Christendom: Reformed, Arminian, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Anglican, Baptistic, etc. 2 hrs.

3314 Science and Theology

Survey of different schools of apologetics and the relation of science to the defense of the Christian faith; history of relation of science and theology; survey of biblical descriptions of creation and the universe; different viewpoints of Christian apologists regarding the creation; confirmation of the Bible from fields of science, including physics, astronomy, cosmology, and biology.

3521 Issues in the Christian Life

An in-depth study of the issues of making theology relevant to the growth of a Christian; survey of different approaches to sanctification. 2 hrs.

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Department of Historical Theology

411 The Early Church

From the New Testament Age to Gregory the Great, A.D. 30-600; the church in the Roman Empire, spread of Christianity, Apostolic Fathers, Apologists, the period of the Theologians and the Creeds. 2 hrs.

412 The Medieval & Reformation Church

From the beginning of the papacy to the beginning of the Enlightenment, 600-1650; the church in the Holy Roman Empire, Carolingian Renaissance, scholasticism, humanism, monasticism, evangelical movement, Reformation and Counter-Reformation. 3 hrs.

413 The Modern Church

From the Enlightenment (ca. 1650) to the present, the church in the modern world, orthodoxy and deism, pietism and revivalism, fundamentalism and liberalism, evangelicalism and radical theologies. 2 hrs.

414 The American Church

The birth of the European church in the new world; various groups and their leaders, and the rise of American cults; awakenings and New England theology, revivalism and the western frontier, the Civil War, the industrial revolution and social concerns; the World Wars, the modernist-fundamentalist controversy, the Sixties and the church in American government. 3 hrs.

441 Survey of Church History

From the close of the Apostolic age to the present day; development of early creeds, Medieval Theology, the impact of the Reformation, Renaissance, and Enlightenment. 3 hrs.

480 Independent Study in Historical Theology

Individual study of issues in historical theology available to those interested in advanced research. Department permission required. 2-3 hrs.

490 Thesis in Historical Theology

A thesis of approximately 10,000 words, prepared under the direction of the Historical Theology department, defending a proposition related to historical studies. The thesis is to follow the format described in the latest edition of Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 2 hrs.

4320 History of Evangelistic Preaching in America

A study of the history, theological content, and method of the preaching of the gospel in America from Frelinghausen to the present. 2 hrs.

4321 History of Pentecostalism

A study of the historical and theological backgrounds and development of Pentecostalism and the modern charismatic movement. 2 hrs.

4322 History of Reformed Orthodoxy

A survey of Reformed Theology after the death of John Calvin; major figures studied include Theodore Beza, William Perkins, Francois Turretin; major confessions studied include the Heidelberg Catechism, Synod of Dort, Westminster Confession. 2 hrs.

4323 American Reformed History

The roots of the Reformed churches in the European Reformation; various Reformed groups and their leaders; emphasis on the development of American Presbyterianism; the inroads of modernism, and the history of its separatist churches. 2 hrs.

4330 Leading Theologians of the Past

A study of the theological views of selected writers in the history of Christian theology with special attention to their place in the history of doctrine. 2 hrs.

4331 Seminar on a Leading Theologian

A seminar discussion concerning the theology of a leading theologian of either the past or the present; e.g., theology of Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Charles Hodge, etc. 2 hrs.

4335 Life & Theology of John Calvin

A study of the life and theology of John Calvin including an intense reading of his Institutes with special attention to his place in the formulation and development of Reformed Theology. 2 hrs.

4350 Presbyterian Church History

Survey of the origin, history, and distinctive doctrines of the Presbyterian churches; special attention given to the issues facing the separatist Presbyterian churches. Required for Presbyterian B. D. and M.Div. students. 2 hrs.

4360 Confronting the Cults

Studies in the history and teachings of major American cults, including a review of the literature and proselytizing methods of each; special emphasis on confronting the cultist with the Gospel in the most effective way. 2 hrs.

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Division of Christian Ministry

Department of Church Ministry

511 Discipleship

A study in basic principles of Christian spiritual growth; definition and biblical examples of discipleship; resources available for discipleship; Scripture memory; preparation of a devotional log; field experience in discipling a young believer. 1 hr.

512 Evangelism

A study in basic principles of personal evangelism; definition and biblical examples of evangelism; resources available for evangelism; memorization of key Scripture verses for evangelism; field experience in evangelism. 1 hr.

513 Public Speaking in the Church 1

Training in posture, vocal production, non-verbal communication; practice of vocal exercises and brief public speeches; philosophy of public speaking in church ministries. 1 hr.

514 Public Speaking in the Church 2

Practice of force, variety, and clarity in public speaking; brief public speeches and devotionals. 1 hr.

521 Homiletics 1

Study in preparation and delivery of textual and topical sermons; preparation, research, organization, and content; classroom preaching and evaluation. 1 hr.

522 Homiletics 2

Study in preparation and delivery of expository sermons. 1 hr.

531 Homiletics 3

Theology of preaching; practice in all types of sermons; refining of personal style; includes preaching outside of class. 1 hr.

532 Homiletics 4

Continuation of Homiletics 3; preaching for various groups and special occasions. 1 hr.

533 Church Organization and Administration

Biblical basis of the church; its government and discipline; the offices, qualifications, and duties of church leaders; effective church management. 2 hrs.

534 Survey of Ministry

Biblical mandates and principles governing the task of the church in edifying and equipping the saints for service; the church and foreign missions; church planting; home and hospital visitation; religious education; worship; church ceremonies. 2 hrs.

536 Preaching and Teaching the Biblical Covenants

An examination of the historical, biblical covenants, their relationship to one another, and their significance to hermeneutics, theology, and living. Provides a methodology of preaching/teaching the essential elements of the biblical covenants, including producing a preaching/teaching planner for workable survey of the principal covenants. 2 hrs.

537 Bible Teaching Methods 1

Rudiments of Bible interpretation; methods for developing Bible lessons; instruction in organizing and presenting oral lessons; guidelines for teaching different age groups. 2 hrs.

538 Bible Teaching Methods 2

Practice in presenting practical Bible lessons for various ages; emphases will be on written and presentational skills. 2 hrs.

551/552 Ministry Internships 1 & 2

A field education program requiring at least 60 hours of work under supervision in community ministries; may be fulfilled anytime in the last two years of the M.Div. program or the second year of a non-M.Div. Masters program; must be approved in advance by the Director of Field Education. 1 hr.

590 Thesis/Project in Christian Ministry

A thesis or project of approximately 10,000 words, prepared under the direction of the department of Christian Ministry, developing an original project or proposition related to ministry in a church context. The thesis or project is to follow the format described in the latest edition of Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 2 hrs.

5221 Music in the Church

Philosophy, resources, and repertoire for effective music ministry, including service planning, choirs, congregational singing, special music, and leading music. 1 hr.

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Department of Biblical Counseling

611 Introduction to Biblical Counseling

The nature and principles of biblical counseling, techniques and theories of counseling; patterns of problem solving, the counselor and counselee relationship; the sufficiency of Scripture;and biblical conflict resolution. 3 hrs.

612 Marriage and Family Counseling

The systematic survey of the theology of the family: the importance of the Christian home, the covenantal family relationship, courtship versus dating; methods of premarital and marital counseling; divorce issues and rebuilding the marriage relationship after adultery. 3 hrs.

631 Advanced Counseling

A systematic application of the principles of biblical counseling to a wide variety of contemporary issues facing counselors. 3 hrs.

632 Methodologies of Counseling

Survey and critique of secular counseling theories and comparison to biblical counseling. 3 hrs.

6111 Survey of Biblical Counseling

Introduction to theory and practice of biblical counseling; contrast with other counseling methods; use of Scripture in counseling. 2 hrs.

6310 Counseling Practicum

Case analyses and case observation (video tapes); confrontation (self); and conferences (required attendance at an annual local symposium as offered). There is a two year time limit in completing the practicum once it is begun. Elective course; required for certification by the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors. 4 hrs.

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