COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Ministry, New Testament, and Divinity --
MIN/MNT/MDV 500 Introduction to Graduate Studies
The student is introduced to graduate level education with "hands-on" experience in the use of library resources and tools needed for effective research and writing including proper documentation of research projects. The student must take this course in the first or second regular semester of his enrollment.
MIN/MNT/MDV 511 Seminar in Genesis
A preliminary to the Law of Moses, Genesis introduces the entire redemptive covenant message of Scripture. This Old Testament course probes the text and theology of this crucial book as foundational for understanding the life and thought of the ancient Hebrews.
MIN/MNT/MDV512 Old Testament Wisdom Literature
An overview of the themes and theology of the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon; followed by exegesis of select passages from each book. Special attention is given to the poetic nature of this literature, as well as to its relationship to cognate literature from the ancient Near East.
MIN/MNT/MDV 513 Prophets I: Pre-Exilic
A study of selections from the writings of the pre-exilic prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Jonah, and Nahum. Major prophetic themes are emphasized along with the study of the nature and work of the prophets.
MIN/MNT/MDV 515 Seminar in Job
This Old Testament text study probes the historical significance and the practical relevance of the book of Job. Special emphasis is given to the sovereignty of God and to the problem of suffering.
MIN/MNT/MDV 516 Seminar in the Gospel of John
The major introductory questions to the Gospel of John will be discussed. The seminar will focus on an in-depth study of key passages. Applications for the twentieth century minister will be emphasized.
MIN/MNT/MDV 517 I, II Thessalonians & Philippians Study will be given to the background of the epistles and then verse-by-verse exegesis will be done with special attention to problems like the second coming of Christ.
MIN/MNT/MDV 518 I, II Peter and Jude
Emphasis will be placed on the authorship and the background of the epistles and then a verse-by-verse exegesis will be done with attention to the "false teachers" and other such problems mentioned in the epistles.
MIN/MNT/MDV 519 The Corinthian Correspondence Study will be given to the background of the epistles and then a verse-by-verse exegesis will be done with special attention to problems like the Lord's Supper, the woman's veil, the resurrection, etc.
MIN/MNT/MDV 520 Life of Paul
The course will examine the life, thought, work and influence of Paul of Tarsus through a study of primary literature (his own letters) and secondary literature (letters about him; i.e., Acts of the Apostles). It will especially be concerned with placing Paul, the communities he addressed, and the literature by or related to him within their religious and social-historical contexts in the Greco-Roman world.
MIN/MNT/MDV 521 Romans, Galatians
Introductory matters, including questions of chronology, destination, audience, and occasion will be treated. The student will be led through an exegesis of selected passages, consideration of difficult texts, and attention to the teaching of the Gospel, salvation, and man’s responsibility to God as presented in these epistles.
MIN/MNT/MDV 525 Religious Communication
An examination of communication as it is employed in the work of the local church. Attention will be given to the application of public relations, media, and computer techniques.
MIN/MNT/MDV 526 Advanced Preaching
The preparation and presentation of topical, textual, and expository sermons in the context of local preaching. Training will include preparation for weddings, funerals, and speaking for special occasions.
MIN/MNT/MDV 527 Advanced Introduction to the New Testament**
The origin, background, authorship, and design of New Testament books with some attention to the synoptic problem and general introduction to the New Testament. If the student has passed BIB 420 at undergraduate level, he will add one hour of Independent Study (in the area of New Testament introduction) and two more hours of electives.
MIN/MNT/MDV 528 New Testament World
The politics, society, culture, philosophies and religions of the Greco-Roman world of the time of Christ. Backgrounds of early Christianity: its history and archeology from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD.
MIN/MNT/MDV 529 Expository Preaching
Study is made of the expository method; emphasis is placed on preaching from the Bible text; opportunity is given for practice, evaluation, and correction.
MIN/MNT/MDV 531 Elementary Greek I***
This course includes a study of forms, vocabulary drill, and elementary syntax and involves reading/ translation of some of the less difficult books of the New Testament.
MIN/MNT/MDV 532 Elementary Greek II***
A continuation of MIN/MNT/MDV 531.
MIN/MNT/MDV 533A-B Greek Readings****
Readings in selected books of the New Testament (A=John; B=Paul). Different New Testament books will be rotated each semester so that the student may take the course twice as an elective. Emphasis is on vocabulary and grammar and development of facility of reading. Prerequisite: MIN/MNT/MDV 531 and 532.
MIN/MNT/MDV 534 Greek Exegesis
Work on exegeting even more difficult passages of the New Testament by emphasis on history, methods, and tools of New Testament exegesis.
Prerequisites: MIN/MNT/MDV 531, 532, and 533.
MIN/MNT/MDV 535 Family Ministry
The development of family enrichment programs with a view to ministering to the needs of each family. It will also teach the student how to get each family involved in the life and activity of the congregation.
MIN/MNT/MDV 536 Ministerial Counseling
Designed to acquaint students with current theories and practices in counseling as needed by ministers and other church workers.
MIN/MNT/MDV 537 Advanced Introduction to the Old Testament
The origins, authorship, outline, and religious values of Old Testament books are considered, with some attention given to general introduction of the Old Testament. A thorough study is made of critical problems concerning the Pentateuch, Isaiah, and Daniel. If the student has passed BIB410 at undergraduate level, he will add one hour of Independent Study (in the area of Old Testament introduction) and two more hours of electives.
MIN/MNT/MDV 540 Introduction to Christianity Exploration of the roots of New Testament Christianity in Judaism, its planning, prophecy, beginning, development, and crystallization in various cultures is the focus. The course is designed to give an overview of God’s plan for the church in the world. Students in Biblical programs will present and defend the results of their assigned research projects on major themes central to living in the modern/post-modern world.
MIN/MNT/MDV 541 Elementary Hebrew I
Essential principles of the Hebrew language and grammar, acquisition of vocabulary, use of parts of speech, and development of ability to read the narrative portions of the Hebrew Bible.
MIN/MNT/MDV 542 Elementary Hebrew II
A continuation of MIN/MNT/MDV 541.
Prerequisite: MIN/MNT/MDV 541.
MIN/MNT/MDV 543 Hebrew Readings
A study in the translation and exegesis of select narrative and poetic passages from the Hebrew Bible. Special attention is given to advanced Hebrew syntax and its application to Old Testament interpretation. Prerequisites: MIN/MNT/MDV 541 and 542.
MIN/MNT/MDV 544 Hebrew Exegesis (on request)
Work on exegeting even more difficult passages of the Old Testament by emphasis on history, methods, and tools of Old Testament exegesis. Prerequisites: MIN/MNT/MDV 541, 542, and 543.
MIN/MNT/MDV 545 Leadership in the Church
Leadership principles from the business world and from Scripture applied to the church, qualifications of effective spiritual leaders and methods of developing them, and consideration of the urgency of developing leaders. (Same as EDU 517.)
MIN/MNT/MDV 546 Education Program of the Church Attention to the principles used to develop and strengthen the education program of the church. Goals, organization, curriculum, facilities, and teachers are major units of study that are included.
MIN/MNT/MDV 547 Missions in the Church
The Biblical basis of missions, its practice in history, in Catholicism, in Protestantism, and in churches of Christ. The practical principles which need to be mastered to be effective in missions, and anthropological/ cultural aspects of mission work.
MIN/MNT/MDV 548 Contextualization
An examination of the critical issues involved in presenting and applying the Gospel in other cultural contexts. Particular emphasis will be given to balancing faithfulness to the Biblical text with meaningfulness within culture.
MIN/MNT/MDV 549 Muslim Evangelism
The History of Islam, the Koran, basic Muslim doctrines compared and contrasted with Bible doctrine, and a study of evangelism among Muslims. (Same as BIB 436.)
MIN/MNT/MDV 550 Missionary Anthropology
An examination of basic anthropological insights with application to the missionary enterprise. Culture change and cross-cultural adaptation will be addressed, as well as world view, urbanization, modernization, and westernization of less-developed cultures.
MIN/MNT/MDV 555 Contemporary Ethics
A study of contemporary theories in philosophical ethics with an emphasis on Biblical applications to current problems in values.
MIN/MDV 565 Internship
This course requires extensive time spent in practical "hands-on" work in a supervised program of some local church. The particular church, program, and supervisor must be approved by the course instructor and the Director of Graduate Studies in Bible. Approximately 40 hours of preparation, work, and evaluation, exclusive of travel, will be required for each hour of credit. Internships are available in Ministerial Counseling, Teaching (Job, John, Thess/Phil.), Religious Communication, Education Program, Missions, Preaching, Leadership, and Family Ministry.
MIN/MNTMDV 570 Philosophy of Religion
Study and evaluation of classical and contemporary arguments regarding such issues as the existence of God, the essence and attributes of God, the nature of religious faith and its relationship to reason, the use of religious language, and the relationship between divine sovereignty and free will. Focus will be on Western rational conceptions, but alternative approaches will also be studied.
MIN/MNT/MDV 571 History of Apologetics
This course includes a study of apologetics in the New Testament, and a survey of apologists and apologetic systems which will help the student to develop a foundation for contemporary Christian apologetics.
MIN/MNT/MDV 572 Deity of Christ
This course begins by considering both Biblical and non-Biblical information supporting the historicity of Christ. It then explores the various claims made by Christ Himself concerning His deity and examines the Biblical testimony which supports these claims. Further evidence indicating that Jesus is the divine Son of God is also considered.
MIN/MNT/MDV 573 Symbolic Logic
An introduction to the use of symbolic logic as a tool to constructing and evaluating formal and informal deductive arguments, introducing the students to the terminology and chief concepts of logic. This course will emphasize the use of deductive logic in the Gospels.
MIN/MNT/MDV 576 Advanced Christian Evidences
Advanced apologetics: the study of evidences which prove the Christian faith is from God. Attention is given to systems of thought which oppose the Christian world view, and possible responses are considered. Classical and contemporary arguments for the existence of God, the inspiration of the Bible, and the deity of Christ are considered in detail.
MIN/MNT/MDV 577 Biblical Text, Canon, & Inspiration
A study of the nature and origin of the Biblical text (including a brief consideration of textual criticism), the definition and extent of the canon, and the definition and nature of inspiration.
MIN/MNT/MDV 578 Seminar in Epistemology
This course will focus on such important Biblical concepts as truth, faith, revelation, and knowledge which provides a context for evaluating theories of knowledge.
MIN/MNT/MDV 579 Values in Human Thought & Action
An exploration of value issues and opportunities for further learning in the liberal arts and sciences. This course will focus on Christian perspectives in value questions which the student will confront in art, music, literature, economics, science, politics, and other related areas. Graduate students present and defend the results of their research on various assigned topics.
MNT/MDV 585 Thesis
The thesis for the Master of Arts in New Testament or the Master of Divinity is written under the guidance of a faculty mentor and allows the student to do deeper research on a topic in his/her area of interest. The student is also examined on the topic by the committee which administers oral comprehensives. A thesis fee is charged (see Catalog - Financial Information - Special Charges).
MIN/MNT/MDV 591 History of the Reformation Movement
The events, teachings, and leading figures of the Reformation Movement from its beginning to 1800. Particular attention is given to separation from Catholicism, the development of various denominations, and the rise of the restoration plea.
MIN/MNT/MDV 592 History of the Restoration Movement
The events, teachings, and leading figures of the Restoration Movement from its beginning until the present. Focus is made on the origins, geographical spread of the movement, and various departures.
MIN/MNT/MDV 593 History of the English Bible
A study of the history of the Bible’s development with emphasis on its translation into the English language. Modern English translations will be surveyed and evaluated within the context of their stated goals and methodologies.
MIN/MNT/MDV 594 Systematic Christian Doctrine I
An introduction to systematic theology, including its necessity, method, and nature. The nature of God, revelation, and humanity are studied with an emphasis on the Biblical foundation of each.
MIN/MNT/MDV 595 Systematic Christian Doctrine II
The nature of Christ, the church, salvation, and last things are studied with an emphasis on the Biblical foundations of each.
MIN/MNT/MDV 596 Hermeneutics
This course studies the general principles requisite for proper Biblical interpretation. It also examines special principles necessary for properly interpreting different types of literary genre. Attention is given to examples of legitimate interpretation and opportunity is given for application of principles by students.
MIN/MNT/MDV 598 Independent Study
The graduate student undertakes a research project of a practical nature under the direct supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. The number of hours credit (1 to 4) will be determined by the length of the study and the extent of the student's involvement in the study. The following are offered as independent study:
Hebrews - 3 hrs.
Intercultural Communication - 3 hrs.
MIN/MNT/MDV 599A Suffering & the Human Condition Human suffering is one of the most difficult experiences to understand and endure. Those in counseling and ministry are frequently faced with the psychological problems of human suffering. This course explores how we deal with concerns in our own lives and the lives of others. It combines both theory and practice in an examination of the various elements of suffering. This course is an attempt to find value in suffering from a Christian perspective and help formulate a "theology of suffering" from Scripture that will result in successful interventions of the sufferer.(Same as COU 599G.)