Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

A general introduction to the history of the Christian Church from the Apostolic Age to the Protestant Reformation. Studies will include the early church and the Roman Empire, major ecclesiastical and doctrinal developments, the rise of the Papacy, the development and impact of monasticism and scholasticism, the Eastern and Western church split, the characteristics of the Eastern Church, and the theological and political forces leading to the Reformation.

A general introduction to the history of the Christian Church from the Reformation to the twenty-first century, including Protestant origins and development. Special emphasis will be given to the Western Church including Reformation movements, the Counter-Reformation, rationalism and pietism, revivalism, the growth of denominations, liberalism, Vatican II and liberation theology, the modern charismatic movement, the New Age movement, modern-day secularism and pluralism.

This course introduces students to the immediate knowledge and skills of spiritual formation and growth of members in both parish and non-parish settings. Using a heuristic approach to study the sense and use of self and others in relations, students gain better insights into what it means to be a student, person, and a pastor. The course requires the completion of a spiritual formation and growth paper that highlights insights gained that can be translated into a specialized ministry of choice.

A critical introduction to the canon and text of the New Testament: composition, authorship, date, and content of each book.

A critical introduction to the canon and text of the Old Testament: composition authorship, date, and content of each book. Special emphasis will be placed on the refutation of higher critical view.

This course examines predominant theological systems. Their respective strengths, weaknesses, and relationship to Scripture will be examined as well as leading writers in both theological camps.

A systematic topical overview of Christian doctrine with special emphasis of five of the ten classic topics in biblical theology: Bibliology, Theology Proper, Christology, Pneumatology, and Angelology.

A systematic topical overview of Christian doctrine with special emphasis on five of the ten classic topics in biblical systematic theology: Anthropology, Harmartiology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology.

An intensive study of the science and methodology of interpretation of the Bible based on principle found in Scripture.

A systemic study of Christian ethics and various ethical systems.

Required of all students in the Master’s Degree program and offered in the fall semester of the senior year, this course will function as a writer’s group in order to help the student significantly advance the process of conceptualizing, organizing, and writing a research-based text. In class students will read each other’s work, discuss the concepts, methods, and mechanics of constructing and writing a thesis, and provide comment to help with the process. Thesis topics will be approved and students will begin writing the thesis prior to the end of the semester.

This course is a continuation of TD 531A and is offered in the spring of the senior year. Students will work independently with the instructor writing the actual thesis according to the parameters set in the first semester. The completed thesis is submitted by mid-semester to a team of readers that will serve as the thesis defense committee (thesis reader fees apply).

A comprehensive study of biblical Hebrew syntax, vocabulary, and exegesis. Included in the course are reading and discussion of selected passages of the Old Testament. (Prerequisite LA 537)

A continued comprehensive study of biblical Hebrew syntax and vocabulary. Included in the course are reading and discussion of selected passages of the Old Testament. (Prerequisite LA 538)

A study of the introduction and unfolding of theology through the Old Testament.

A study of prophetic passages in the Old Testament with relation to Israel and the Gentile world. Particular emphasis is placed on the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

A survey of the first five books of the Old Testament, a review and evaluation of critical theories regarding these books, and an intensive study of selected passages on the basis of the Hebrew text.

A thorough survey of all the Psalms and their historical and theological background. Selected Psalms will be read in Hebrew and interpreted on that basis.

A survey of the historical books of the Old Testament, from Joshua to Nehemiah, along with the parallel history of the ancient near-east of that period.

Readings and interpretation of various passages in the Greek New Testament including advanced grammatical study with a brief introduction to textual criticism. (Prerequisite LA 533)

A comprehensive study of biblical Greek syntax, inflection, and vocabulary. Included in the course are reading and discussion of selected passages of the New Testament. (Prerequisite LA 534)

An exegetical study of Romans including a brief study of the authorship, background, destination, and purpose.

An examination of the Four Gospels including a study of authorship, background, destination, and purpose.

Major subjects related to New Testament theology are selected and studied in detail. The student will learn the major themes and how they run throughout the New Testament.

A detailed study of Greco-Roman and Jewish background of New Testament times.

An advanced study of the history, materials, and methodology of the textual criticism of the New Testament. The student learns to use the critical apparatus of the Greek New Testament.

Either Greek III and IV, Hebrew III and IV, or Greek II and Hebrew II.

An in-depth study of theological foundations, including prolegomena, methodology and the theological enterprise.

An in-depth study of the doctrine of God with emphasis on the doctrine of the Trinity.

The theological doctrine of salvation as effected by Jesus Christ.

An in depth study of thought that reflects a valid and logical defense of the Christian faith. A working knowledge of Greek and Hebrew will be helpful but is not prerequisite.

An examination of contemporary issues in theology such as New Age theology, open theism, and postmodernism.