Christian Studies Minor

A historical and theoretical consideration of interpretative methodology as illustrated by and applied to selected texts from various portions of the biblical materials. Core requirement for Christian Studies majors and minors. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Fall/Spring & OPS)

A survey of the development of the Christian church from the close of the New Testament period to the present time, with special attention to the origin of various denominations. Core requirement for Christian Studies majors and minors. (3 units; Fall/Spring & OPS)

An exploration of the biblical truths of Scripture, God, humanity, sin, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the Christian life, the church, and the life to come. Students will examine each major doctrine and understand its place in the biblical story. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course examines key biblical passages related to the church, overviews major historical positions of the church, and assesses related models of pastoral leadership, ministry, and preaching. The emphasis of the course is to help students develop a biblical and practical theology of the church. (3 units; Fall)

Pastoral Leadership is an intensive study of the leadership role of the pastor in relation to the nature of the church, leadership models, leadership challenges, and practical leadership strategies. (3 units; Spring & OPS)

This class focuses on foundational issues related to adolescents with application to the local church. Student involvement in youth ministry is expected. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

An examination of specific areas of Christian studies (theology, Bible, missions, etc.). May be repeated for credit with change in topic. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; As offered)

An examination of specific area(s) of Old Testament study. Course is repeatable for credit with a change in topic. Prerequisite: Previous Old Testament coursework. (3 units; As offered)

An examination of specific area(s) of New Testament study. Course is repeatable for credit with a change in topic. Prerequisite: Previous New Testament coursework. (3 units; As offered)

An examination of specific area(s) of Theology. Course is repeatable for credit with a change in topic. Prerequisite: Previous Theology coursework. (3 units; As offered)

An examination of specific area(s) of Church History. Course is repeatable for credit with a change in topic. Prerequisite: Previous Church History coursework. (3 units; As offered)

An examination of specific area(s) of Christian Ministry. Course is repeatable for credit with a change in topic. Prerequisite: Previous Christian Ministry coursework. (3 units; As offered)

A study of the basic principles for preparing and delivering biblical sermons, with an emphasis on the writing, delivery, and analysis of expository sermons. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Spring & OPS)

A course of supervised in-service training in a local church. Active participation in Christian ministry is expected (minimum 9 hours weekly) under supervision of a Field Supervisor. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status, and permission of the Dean. (3 units; As offered)

A general survey of the redemptive activity of God in the world -- past, present, and future. Topics include the biblical basis of God's global activity, historical perspectives, mission strategies, and cultural implications, as well as contemporary missiological issues. (3 units; Spring)

This course studies the biblical and theological foundations of global missions alongside mission strategies applied in global and urban settings. Prerequisite: 3 units of Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Spring)

This course examines the biblical principles of evangelism and church planting. Students will learn to combine the biblical content of the gospel with appropriate skills for sharing the gospel, with the aim of training disciples for the local church. Attention will also be given to strategies of church planting for local and global contexts. Student involvement in evangelistic ministry is expected. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Fall)

This course will examine the emergence of apologetics within the life of the church, highlight various approaches, arguments, and central figures, and the role of apologetics in development of a Christian worldview. Prerequisite: HON 100, PHI 213 or WLD 181. (3 units; Fall)

This course is an appraisal of the major metaethical positions within Western philosophy such as deontological, utilitarian, and virtue ethics in light of the Christian worldview for the purpose of analyzing and synthesizing theories regarding human conduct. Attention is given to major figures in the history of ethics as well as the nature of ethical language and the concept of value. Prerequisite: HON 101, PHI 213, or WLD 181. (3 units; Fall, even years)

An exploration of the application of various metaethical theories to ethical questions and issues that arise in various arenas of life. The study involves both the examination of methods as well as cases. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course surveys the philosophical foundations for Christian morality and addresses a variety of contemporary bioethical issues, such as cloning, human enhancement, euthanasia, and disability. (3 units; Spring, odd years)