Systematic Theology (ST)
ST 5201 Theology I: The God of the Gospel - 3 Hours
This course establishes the foundations for systematic theology, reflecting upon the triune God and the God-world relation. It introduces theological methodology and treats the doctrines of general and special revelation, particularly that of Holy Scripture. The course also engages theology proper (the divine perfections and personal attributes of the Holy Trinity) and the works of God in creating and providentially caring for the cosmos, including humans.
ST 5202 Theology II: The Gospel of God - 3 Hours
This course focuses on the gospel, the economy of salvation, the incarnation of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The course begins by treating the human condition as now fallen, and sin as the backdrop of the gospel. Attention then turns to the work of Christ, particularly the atonement and accomplishment of redemption as the content of the gospel. The course then considers the application and consummation of redemption by examining the work of the Holy Spirit, the nature, mission, and destiny of the church as the gathered people of God as the climax of the gospel. The course concludes with a consideration of how the gospel story ends, for believers and unbelievers in the glory of God's being all in all in the new heaven and the new earth. Prerequisite: ST 5201.
ST 5211 Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father - 2 Hours
This course is the first of a three-course sequence that covers the fundamental doctrines of biblical Christianity, following the tripartite structure of the Apostles' Creed. It begins by introducing systematic theology as a spiritual and intellectual discipline for knowing God, evaluating Christian life and thought, and living well with others to God's glory. It next examines the nature, sources, norms, and method of theology. This is followed by a study of how God makes himself known through general and special revelation, with special attention to the doctrine of Scripture, including the notions of inspiration and inerrancy. The high point of the course is the doctrine of God or theology proper, which includes both God in himself (the divine perfections and persons of the Trinity) and God in relation to the world (the works of creation and providence).
ST 5212 Theology 2: The God of the Gospel: Through the Son - 2 Hours
This course is the second of a three-course sequence that covers the fundamental doctrines of biblical Christianity, following the tripartite structure of the Apostles' Creed. The course covers a wide span of theological doctrine with specific attention to Christology. It begins with the creation of human creatures who bear the unique image of God, and finds its focal point in the person, life, and work of the perfect Image of God?Jesus, in whom the fullness of deity dwells bodily. The course examines topics related to theological anthropology, the fall of human creatures and the creation's participation in this fall, the incarnation of Christ, the atonement of Christ, and the reconciliation of fallen human creatures to God through the Son.
ST 5213 Theology 3: The God of the Gospel: In the Holy Spirit - 2 Hours
This course is the third of a three-course sequence that covers the fundamental doctrines of biblical Christianity, following the tripartite structure of the Apostles' Creed. The course begins, in a sense, at Pentecost. Specific attention is given to the application of Christ's reconciling work to the people of God through the Spirit of God, uniting fallen human creatures to God, one another, and the whole of creation. The person, life, and work of the Holy Spirit in and through the people of God both individually and corporately as the Church is examined with a focus on the sanctification of believers and their union with God. The course concludes with an investigation into the return of Christ, the righteous reign and judgment of Christ, and the full redemption of all things in Christ.
ST 5600 The Christian Life and Contemporary Challenges - 2 Hours
This course is the first part of a pair of courses, along with ST 7210. It serves as an introduction to the contemporary challenges associated with Christian belief and life. Usually associated with apologetics, it will begin with a series of investigations regarding why individuals are currently leaving churches and what a proper diagnosis of this reality looks like. It then proceeds to paint a picture of the Christian life as one of rightly ordered loves, claiming that such a promise of life is precisely what meets the needs of those departing churches. It concludes by arguing for the need for better evangelical moral theology, leading into its partner course, ST 7200.
ST 7200 Christian Ethics - 2 Hours
How can we faithfully take what we confess to be true as Christians and have it help make sense of the world we encounter before us? This course is an introduction to Christian ethics, and it takes up the challenges set forward by its partner course, ST 5600. After reviewing a vision of the Christian moral life as one of rightly ordered loves, the course proceeds to dive each week into an issue of moral complexity encountered in the world we occupy, issues that are of immediate relevance to ministerial practice. These issues will rotate of necessity, but include topics like justice, politics, war, economics, disability, gender, and race. Its goal is to help students to find creative, flexible, and faithful ways to live in the space between the way the world is and the way it ought to be, while recognizing that they are creatures driven by their loves, which is precisely how God intends for them to live the moral life.
ST 7477 MA Major Comprehensive Exam - 0-1 Hours
A department-specific Major Comprehensive Exam required in some MA programs. Registration should be completed at the beginning of the semester for the regularly scheduled exam date later that semester. Credit is posted when the Exam is passed; No Credit if the Exam is failed or not completed.
ST 7485 MA Thesis - 0-2 Hours
MA thesis writers register for ST 7485 in the department of their concentration. Prerequisite: Approved thesis proposal on file in the Dean's Office and other department-specific prerequisites. Counts as full-time academic status. (35 hours of academic work per week.) Letter grade or Credit/No Credit as arranged with the department. No grade is posted for this course until the thesis is completed and approved.
ST 7486 MA Thesis Extension - 0 Hours
A total of three semesters extension for ST 7485 may be granted when progress is being made on the thesis. Extension fee when not enrolled in other courses. Counts as full-time academic status (35 hours of academic work per week.) for the first semester, quarter time thereafter. CR is posted when substantive thesis progress is made, NC when inadequate progress is made.
ST 7501 Guided Research - 1-4 Hours
Independent research on an approved selected topic under a faculty member in the department bearing the course prefix. May be repeated for credit as the subject matter changes. Available in all departments. Letter grade or Credit/No Credit as arranged with faculty member.
ST 7504 Theological Method - 2 Hours
This course surveys and evaluates ways of doing theology, ancient and contemporary, evangelical and non-evangelical, with an aim to equipping students to do theology in academic, ecclesial, and missional settings. Special attention will be given to the sources and norms, various contexts, and ideas of "system" that inform and govern the development of doctrine in systematic theology. The overarching goal is to help students answer both the how and the why questions: the how, by forming their own convictions about how best to seek theological understanding; the why by forming habits of wise theological judgment about everything relating to God and the gospel.
ST 7505 Use of Scripture and Theology - 2 Hours
This course examines the manifold ways in which theologians, ancient and modern, evangelical and non-evangelical, Western and non-Western, view and especially use Scripture to formulate theological proposals, with regard both to Christian doctrine and practice. The course compares prominent schools of interpretation within the broader theological landscape and constructively suggests ways to extend the logic of Scriptural teaching into contemporary contexts. The twin questions, 'What does it mean to be biblical?' and 'How ought biblical authority actually work?' are addressed by developing an account of how the ancient biblical writings that comprise Scripture (divine discourse) generate and govern contemporary theological understanding and practice. Several case studies are employed to help students learn how to move from biblical exegesis to systematic theological reflection, and thus to become self consciously evangelical theologians who know how rightly to handle the word of truth.
ST 7695 Hermeneutics - 2-3 Hours
The science of biblical interpretation with examination and explanation of the various systems of such. Using selected passages of Scripture, the disciplines necessary in biblical interpretation come to be understood and developed.
ST 7715 Political Theology - 2 Hours
Political engagement and theological depth often appear to stand in an inverse relationship these days; as one increases, the other decreases. The impression created, therefore, is that politics and theology stand in a necessarily unhealthy relationship, such that the presence of one is detrimental to the other. Of course, it takes little convincing that the present cultural landscape in North American evangelical Christianity bears evidence of this unhealthy relationship. So, what's a Christian to do, especially if she is serious about seeing all things in light of the gospel, including politics? This course explores the nature of our common life together, from a biblical, historical and systematic theological perspective. Ultimately, it investigates the theologically-relevant dimensions of how people negotiate common goods like government in ways that are both consistent and inconsistent with their discipleship. What's Jerusalem got to do with Washington, D.C.? Should they have anything to do with one another? These are the questions for exploration before us.
ST 7911 Colloquium in Systematic Theology - 1 Hour
Integrative seminar for all students majoring in theology on various topics of contemporary concern. May be repeated. Credit / No Credit.
ST 7975 MA/ThM Comp Exam Prep - 0 Hours
An optional registration status for students preparing for their Major Comprehensive Exam and who are not taking other courses during the semester of preparation. This registration ensures continuity in your TEDS program and defers continuation fees. Available for only two semesters during which student must complete Comprehensive Exams or their academic status in the program will be jeopardized. Counts as quarter-time academic status. Contact the Records Office for registration.
ST 7976 MA or ThM Thesis Proposal Prep - 0 Hours
An optional registration status for students preparing for their Thesis Proposal and who are not taking other courses during the semester of preparation. (May not be taken when another course is taken.) This registration ensures continuity in your TEDS program and defers continuation fees. Available for only one semester during which students must complete their Proposal or their academic status in the program will be jeopardized. Counts as quarter-time academic status.
ST 7980 MA Major Research Paper - 0-2 Hours
MA participants completing the two capstone research paper option must register for ST 7980 in their department concurrent with registration for the advanced elective course in which they are writing a MA capstone research paper (MA/PR). Paper parameters are found in the Academic Handbook and paper objectives are specifically articulated in consultation with the faculty member on the online Capstone Proposal Form. Registration occurs twice at the same time as registration for the course, once for each paper. Credit / No Credit. (Both the course and the paper must be graded C- or better to receive credit for the paper.)
ST 8000 Seminar: Current Issues in Theology - 2-4 Hours
Lectures or seminar in a distinctive area of biblical or systematic theology; topics chosen in relation to the special competence of resident and visiting faculty, as well as current interests and needs. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8030 The Problem of Evil - 2 Hours
An examination of one of the traditional problems for Christian theism. After initially clarifying the nature of this attack against theism, discussion turns to different defenses and theodicies offered in response to this problem. Treatment covers the problem in both its logical and evidential forms. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8100 Essentials of Reformed Theology - 2 Hours
This course delves into a particular theological tradition rather than a single doctrine - the Reformed. A single guiding question generates and governs the course contents and its conversation partners: "What makes Reformed theology distinctly Reformed?" We approach this overarching question, much as one would a summit, by exploring various paths of ascent: textual, contextual, historical, hermeneutical, doctrinal, conceptual, ideological, confessional, and comparative. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8102 Analytic Theology - 2 Hours
This course provides an overview of one of the most important recent developments in theology, namely, analytic theology. This is an approach to theology that borrows ideas, concepts, and methods from analytic philosophy. The course begins with an introduction to the history and nature of analytic theology and then examines core Christian doctrines as they have been recently discussed by analytic theologians. This course is intended to provide students with the resources for developing their own evaluation of the fruit of analytic theology as it pertains to Christian faith, practice, and ministry. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8200 Seminar: Current Issues in Theology - 2 Hours
Lectures or seminar in a distinctive area of biblical or systematic theology with special relevance to pastoral ministry; topics chosen in relation to the special competence of resident and visiting faculty,as well as current interests and needs. Unlike ST 8000, this course can be used to fulfill the 3rd required class in ST for the MDiv curriculum. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8210 Divine Action and the Doctrine of Providence - 2 Hours
This course surveys the history of the doctrine of divine providence and identifies key issues before attempting a dogmatic account. Special attention is given to the concept of divine action, especially with reference to science and metaphysics. The concern is to articulate, in accordance with Scripture, what we may hope. The central focus is God's care for individuals, church, and cosmos. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8211 God in Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology - 2 Hours
This course on the doctrine of God has four interrelated aims: (1) to become acquainted with classical and contemporary approaches to Christian theism and assess their faithfulness to Scripture, (2) to examine current approaches to the relationship of biblical and systematic theology, (3) to learn to identify and interpret figurative language used to speak of God (e.g., metaphors, analogies, anthropomorphisms), and (4) to bring all of the above to bear on the question of divine impassibility. The course thus focuses on how we move from biblical to theological language to speak of God and formulate a doctrine of God and the nature of His relation to the world, with special attention to the issue of divine suffering. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8212 The Doctrine of the Trinity: Classical Formulations and Contemporary Issues - 2 Hours
A study in the biblical sources, classic formulations, and theological issues that are important in the doctrine of the Trinity. Classical formulations, in ecumenical creeds as well as major patristic, medieval, and early modern (Protestant scholastic) theologians, are studied within their historical contexts, and important movements in modern and contemporary theology are studied against the backdrop of these historic statements. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8213 Models of Sanctification - 2 Hours
A course involving a biblical and theological investigation of several models of sanctification held within Christian movements and denominations. Emphasizes understanding of each model, as well as encouraging students to develop their own biblically based model capable of implementation within a ministry context. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8214 Justification - 2 Hours
This course considers the biblical and theological foundations of the doctrine of justification. It explores these foundational elements incorporating a historical perspective. Influential thinkers are studied in the flow of important eras in the Church ranging from the time of Augustine to contemporary discussions. Recent conversations between members of the Protestant camp and Roman Catholics on justification, as well as on the New Perspective, are engaged. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8215 Pneumatology - 2 Hours
A study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit, including a defense of His deity and personality, His work in the Old Testament, the life of Christ, and the New Testament era, as well as discussion of contemporary issues related to this doctrine, such as tongues, divine healing, and prophecy. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8220 Christology: Classical Formulations and Contemporary Issues - 2 Hours
A study in the biblical sources, classic formulations, and theological issues that are important in the doctrine of Christ. Classical formulations, in ecumenical creeds as well as major patristic, medieval, and early modern (Protestant scholastic) theologians, are studied within their historical contexts, and important movements in modern and contemporary theology are studied against the backdrop of these historic statements. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8221 The Doctrine of the Atonement: Classical Formulations and Contemporary Issues - 2 Hours
A study in the doctrine of the atonement in light of its biblical foundations, classical elaborations, and contemporary appropriations. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8222 Theologies of the Sacraments/Ordinances - 2 Hours
This course introduces a theological approach to a variety of church practices that sometimes fall under the heading of sacraments or ordinances. Central to this course is an examination of the biblical and theological underpinning to such practices as Baptism and the Eucharist. This course also introduces theological resources for addressing additional doctrinal issues touching such topics as ordination, marriage, preaching, and death. Moreover, students will work toward bridge-building from the conceptual theological discussion of these issues to the practical manifestation of these practices in the life of the church. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8224 Theological Investigation in Human Identity: Gender - 2 Hours
What is gender? This is a question that is easy to ask, but quite difficult to answer. Some want to say what gender ought to be, usually in the form of context-free norms and prescriptions. Others want to say what gender is, usually in a descriptive mode. On their own, these tasks are limited, but taken together, and handled properly, they can generate a fruitful theology of gender. Is gender a matter of social norms or embodied realities? What difference does a Christian analysis make? Can we find gender in the Bible, or in the early Church? And what we are to do with the ordinary gendered experiences all of us have? Christians must have robustly theological answers to such questions, aware both of their descriptive tasks and of their normative commitments. This class provides opportunity and guidance for working through these issues, equipping students to arrive at their own answers, hopefully in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through Holy Scripture. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8225 Theological Investigation in Human Identity: Race - 2 Hours
Race is a fraught issue for evangelicals. It serves to divide one "type" of church from another, one "type" of Christian from another, one "type" of theology from another. It has therefore taken the role of a theological proxy, providing a criterion for who is "in" and who is "out." This state of affairs is as lamentable as it is insufficiently theological, and the aim of this course is to chart a path away from it to a more salutary way to frame matters. The ambition is neither to mute the extra-theological considerations nor to turn down the explicitly theological concerns; keeping both in hand, we explore contemporary approaches to race, the history of the discussion, how Christians have looked to Scripture for help in both helpful and unhelpful ways, and the current state of the discussion. By the end, students are equipped with tools and ways of thinking that guide them in their ecclesial and ministerial callings. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8310 Theology of Augustine - 2 Hours
Augustine stands as a foundational thinker in Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox traditions. He was a critical thinker at a critical time in the life of the Church. This course will consider the life and times of Augustine as informing elements in his theological development. Some of his best known works will be read and discussed to identify particular theological stances. These stances were also affected by what he saw as specific challenges to biblical faith arising from movements, such as Manichaeism, Donatism, and Pelagianism. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8360 Karl Barth - 2 Hours
A critical analysis of the origins, developments, and major contours of Barth's theology from his earliest writings to his later Church Dogmatics through a study of selected primary texts. Special attention is given to Barth's theological method, hermeneutics, and doctrine of the Word of God, as well as to other central theological topics (e.g., election, providence, the relation of dogmatics to ethics). Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8410 Theology in Contemporary Literature - 2 Hours
Works by authors such as Melville, Dostoevsky, Conrad, Shaw, Beckett, Updike, Lewis, Tolkien, Eliot, Auden, Williams, Fry, Buder, Joyce, Camus, Kafka, Faulkner, Salinger, and MacDonald are read and analyzed, and their theological perspective and implications are discussed. Prerequisites: ST 5211, ST 5212, and ST 5213.
ST 8980 ThM Major Research Paper - 0-1 Hours
ThM participants completing the two capstone research paper option must register for - 8980 in their department concurrent with registration for the advanced elective course in which they are writing a ThM capstone research paper. Paper parameters are found in the Academic Handbook and paper objectives are specifically articulated in consultation with the faculty member on the online Capstone Proposal Form. Registration occurs twice at the same time as registration for the course, once for each paper. Credit / No Credit. (Both the course and the paper must be graded 'C'- or better to receive credit for the paper.)
ST 8985 ThM Thesis - 0-2 Hours
ThM thesis writers register for ST 8985 in the department of their concentration. Prerequisite: Approved thesis proposal on file in the Dean's Office and other department-specific prerequisites. Counts as full-time academic status. (35 hours of academic work per week.) Letter grade or Credit/No Credit as arranged with the department.
ST 8986 ThM Thesis Extension - 0 Hours
A total of three semesters extension for ST 8986 may be granted when progress is being made on the thesis. Extension fee when not enrolled in other courses. Counts as full-time academic status for the first semester, quarter time thereafter. No Credit.
ST 9001 Guided Research - 1-4 Hours
Selected topics usually extended from foundational studies in seminars or courses. Available in all PhD programs. May be repeated for a maximum of twelve hours in PhD/EDS and PhD/ICS programs; may be repeated for a maximum of six hours in the PhD/THS program. Letter grade or Credit / No Credit.
ST 9011 Private Study - 0 Hours
In special circumstances, a student may register for one or more semesters of Private Study in order to meet the requirements for candidacy. Only for PhD/THS students in CH, NT, OT, ST departments. Counts as full-time student status when registrant affirms that a minimum of thirty-five hours per week (half-time is 15 hours per week) are invested in doctoral study and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. May be repeated four times. No Credit.
ST 9100 Advanced Theological Prolegomena - 3-4 Hours
A course designed to explore the integrative character of Christian theology, focusing the contributions of the separate theological disciplines on the constructive and creative task of Systematic Theology. Students are encouraged to develop an approach that is integrative, orthodox, and creative, through the critical assessment of the theological proposals of evangelical and non evangelical theologians. To be taken concurrently ST 9110. Offered fall.
ST 9110 The Theological Scholar - 2 Hours
An orientation to doctoral-level scholarship (the development of an argument, research philosophy and methodology, good writing skills, dissertation preparation), to program specifics, and to the doctoral community life and ethos. It will also include papers presented by four professors, one from each of the THS departments, to illustrate and generate discussion about "theological integration." Must be taken in conjunction with DST 9100 (Advanced Theological Prolegomena) in the first semester after matriculation. Required of all PhD/THS students.
ST 9890 Professional Development Practicum - 0-2 Hours
Participants design, conduct, and evaluate at least one professional development activity. Program participants may repeat the course multiple times, not to exceed a total of 2 hours over the course of the degree program. These integrative and generative activities could take the form of teaching, consulting, developing curriculum, coaching, pastoral ministries, grant writing, etc. Participants may propose non-Trinity or Trinity-related activities and opportunities. Each student is responsible to initiate conversations toward PDP planning with their program director prior to the semester in which the practicum will be conducted. All activities must be conducted after program matriculation. One credit hour is equivalent to approximately 35-40 hours of invested practicum work. Credit/No Credit.
ST 9975 Comprehensive Exam Preparation - 0-3 Hours
An independent study facilitating student preparation for the comprehensive examination. PhD/EDS and PhD/ICS program participants may repeat the course twice for a total of three hours. PhD/THS program participants may repeat it once. Only PhD/THS program participants in the Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern History, Archaeology, and Languages Focus or with an EDS or ICS minor may take it for zero credit hours. Counts as full-time student status when enrolled for 3 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of thirty-five hours per week are invested in comprehensive exam preparation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Counts as half-time student status when enrolled for 2 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of fifteen hours per week are invested in comprehensive exam preparation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Credit / No Credit.
ST 9990 Dissertation Proposal Prep - 0-3 Hours
An independent study facilitating student preparation for the dissertation proposal. Only PhD/EDS and PhD/ICS program participants may repeat this course twice for a total of 3 hours. PhD/THS program participants may repeat this course once for a total of 3 hours. Only PhD/THS program participants in the Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern History, Archaeology, and Languages Focus or with an EDS or ICS minor may take it for zero credit hours. Counts as full-time student status when enrolled for 3 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of thirty-five hours per week are invested in dissertation proposal preparation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Counts as half-time student status when enrolled for 2 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of fifteen hours per week are invested in dissertation proposal preparation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Credit / No Credit.
ST 9991 Dissertation Research - 1-4 Hours
Courses taken for dissertation writing that embodies the results of original research and makes a genuine contribution to knowledge in the field of concentration. PhD students are eligible to register for Dissertation Research after the official acceptance of the proposal, and may register for two to six semesters totaling 6 hours. Counts as full-time student status when enrolled for 3 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of thirty-five hours per week are invested on the dissertation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Counts as half-time student status when enrolled for 2 hours or when registrant affirms that a minimum of fifteen hours per week are invested on the dissertation and the requisite form has been completed at the time of registration in the Academic Doctoral Office. Credit / No Credit.
ST 9992 Dissertation Extension - 0 Hours
One or more dissertation extension courses for the writing of the dissertation. Registrants for this course will be assessed a continuation fee. Less than half-time student status. No Credit.