AA/BA in Religious Studies

BIBLE / THEOLOGY

BIBLE

The four-year baccalaureate program requires a minimum of 30 hours of direct Bible study. The student, after satisfactorily completing the requirements for the baccalaureate degree, should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the personhood of Jesus Christ as a means of salvation throughout all biblical literature.
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of Bible content in required survey classes.
• Demonstrate an intensive knowledge of Scripture content in all required electives.
• Understand and articulate the various genres of literature within the Bible.
• Interpret and understand the development of the early church’s perspective on the life of Christ.

THEOLOGY

• Define and defend his or her faith from a conservative, evangelical viewpoint.
• Demonstrate an intensive knowledge of hermeneutical principles by using proper methodology in biblical interpretation.
• Recognize and evaluate in the light of biblical revelation, the major schools of thought in historical and contemporary theology.
• State and defend a worldview that is consistent with biblical revelation and stated in theological terms.
• Defend the position of biblical inerrancy.
• Articulate the major tenets of various theological systems.

Associate of Arts degree in Religious Studies - 66 Credits

Bible and Theology - 15 credit hours (5 courses)

• Bi 105 Pentateuch 
• Bi 111 Life of Christ
• Bi 117 Biblical Literature 
• TH 203 Systematic Theology I
• Th 213 Systematic Theology II  

Bible/Theology electives – 12 credit hours (4 courses)

Choose any 4 courses with BI or TH prefix

See list of electives below

• Bi 103 Synoptic Gospels 
• Bi 104 Biblical Introduction 
• Bi 109 John & Acts 
• Bi 207 Corinthians and Thessalonians 
• Bi 208 Romans & Galatians 
• Bi 211 Ministry of Paul 
• Bi 230 Bible Study Methodology 
• Bi 240 Biblical Typology 
• Bi 320 Old Testament Prophetic Books 
• Bi 326 Wisdom Literature 
• Bi 412 Isaiah & Jeremiah 
• Bi 431 Early Hebrew History 
• Bi 439 Prison Epistles 
• Bi 438 Pastoral Epistles
• Th 345 Contemporary Theology 
• Th 231 The Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church 
• Th 308 Gifts of the Spirit 
• Th 344 Historical Theology 

General Studies – 21 credit hours (7 courses)

• Ath 115 Foundations for University Life and Ministry 
• E 101 English Grammar
• E 102 English Composition (Prereq: E 101)
• Math 117 Basic Concepts of Mathematics
• SS 112 Interpersonal Cross-cultural Communication
• SC 260 Basic Computers and Word Processing
• SC 366 Principles of Science

General Elective – 18 credit hours (6 courses)

Any two courses from any category

Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies - 129 Credits

Bible and Theology - 27 credit hours (9 courses)

• Bi 105 Pentateuch
• Bi 111 Life of Christ
• Bi 117 Biblical Literature 
• TH 203 Systematic Theology I
• Th 213 Systematic Theology II
• Th 307 Hermeneutics 
• Th 313 Systematic Theology III
• Bi 323 New Testament Literature
• Th 325 Apologetics

General Studies - 33 credit hours (11 courses)

• E 101 English Grammar
• E 102 English Composition (Prereq.: E 101)
• Sp 107 Effective Oral Communication
• SS 112 Interpersonal Cross Cultural Communication
• Math 117 Basic Concepts of Mathematics
• Hist 228 Survey of American History
• Hist 253 Survey of World History
• SC 260 Basic Computers and Word Processing
• E 351 Literature of the Western World
• SC 366 Principles of Science
• Hist 414 Church History

Core Courses - 27 credit hours (9 courses)

• LS 101 Developing the Healthy Leader
• Ath 115 Foundations for University Life and Ministry  
• Ath 205 Principles of Spiritual Growth 
• Ath 248 Urban Evangelism 
• ED 216  Introduction to Christian Education 
• SS 225 Marriage and Family 
• LS 427 Principles of Organizational Administration 
• Mi 435 Contextualization of the Gospel 
• Ath 473 Internship: Religious Studies 

General Electives- 15 credit hours (5 courses)

Any two courses from any category

Select Track/Concentration: Bible and Theology Track or Christian Ministry Track

Bible and Theology Track

Communication – 6 credit hours (2 courses)

Choose any 2 Biblical language course (Either Greek I & II or Hebrew I & II) 

Bible/Theology Electives 21 credit hours (7 elective courses)

Choose any seven courses with Bi, Th, SS, Ph prefix or Biblical Language

Christian Ministry Track

Communication – 6 credit hours (2 courses)

Choose any Sp-Speech, L-Language, or E-Writing course  

Christian Ministry Electives 21 credit hours (7 elective courses)

Choose any seven courses with Bi, Th, A Th, Ed, Mi, LS, Sp or Co prefix

Bible

Apocalyptic Literature - Bi 322

This course compares the books of Daniel and Revelation and analyzes their prophecies of the end-times that reveal the awesome sovereign power of God to control all history.

Bible Study Methodology - Bi 230

This course introduces the methods of inductive Bible study. Students will learn applied hermeneutics and exegetical principles. It is divided into two main sections: a) structural content methods, and b) technical methods.

Biblical Introduction - Bi 104

This course introduces the history and origins of the Old and New Testaments. Topics include the canonization of the Old Testament, religious backgrounds of both canons, and an evaluation of historical and textual criticism.

Biblical Literature – Bi 117 (Effective Fall 2016; replacing Bi 108/116)

This course gives a broad overview of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament text within the context of its history, geography and culture. The course is geared toward examining and exploring the dating, authorship, theological, and philosophical perceptions of each book. It also discusses the social, cultural, political, and ideological arguments proposed by the diverse writers of the books. Using a literary and socio-historical lens to interpret the world of the text and the intention of the writer, the course attempts to theologically and philosophically reconstruct the teachings and rhetoric found within the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament/New Testament. This is a survey course. It is fast-paced and seeks to give a better than cursory understanding of the testaments.

 Biblical Typology - Bi 240

This course surveys biblical types in the Old Testament, especially those foreshadowing the coming and work of Christ, the antitype. 

Corinthians and Thessalonians - Bi 207

This course will be an analysis and exposition of each book, stressing the historical background, devotional and doctrinal matters with special emphasis on the gifts of the Spirit as treated by Paul in 1 Corinthians.

Early Hebrew History - Bi 431

The historical books from Joshua through Esther are presented through this chronological study of character studies, war stories, and romance, in this often-neglected section of the Bible. Each book’s relationship to the fulfillment to God’s plan of redemption is demonstrated.

Isaiah and Jeremiah - Bi 412

This course covers the 118 chapters of Isaiah and Jeremiah, the two major prophetical books of the Old Testament, including the role of the prophets in God’s dealings with His people, their call, experiences, historical circumstances, and revelation of the will of God.

John and Acts - Bi 109

This course covers John’s close-up portrait of Jesus and Luke’s history of the church He began to build. The two books form a continuing story that presents and defines true New Testament Christianity.

Life of Christ - Bi 111

This course covers a chronological overview of Jesus’ life from birth to resurrection, based upon the Gospel record.

Ministry of Paul - Bi 211

This course explores the sense of calling and mission that compelled Paul. It examines the Apostle’s journeys, his teachings, and actions. The study draws from the Acts of the Apostles and many portions of the Pauline epistles.

New Testament Epistles - Bi 323

This course gives an analysis and exposition of the books of Ephesians through Jude (except 1 and II Thessalonians) as the Gospel message is explained.

Old Testament Prophetic Books - Bi 320

This study of the last twelve books of the Old Testament shows the revelation of the will of God in their message, how they viewed their call, and the circumstances they faced.

Pastoral Epistles - Bi 438

The Apostle Paul’s counsel to ministers is applied to the circumstances of ministry today in an intensive study of the Epistles of I and II Timothy and Titus. The historical context and social issues of the first century Church will be examined.

Pentateuch - Bi 105

The first five books of the Bible are explored with special attention to the development of God’s plan of redemption and Satan’s efforts to stop it. These books relate a continuing record of revelation and the foundation of the rest of the Bible.

Prison Epistles - Bi 439

Paul’s theology is explored through Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, with emphasis on the conditions of the churches at the time of writing.

Romans and Galatians - Bi 208

Law and grace, works and faith are studied using the principles of exposition to examine the background, date, destination, and doctrinal content of both books.

Synoptic Gospels - Bi 103

The story of Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection in chronological sequence is studied in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ is studied through a focus on sayings and actions from incarnation to ascension.

Wisdom Literature - Bi 326

This course explores the Books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Their authenticity, historical setting, and major themes will be examined with insight on the correct approach to Hebrew poetry interpretation.

Theology

Apologetics - Th 325

1 Peter 3:15-18 (NIV) 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer [apologia] to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the discipline of apologetics from a Christian perspective. Christian beliefs are explained and students are introduced to other religions and worldviews that contradict our Christian beliefs. With 1 Peter 3:15 as the foundation, this course covers how to structure arguments and strategies for an effective and confident defense of our faith, including how to effectively argue for the existence of God, the deity of Christ, miracles, and evil.

Contemporary Theology - Th 354

Current trends in theology and schools of theological thought are studied and evaluated in the light of Scriptures.

Gifts of the Spirit - Th 308

An intensive study on the person of the Holy Spirit and His gifts covering the office, manifestation, and motivational gifts, and how each gift works within the Body of Christ to facilitate releasing the saints to do the works of service (See Ephesians 4).

Hermeneutics - Th 307

This course develops the skill of biblical interpretation based on contextual, grammatical, and historical research. The principles of sound exegesis, which improve the ability to understand and teach the Word, are imparted.

Historical Theology - Th 344

This course covers theology in its historical development throughout the centuries, taking note of the development, growth, and change in the church’s understanding of the central doctrines of the faith.

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church - Th 231

This exegetical study of key New Testament passages associates with the person of the Holy Spirit. Stress will be on the role of the Holy Spirit in the early Christian community, the ministry of the Spirit in the worship, and interpersonal relationships.

Systematic Theology I - Th 203

This course serves as an introduction to the nature and source of theology, the inspiration and verification of the Scriptures, the doctrine of God, the creation and doctrine of man, and the doctrine of angels. Study includes God’s attributes, God’s names, and trinitarianism.

Systematic Theology II - Th 213

This course examines Christology (the doctrine of Christ), which includes the names of Christ, His natures, humiliation, exaltation, and offices, as well as the soteriology (doctrine of salvation).

Systematic Theology III - Th 313

This course covers the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, how He works in the Church, the nature of the Church, its organization and its work.