Theology course descriptions
Theo-241 Interpretation of Selected Old Testament Prophetical Books (3)
Particular attention is given to developing interpretation skills, planning Bible studies, and devotions. This course focuses attention on
selected Old Testament prophetical books. Prerequisite: Rel-121.
Theo-242 Interpretation of Selected Psalms (3)
Designed to develop skills in interpretation, planning Bible studies, and writing devotions. This course focuses attention on selected
Psalms. Prerequisite: Rel-121.
Theo-251 Interpretation of Selected Pauline Epistles (3)
Particular attention is given to developing interpretation skills, planning Bible studies, and devotions. This course focuses attention on
selected Pauline Epistles. Prerequisite: Rel-131.
Theo-252 Interpretation of the Gospels (3)
Particular attention is given to developing interpretation skills, planning Bible studies, and devotions. This course focuses attention on
the Gospels. Prerequisite: Rel-131.
Theo-331 The Life of Christ (3)
The setting, activity, significance, and evaluation of the person and work of Jesus on the basis of Scripture, historical literature, and
recent scholarship. Prerequisite: Rel-131.
Theo-361 Christian Doctrine I (3)
This course examines Lutheran doctrine and applies it to the work, worship, and life of the Christian community. The topics are the
nature and authority of Scripture, the nature of God, creation, the nature of man under grace and law, and the person and the work of
Christ. Prerequisites: Upper level standing.
Theo-362 Christian Doctrine II (3)
This course examines Lutheran doctrine and applies it to the work, worship, and life of the Christian community. The topics are the
Church’s mission and ministry, the means of grace (Word and Sacraments), the person and work of the Holy Spirit, justification, the
Church, Christian living, predestination, and eschatology. Prerequisites: upper level standing; Theo-361 or permission of chairman.
Theo-363 The Lutheran Confessions (3)
As examination of the evangelical, ecumenical, theological, and practical content of the Book of Concord through an exploration of the
Three Ecumenical Creeds, the Augsburg Confession and Apology, and the Formula of Concord.
Theo-371 History of Christian Thought (3)
A study of major events and controversies in Western Christianity. The creeds, teachings which resulted, and the personalities which
significantly influenced the formation of Christian thought are studied on the basis of original texts in translation.
Theo-375 Contemporary Cults, Christian Movements, & Denominations (3)
A comparative study of the major church organizations and movements which focuses on theological emphases, church policy,
cultural and historical background, and contribution to the American scene.
Theo-381 Christian Teacher’s Ministry (2)
The course applies Biblical and theological principles of vocation, ministry, and the two kingdoms to the teacher of the church and the
priesthood of all believers. Study of Scripture, standard historical documents, and current practice in calling, placement, and
congregational life focuses on the identity of the teaching minister in parochial education and the Christian teaching in public and
private education.
Theo-382 Theology of Corporate Worship (3)
The shaping of a theology of corporate worship on the basis of the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, with particular reference
to criteria for creating and evaluating worship forms in the church today.
Theo-385 Parish Visitation and Evangelism (3)
The Theology of the Church’s mission and the practice of visitation and evangelism ministries within the setting of a parish are the
focus of this course. Methods of visitation and programs and techniques of personal evangelism will be explored. Skills in speaking
the Gospel will be developed.
Theo-390 World Religions: The Gospel in a Pluralistic World (3)
A survey of major world religions, highlighting their origins, history and worldview, and assessing the impact of each upon world
culture. Prerequisites: Rel-121 and 131.
Theo-399 Independent Study in Evangelism Visitation (1)
Designed for those who will train lay people in evangelism calling. The student will attend a parish’s evangelism calls training class
and participate with other members in weekly calls. P/F
Theo-418 From Exile to Christ: A Study of the Political and Theological Development in
Judaism during the Intertestamental Period (3)
This course is an historical study of the Palestinian Judaism from the post-exilic period to the birth of Christ with extensive reading in
intertestamental documents (Apocrypha, Dead Sea Scrolls, rabbinic sayings), noting those theological developments which prepare
for the New Testament.
Theo-450 Understanding and Teaching the Bible (3)
This course gives attention to the role of the Bible in faith formation, hermeneutical principles, ways of teaching the Bible, Bible study
programs, small group study, resources, and ways of promoting personal, family, and congregational involvement with the Bible.
Prerequisites: Rel-121 and 131 and one of the following: Theo-241, 242, 251, 252, and upper level standing.
Theo-460 Factors in Congregational Growth (3)
An examination of Biblical and confessional perspectives on congregational growth. Sociological factors will also be considered.
Emphasis will be placed on equipping the student to determine appropriate programs of outreach for a parish.
Theo-465 Christian Ethics (3)
A study of the relationship between Christian ethics and moral philosophy. Students explore the ethical standards involved in
Christianity and apply them to contemporary personal and social problems.
Theo-470 Introduction to Christian Counseling (3)
Based on the truth and wisdom of Holy Scripture this course synthesizes the contributions from the bio-social sciences, church
history, and ministry to help construct a contemporary perspective and praxis of Christian counseling. Psychology and Christian
theology are balanced with an appropriate concern for the place of Christian spirituality and the presence of God in the process of
counseling.
Theo-471 The Role of Scripture and Christian Spirituality in Christian Counseling (3)
This course is as much about the spiritual life of Christian counselors as it is about the spiritual life of Christian counselees. It centers
on the Word of God, and it considers Christian spiritual discipline, which assists in the transformation of a Christian. It aims to help the
Christian counselor toward balancing theology, psychology, and spiritual formation. It will help the Christian counselor to understand
what ways to use Scripture in counseling for which clients and under which circumstances.
Theo-482 Nurturing Faith through Family, School and Congregation (3)
A study the formation of faith and virtue based on Biblical, theological and psychological perspectives serves as the foundation for
investigating ways in which the family, congregation and the schools of the church can nurture the faith of children, youth and adults.
Theo-483 Sexuality and the Family (3)
This course develops a Christian approach to human sexuality, marriage, and the family through a study of the pertinent Biblical
material. Special attention is given to developing skills, attitudes, and knowledge which can be incorporated in the Christian education
programs of congregations, schools and social agencies.
Theo-485 Family Life Ministry (3)
A study of various models and strategies useful for initiating and sustaining a ministry to families in the context of a local parish.
Emphasis will be placed upon family life ministry programs, evaluating curricula designed to be used in family life ministry, and family
enrichment experiences.
Theo-487 Planning Adult Education in the Parish (3)
In planning educational events for adults, this course gives attention to ways of teaching for faith, adults as learners, the ministry of
the laity, the design of educational programs, and curricula. Prerequisite: Upper level standing.
Theo-489 Ministry in a Changing World (3)
After developing a Biblical/theological view of ministry and vocation, students will have opportunities to assimilate the knowledge and
experiences of the three previous classes (GS-101, GS-201, GS-301) expanding perspectives, resources, and opportunities for
ministry in church and society. Applications will be directly linked to the servant leader as a professional. Prerequisite: GS-301 or
permission, senior standing. Same as GS-401.
Theo-499 Honors Course
Arranged for qualified seniors.