APOLOGETICS

AP501 INTRODUCTION TO APOLOGETICS

A study of the presuppositional method of apologetics as the proper Biblical strategy for defending the faith. Attention will be given to competing methodologies, including rationalism, empiricism (evidentialism) and irrationalism. (2 hours).

AP521 EVIDENCES

An investigation into the use of evidences in apologetics. Issues of concern are the value of evidences, the historical reliability of the Bible and textual criticism. Attention will be given to the philosophical deficiencies of the theory of evolution. (2 hours. Prerequisite: AP501).

AP601 APPLIED APOLOGETICS

The application of the presuppositional method of apologetics. Readings will focus on specific challenges to the Christian faith. (2 hours. Prerequisites: AP501, AP521).

AP651 MODERN CULTS (elective)

A study of the modern cult phenomenon, examining the history and distinctives of popular cults. (2 hours).

CHURCH HISTORY

CH631 ANCIENT CHURCH HISTORY

A study of the ancient church from the birth of Christ through the accession of Pope Gregory I (AD 590). Emphasis will be given to the development of doctrine, worship, ecclesiology, and the growth of the papacy. (3 hours).

CH641 MEDIEVAL CHURCH HISTORY

A study of the doctrinal and organizational development of the church in the Middle Ages. The effects of scholasticism and the sacerdotal theology on European church and society will be considered. (2 hours).

CH651 REFORMATION CHURCH HISTORY

A study of the sixteenth-century Reformation, focusing on the pre-Reformers, the relationship between the Renaissance and the Reformation, the work of the Reformers (specifically Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and Knox), and the Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation. (3 hours).

CH671 MODERN CHURCH HISTORY

A study of the doctrinal developments since the Reformation. Attention will be given to changes within Lutheranism, Calvinism, Evangelicalism and Romanism. An examination of modern theological liberalism will be included. (3 hours).

CH751 HISTORY OF CREEDS AND CONFESSIONS

An historical consideration of the Christian creeds from the apostles to the present. Particular attention will be given to the early ecumenical creeds and the confessions of the Reformation. The effects of these creeds on church and society will also be considered. (3 hours. Prerequisites: CH631, CH641, CH651. The student may elect to take CC711 and CC712 in place of this course).

NEW TESTAMENT LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

NT501 ELEMENTS OF GREEK GRAMMAR I

A study of New Testament Greek, including orthography, grammar, syntax and vocabulary, including selected readings from the New Testament. (3 hours).

NT502 ELEMENTS OF GREEK GRAMMAR II

A continuation of NT501. (3 hours. Prerequisite: NT501).

NT531 ADVANCED GREEK GRAMMAR

Study of Greek syntax: cases, moods, and tenses. The purpose is to acquaint the reader of the Greek New Testament with the linguistic constructions found in the New Testament. (2 hours. Prerequisite: NT502).

NT601 NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY I (elective)

A study of the New Testament books (Matthew through 2 Thessalonians), considering authorship, date, occasion, theme, purpose and outline. (1 hour).

NT602 NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY II (elective)

A study of the New Testament books (1 Timothy through Revelation), considering authorship, date, occasion, theme, purpose and outline. (1 hour).

NT651 NEW TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION

A consideration of the text of the New Testament, focusing on the intertestamental period, and the origin and transmission of the text. Special attention will be given to the office of the apostolate and the concept of canon. (2 hours. Prerequisite: NT502).

NT671 NEW TESTAMENT BIBLICAL THEOLOGY

An intensive study of the history of redemption as found in the New Testament. Attention will be given to the use of the Old Testament by Christ and the apostles, as well as the development of apostolic doctrine. (2 hours. Prerequisite: NT502).

NT711 EXEGESIS OF THE GOSPEL OF MARK

Integrated exegetical study of Mark, including introduction, history, textual criticism and an evaluation of genres and themes. (2 hours. Prerequisite: NT531. The student may elect to take CC771 in place of this course).

NT731 EXEGESIS OF EPHESIANS (elective)

Integrated exegetical study of Ephesians, including introduction, history, textual criticism and an evaluation of genres and themes. (Two semesters, 2 hours each. Prerequisite: NT531).

NT741 EXEGESIS OF 1 PETER (elective)

Integrated exegetical study of 1 Peter, including introduction, history, textual criticism and an evaluation of genres and themes. (2 hours. Prerequisite: NT531).

OLD TESTAMENT LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

OT501 ELEMENTS OF HEBREW GRAMMAR I

A study of Old Testament Hebrew, including orthography, grammar, syntax and vocabulary, including selected readings from the Old Testament. (3 hours).

OT502 ELEMENTS OF HEBREW GRAMMAR II

A continuation of OT501. (3 hours. Prerequisite: OT501).

OT531 ADVANCED HEBREW GRAMMAR

Study of the basic principles of exegesis through the translation of selected Old Testament passages. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT502).

OT601 OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY I (elective)

A study of the Old Testament books (Genesis through the Song of Solomon), considering authorship, date, occasion, theme, purpose and outline. (1 hour).

OT602 OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY II (elective)

A study of the Old Testament books (Isaiah through Malachi), considering authorship, date, occasion, theme, purpose and outline. (1 hour).

OT651 OLD TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION

Investigates the evidence bearing on the authenticity and trustworthiness of the Old Testament, including the establishment of the canon, history and versions of the text and methods of interpretation. Emphasis will be given to the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch and the negative effects of the Graf-Wellhausen theory. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT502).

OT671 OLD TESTAMENT BIBLICAL THEOLOGY

Examines the nature and formation of Old Testament theology, with special attention given to the outworking of salvation within the context of the divine covenants. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT502).

OT701 EXEGESIS OF HEBREW NARRATIVE

A study of the unique contributions of the Hebrew language to the narrative structure of the Old Testament. Selected passages of the Old Testament will be read and studied. Attention will be given to the narrative structure of the creation account of Genesis 1 and 2. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT531).

OT702 EXEGESIS OF HEBREW LAW (elective)

A study of the style of the Hebrew law in relation to the suzerainty treaty-form and the concept of covenant. Selected passages of the Old Testament law code will be read and studied. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT531).

OT703 EXEGESIS OF HEBREW POETRY (elective)

A consideration of the unique style and contribution of Hebrew poetry to the Old Testament, including an exegesis of selected passages from the "Books of poetry." Attention will be given to the method of interpreting and applying the text. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT531).

OT704 EXEGESIS OF HEBREW PROPHECY (elective)

A study of both Major and Minor Prophets. Familiarity and understanding of contents sought through historical, theological and sociological setting. Attention will be given to the method of interpreting and applying the text. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT531).

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

PT531 PASTORAL THEOLOGY

Provides a Biblical and theological overview of the nature of the gospel ministry. Special attention will be given to the idea of "call" versus "vocation," the nature of Biblical worship, the Word of God as a means of grace, the centrality and importance of preaching, and the contribution of the pastor's life to his ministry. (2 hours. Not open to women students).

PT561 PASTORAL MINISTRY

Considers the routines of daily pastoral ministry, including ministering to the sick and dying, visitation, conducting weddings and funerals, working with a Consistory, record-keeping (church records and personal finances), maintaining correspondence, and study habits. (3 hours. Not open to women students).

PT601 HERMENEUTICS

An examination of the history and principles of Biblical interpretation. Special attention will be given to the analogy of faith (i.e., "comparing Scripture with Scripture") and the grammatico-historical method (2 hours. Prerequisite: ST591).

PT611 HOMILETICS

A look at the Biblical approach to preparing sermons, including a study of the types of sermons, outline structure, illustrations, applications and the dynamics of delivery. (1 hour. Prerequisite: PT601. Not open to women students).

PT621 PREACHING PRACTICUM I

Practice in preparing and delivering sermons. Each student will prepare written sermons and sermon outlines, as well as preach three times per semester. (1 hour. Prerequisite: PT611. Not open to women students).

PT622 PREACHING PRACTICUM II

See the description of PT621. (1 hour. Prerequisite: PT611. Not open to women students).

PT711 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND DISCIPLESHIP

A study of the purpose and method of training men, women and children to be followers of Christ. (2 hours).

PT731 EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS

A study in the theology and methods of evangelism. Emphasis will be given to developing an evangelistic outreach for the local church. Attention will also be given to the methodology of missions. (2 hours).

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

ST551 BIBLICAL ETHICS

The development of a Christian world-and-life view. Examination of the Scriptural basis for ethics, including the role of the Ten Commandments in the construction and application of ethics to the modern world. Church-state issues will also be considered. (3 hours).

ST591 PROLEGOMENA

An examination of theological method, the nature of Biblical revelation, verbal inspiration, inerrancy and infallibility. (3 hours. Students should have a working familiarity with ancient and modern philosophy).

ST601 THEOLOGY PROPER

A study of the existence and knowability of God, his attributes, the Trinity and the decrees of God. Attention will be given to the doctrine of creation and its importance for Biblical study. (2 hours. Recommended prerequisite: NT502).

ST611 THE DOCTRINE OF MAN

A study of the origin and nature of man, his creation in the image of God, the Fall and its effects on creation. (2 hours).

ST621 CHRISTOLOGY

A consideration of the Covenant of Redemption and the Covenant of Grace, as effectuated in the person and work of Christ. Attention will be given to the natures, offices and states of Christ. (3 hours. Prerequisite: NT502).

ST631 PNEUMATOLOGY

A study of the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation, focusing in particular on regeneration, effectual calling, conversion, faith, justification, adoption, sanctification and the perseverence of the saints. (3 hours. Prerequisite: NT502).

ST641 ECCLESIOLOGY

An investigation into the nature of the church, its government and authority, including the means of grace (Word of God, the sacraments and prayer). (2 hours. Prerequisite: NT502).

ST651 ESCHATOLOGY

A study of the last things, including death, the intermediate state, the Second Coming, the Resurrection, the final judgment and life everlasting. Consideration will be given to the millennial views and the final state of unbelievers. (2 hours. Prerequisite: NT502).

CASIMIR COLLEGE ELECTIVES

(These courses are required of RCUS students in the B.D. or M.Div. programs. Others may take them as electives.)

CC711 HEIDELBERG CATECHISM

A detailed study of the history and theology of the Heidelberg Catechism. (2 hours).

CC712 BELGIC CONFESSION AND CANONS OF DORT

A detailed study of the history and theology of the Belgic Confession of Faith and the Canons of Dort. Attention will be given to the false teachings of James Arminius and his followers, and the response of the Synod of Dordrecht (1618-19). (2 hours).

CC731 GOVERNMENT AND HISTORY OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES

A consideration of the uniqueness of the Reformed Church in the United States in regard to its history and form of government. Distinctive positions of the RCUS will be studied. (2 hours. Prerequisite: ST641).

CC751 COVENANT THEOLOGY

A Biblical-theological study of the divine covenants of Scripture, which special attention on their role in the life of the church. Attention will be given to the sacraments as signs and seals of the covenant, and Calvin's understanding of "covenant confirmation" as practiced in the Reformed Church in the United States. (2 hours. Prerequisites: ST611, ST621).

CC771 EXEGESIS OF ROMANS

An exegetical study of the book of Romans, focusing on its major themes of sin, redemption and thankfulness. The correct method of presenting and defending the faith will be emphasized throughout. (3 hours. Prerequisite: NT531).