Professor: Eric D. Bristley, Th.M.

Apologetics focuses on equipping students with skills to commend and defend the Christian faith in the midst of an often hostile world. You will learn how to understand and use logical arguments, evidences, worldview critique, and Christian experience, all of which are set in the framework of biblical presuppositions.

AP101/501 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).

AP121/521 CHRISTIAN 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).

AP201/601 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).

AP241/641 CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW

Explores the implications of biblical truth for a Christian philosophy of life. The study includes a survey of the development of Christian philosophy and contemporary trends. (2 hours).

AP651 MODERN CULTS (elective)

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

Related Course: PT731 EVANGELISM

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

Professor: Dr. Frank Walker

Church history traces the providential hand of God in gathering, preserving, renewing, and disciplining His church since the time of the apostles. Students gain insight into how the Holy Spirit has worked in the church in previous generations in order that they might serve Him more wisely today.

CH231/631 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).

CH241/641 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).

CH245/645 READINGS IN ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL THEOLOGY (elective)

A seminar in primary source materials from the first century through the middle ages. (2 hours. Prerequisites: CH231/631 and CH241/641).

CH351/651 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).

CH355/655 THEOLOGY OF THE REFORMATION (elective)

A seminar in primary sourcematerials fromchief Reformers of the sixteenth century. Attention will be given to distinguishing the views of the various authors. (2 hours. Prerequisites: CH351/651).

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).

CH391/691 AMERICAN CHURCH HISTORY

A study of the issues of American Protestantism. Topicswill include NewEngland Puritanism, Edwards and the NewDivinity, the impact of the Civil War and slavery on the development of the American church, Princeton and the Southern Presbyterians, Darwinism and the Social Gospel. (2 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

Professor: Dr. Frank Walker

The New Testament is the culmination of God's revelation in Jesus Christ communicated to us by His apostles. This revelation is studied intensively as students learn the language in which the NT was written and study the principles and practice of sound exegesis. The goal is to properly interpret the text in the light of its history, grammar, and theology.

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

Professor: Michael S. Voytek

Understanding the Old Testament is crucial for rightly interpreting the New Testament. God lays the foundation of His work in His powerful acts, revelations, and prophecies, which are recorded in the OT documents. The study of the original language of the OT—Hebrew—is essential to understanding these books. The student will learn how various forms of literature contribute to knowing God and His ways in each portion of the Old Covenant.

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).