Theology and Ethics Courses – only available to M.T.S. students*
500-Level Graduate Courses
THOG 501-A, B, C, D • Foundations of Theological Studies (Required for M.T.S. prior to core or electives)
This is a required course for new MTS students that is divided into 4 distinct disciplines reflective of the degree: Biblical Studies—Old Testament, Biblical Studies—New Testament, Theology and Ethics, and Christian Leadership. Students will complete foundational readings in each of the respective disciplines and then come on site for discussion and further lecture by respective faculty on a periodic basis. Research within each discipline will also be discussed and illustrated.
- THOG 501-A • Foundations of Theological Studies: Old Testament (1 unit)
- THOG 501-B • Foundations of Theological Studies: New Testament (1 unit)
- THOG 501-C • Foundations of Theological Studies: Theology (2 units)
- THOG 501-D • Foundations of Theological Studies: Leadership Studies (2 units)
THOG 505 • Introduction to Theology and Ethics (3 units) (M.T.S. core)
A study of the relationship between theological reflection and ethical theology. Based on an examination of the theocentric character of ethical reflection in the Bible, the course aims to formulate a constructive theological ethics for the grounding of the Christian moral life.
THOG 515 • Introduction to Narrative Theology (1-3 units)
A study of the implications of storytelling and narrative as a way of engaging in the theological task.
THOG 534 • Urban Ministry (1-3 units)
An examination of the multi-ethnic mosaic emerging in North America, particularly in urban settings, with special attention given to the multiple factors influencing strategies necessary for establishment of churches in urban contexts.
THOG/PHLG 537 • Philosophical Theology (1-3 units)
The course employs philosophical methodology to examine the problems of the nature, limits and validity of religious knowledge, the meaning of religious language, and the origin and nature of evil.
THOG 554 • Historical Theology I: Beginnings to the Reformation (1-3 units)
An investigation of the system of doctrine of the Christian faith taught in the church prior to the reformation, with attention to the lives of the framers of early Christian doctrine, in order to understand and assess the contributions they made.
THOG 556 • Historical Theology II: Reformation to Present (1-3 units)
This course is an exploration of the development of Christian theology and doctrine that began with the Reformation period of the sixteenth century and culminated at the close of the twentieth century. The development of theological themes during this modern period will be discussed against the background of major events in church history and will be evaluated in terms of its relevance for the current situation of the churches.
THOG/NTG 552 • New Testament Theology (1-3 units)
A study of the history and methods of biblical theology and examination of the major themes of the principal New Testament writers in the light of their historical backgrounds.
THOG/NTG 555 • New Testament Ethics (1-3 units)
An introduction to the ethical teachings of the New Testament and the relevance of New Testament ethics for a contemporary personal and social ethic.
THOG 565 • Christianity and Society (1-3 units)
An examination of the possible theoretical relationships between Christianity and culture, assessing the Christian’s relationship to society, particularly in regard to social practices and values.
THOG 570 • Special Topics (1-3 units)
Study in a special topic in theology and ethics.
THOG/OTG 572 • Old Testament Theology (1-3 units)
An exploration of the meaning of, and limits for, biblical theology, together with the works of certain prominent scholars in the area; and of selected motifs found in the Old Testament.
THOG/OTG 574 • Old Testament Ethics (1-3 units)
This seminar uses a biblical theology of the created order as an avenue to pursue the study of moral theology. It is designed to explore the possibility of formulating a systematic approach to the norms for ethical conduct as they are set forth both in edict, institution and deed in the literature of the Old Testament. (M.T.S. must have OT Life and Literature or its equivalent.)
THOG/OTG/NTG 582 • Biblical Theology of Love, Sex, Marriage and Family (1-3 units)
Exploration of the biblical attitudes expressed toward the oft-neglected themes of love, sex, marriage, family, and community. Examination of the claims of the traditional Judaeo-Christian silence, ignorance and prudery on the one hand, and the claims of an amoral atheological social scene that is constantly shifting its grounds on the other. (M.T.S. must have OT or NT Life and Literature or its equivalent.)
THOG/OTG/NTG 586 • Biblical Theology of Power, Wealth and Prosperity (1-3 units)
Seminar designed to explore the biblical attitudes expressed toward the oft-misunderstood themes of power, wealth, and prosperity, their benevolent uses together with their dark sides (oppression, affliction, theological exclusivity) and their reciprocals (powerlessness, helplessness, poverty and suffering). Hopefully, it will enable us to thread our ways more effectively through the claims by the proponents of the current "health-and-wealth" movement on the one hand, and those by liberationists on the other. (M.T.S. must have OT or NT Life and Literature or its equivalent.)
THOG 589 • C. S. Lewis Seminar II (1-3 units)
A study of selected writings of C. S. Lewis designed to promote the student’s personal spiritual growth, appreciation for biblical truths, and ability to articulate and defend the Christian faith.
THOG 590 • Seminar in Theology and Ethics (1-3 units)
Mutual investigation of one topic in theology and ethics of particular relevance to graduate students in religion.
600-Level Graduate Courses
THOG/OTG 635 • Moral Issues in the Old Testament (1-3 units)
An examination of the moral values that govern human behavior in the Old Testament, with special attention given to the relationship between moral behavior and its theological foundations.
THOG 670 • Special Topics (1-3 units)
Study in a special topic in theology and ethics.
THOG 680 • Individual Study (1-3 units)
An individualized study initiated by the student who must develop a written prospectus of the proposed study and secure an appropriate sponsoring faculty member to supervise and evaluate the study. Up to a maximum of three units may be applied toward the degree requirements.
THOG 690 • Seminar in Theology and Ethics (1-3 units)
Mutual investigation of one topic of particular relevance to graduate students in theology and ethics.
* This information is provided for ease of use, however it is not the official record. See the academic catalog for official course descriptions and requirements.