minary W orld Class Seminary - Bethel Seminary - Bethel University

Center for Biblical and Theological FoundationsHS738 (HS255) • Christian Ministriesin Historical Perspective. A surveyof important models in the history ofChristian ministries from the first centurythrough the present day. Studentswill consider selected ministry themes,illustrated by classic and contemporarysources, within a chronological framework.The goal is for these “voices”to enlighten and inspire our lives infaithful, fruitful service for Jesus Christand the kingdom. (Cognate credit withPC738.) Four hours.5. ResearchHS790 (HS260) • Advanced Seminars.Specialized studies will be offeredfor those interested in any period ofchurch history. Four hours.HS670 (HS270) • Independent Studyin Church History. Research and studyby arrangement with the professor.(Permission is required.)Theological StudiesWayne Hansen Kyle RobertsRichard Kantzer Glen ScorgieJoel LawrenceTheology is the science of God, thediscipline that seeks knowledge ofGod’s being and all of God’s works.Theology synthesizes and interpretsChristian beliefs and applies themto today’s world. Building chiefly onbiblical truth, theology also interactswith other areas of knowledge likephilosophy, history, and the sciences. Itintegrates the book of God’s Word andthe book of God’s work as it fleshes outthe Christian worldview. A primarygoal of study in theology is helpingstudents develop an intelligible understandingof Christian thought that isbiblically sound, rationally defensible,and culturally relevant. EngagingChristian truth begins, but never ends,with conceptual knowledge. Theologyleads to wisdom.Course descriptions apply toall Bethel locations unlessotherwise noted.Living in light of wisdom from Godshapes and motivates a passionate lovefor God and growth in maturity. Biblicalunderstanding and spiritual devotiontogether lay the foundation for allministries of transforming leadership.Objectives:Study in theology enables students to:1. acquire orderly understandings ofthe major doctrinal and biblicalthemes of the Christian worldview;2. gain awareness of contemporaryintellectual movements and properChristian response;3. form reasons for faith and ability tooffer reasoned defenses of Christiantruth;4. develop the habit of interpretingall of life through the practice oftheological reflection;5. uncover the connections ofChristian truth with the living oflife and the practice of leadership inministry; and6. find guidance and motivation forpursuing personal, spiritual growthby encountering the transformingpower of divine truth.1. Systematic TheologySystematic theology synthesizes Christianbeliefs and applies them to today’sworld. Building chiefly on a foundationof biblical data, it also interacts withother areas of knowledge such as philosophy,historical and contemporarytheology, and the sciences, using themto illuminate and confirm essential biblicalteachings. A primary goal of coursework in systematic theology is to helpstudents work toward developing anintelligible system of Christian thoughtthat is at once biblically sound, rationallycoherent, and culturally relevant.To be taken middler or senior year.At Bethel Seminary St. Paul, all studentsshould plan to take the systematictheology sequence (TS501, 502, and503) before taking upper-level electivesin systematic theology.TS500 (TS100) • Diversity and Pluralism.An exploration of culture asthe context of Christian life, thought,and ministry. Using cultural descriptionalong with biblical, theological,and philosophical analysis, this courseexamines contemporary issues includingcultural diversity, spiritual identity,religious pluralism, and inter-groupreconciliation. InMinistry M.A.C.T. only.Four hours.TS501 (TS101) • Systematic TheologyI. A discussion of the nature andmethods of systematic theology as itcompares with other fields of thought,a study of the character of God’s selfdisclosurein nature and the Bible, andan investigation of the being and worksof the Triune God. Recommended prerequisite:BT501/BI501. Four hours.TS502 (TS102) • Systematic TheologyII. An analysis of human nature bothas it was created by God and as it existsin its present sinful state, and an investigationof the person of Jesus Christand the provision of salvation throughChrist’s work. Prerequisite: TS501 forSt. Paul. Recommend prerequisite:TS501 for San Diego and BSOE. Fourhours.TS503 (TS103) • Systematic TheologyIII. A study of the person of the HolySpirit and the application of the giftof salvation to the individual throughthe Spirit’s work, as well as reflectionon God’s purposes and activity in thechurch and in the culmination of history.Prerequisite: TS501 for St. Paul.Recommend prerequisite: TS501 forSan Diego and BSOE. Four hours.TS507 (TS107) • Systematic TheologyI: God and Creation. A study ofthe nature and methods of systematictheology as it compares with otherfields of thought. Specifically, thiscourse involves an exploration of thebiblical doctrines of Scripture, authority,God, creation, sin, and humanity,with an emphasis on constructing anexegetically based position from whichto evaluate contemporary theologicalpositions on these doctrines. Seminaryof the East only. Four hours.TS508 (TS108) • Systematic TheologyII: Christ. This course investigatesthe uniqueness of the person of JesusChrist and the provision of salvationsolely through His work. The redemptivesignificance of God the Son’sincarnate life of intimacy with God theSt. Paul • San Diego • Seminary of the East113