Theological Studies

The NES Core (BHT 511NE, 512NE, 513NE, 514NE) courses involve students in the study of biblical and systematic theology within each church age.  Independent study courses in these areas may be taken as electives with this in mind.  See course description for the Core courses.  Visit the Master Course Schedule

THE 620NE

An Introduction to Islam, Religion of Peace

Credits: 2

One cannot understand the current conflicts in the Middle East without some understanding of Islam, one of the world’s major religions.  This course will introduce participating seminarians to the beliefs, practices, and rituals of this religion.  It will include discussion of its foundations in Judaism, and introduce students to the writings of the Q’uran (assigned reading in this course will include select passages of the Q’uran).  Contemporary issues will be examined in their relationship to the past.

[Elective]

THE 621NE

A Theology of Environmental Stewardship

Credits: 2

Since the publication of a highly influential paper in 1967, conventional wisdom has held that Christianity is largely responsible for the world’s ecological problems.  Environmental stewardship, however, is one of the central messages of the Bible.  This course will examine worldwide ecological and environmental issues in the light of biblical texts and historic understandings of Church doctrine (e.g. creation, the fall, stewardship/ dominion, the sovereignty of God, the Incarnation, redemption, and eschatology).  A biblical theology of the environment will be developed that will address issues of Christian responsibility for the care of the environment.

[Elective]

THE 622NE

Theology of the Body

Credits: 2

Recent social and scientific developments challenge many in our congregations to understand the right use of the human body in the light of the Christian faith. This emerging discipline addresses issues such as describing the body as the site of experience; the significance of the “image and likeness of God”; insights into embodiment through the Incarnation; the theological significance of work; human sexuality; issues posed by medical technology; and the destiny of the body-person after death.  This seminar will include Internet-based resources as well as readings from the consensual tradition.

[Elective]

THE 630NE

Introduction to Judaism

Credits: 2

This course will examine Judaism as one of the great religions of the world. Though there are significant differences between Christianity and Judaism, we can understand the Christian faith much better when we have some grasp of Judaism. We will explore such topics as the origins of Judaism in the post-exilic era, Judaism in the time of Jesus and the early Church, the full maturing of Judaism in the rabbinic era, and aspects of contemporary Judaism, including its various forms.

[Elective]

THE 695NE

Independent Study in Theological Studies          

Credits: 1-3

Through self-directed study, a student will investigate a specific area or topics in theological or religious studies. Prerequisites:  Advisor and instructor approval required.

[Elective]

THE 700NE

Theology of the Cross

Credits: 3

We live in a world that both shines with the glory of God and is convulsed by massive suffering.  The pervasiveness of suffering in God’s world constitutes a pastoral challenge for the Church, because God’s people are called to minister to those in pain.  But suffering also constitutes a theological problem, because suffering persists in the face of Christian claims about the power and love of God.  It is the purpose of this course to address the question of how Christians may think intelligently and coherently about suffering, and how such thinking may nourish compassionate pastoral ministry in the contemporary world.  Our focus will be on developing a coherent theology of suffering, rooted in the cross, that addresses the reality of suffering with integrity and hope.

[Elective]

THE 701NE

Faith Seeking Understanding: The New Dialogue Between Theology and Science

Credits: 2

Are science and Christian belief best described as “enemies, strangers, or partners?”  Is science always objective and faith subjective?  All of these views can be heard in today’s lively dialogue about the natural world, just as they have been throughout the history of the Church.  Readings for this course will explore the underlying assumptions of theology and science, and how they are expressed in conclusions about such topics as the physical universe, the human person, creation, complexity, providence, and the end of the world. We will also consider ministry to members of today’s congregations who work in medical, scientific, and technological occupations and feel trapped between opposing views expressed in church and in the workplace. No scientific background beyond high school level is required for any of the readings, but more advanced backgrounds and interests can readily be accommodated.

[Elective]

THE 702NE

History of Christian Love

Credits: 3

A thematic study of Christian love through the lens of prominent Christian theologians and church movements from Augustine to the 21st century.  Topics also include the relationship of God and humankind (agape love), the nature of human love, love and social ethics, Christian friendship, marriage, and sexuality.  Christian figures and movements that reflect a particular historical and theological perspective include:  Augustine, Aquinas, and Luther on the theology of love, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Reinhold Niebuhr on love and justice, C.S. Lewis on friendship, and Dorothy Day on Christian love and poverty.  Students will have an opportunity to examine, develop, and present their own theology of love rooted in the historical Christian faith.

[Elective]

THE 703NE

The Christian Doctrine of Human Nature and Sin

Credits: 2

This course will explore the Christian understanding of the human being as the apex of the Creator’s work according to Genesis 1-2, who was plunged into evil and misery according to Genesis 3-5. Significant attention will be given to selected biblical passages, the debate over “original sin” in the Western Church, the different descriptions of human sinfulness that distinguish the Eastern Church from the Western Church, and the implications of these teachings in pastoral work.

[Elective]

THE 715NE

The Openness of God Debate

Credits: 2

One of the most significant, often contentious, current debates in evangelical circles centers on what has been come to be called “Openness of God” theology.  Proponents of this theological perspective, while affirming a high view of Scripture, do not view God as the all-knowing, all-controlling, unchanging being often portrayed in classical Christian thought.  God is viewed, rather, as a being who does not have infallible knowledge of our future free actions and thus as a being who must work relationally with us day by day to help actualize the divine goals for us and our world.  In this course, we will take an in-depth look both at openness theology and the numerous critiques that have been offered in response to it.  While the instructor himself is one of the foundational proponents of openness thought, the main goal of the course will be to help each student come to a clearer understanding of his or her own theological perspective.

[Elective]

THE 720NE

Revivalism and the Postmodern Church

Credits: 3

This course will provide an in-depth look at the rhetoric and culture of American revivalism, with an emphasis on revivalism as a revitalization movement.  The course will also explore how revivalism has shaped popular theology and worship and has retained widespread nostalgic appeal today.  The key question will be whether or not revivalism offers any perspective on 21st century Church renewal.

[Elective]

THE 726NE

Wesleyan Theology

Credits: 3

This course explores major theological themes of Wesleyan theology through the examination of primary materials.  While focusing on Wesley’s theology of salvation as expressed in his sermons, the course also includes exposure to Wesleyan thought on such matters as the doctrine of God, anthropology, the person and work of Christ, the Church, ministry, the sacraments, and eschatology.  In addition, consideration is given to the development of early Methodism in its historical context, its relevance for contemporary Methodist traditions, and its potential contribution to the Church at large.  A secondary purpose of this course is to impart to the student an appreciation of the field of Wesleyan Studies and its present-day interpreters.

[Elective]

THE 728NE

The Holiness Pentecostal Tradition

Credits: 3

This course surveys the 19th and 20th century Holiness and Pentecostal movements in the United States, including principal and formative events, theological distinctives, and important figures.  The course will examine the culture(s) of the movements, major controversies, and opportunities for ecumenical dialogue.

[Elective]

THE 729NE

Fundamentalism and Modernism: a Historical and Theological Controversy

Credits: 3

Through reading, discussion, and writing, students will explore the roots, development, and implications of the “fundamentalist-modernist controversy” in English-speaking Christianity, with a special emphasis on the controversy’s American dimensions.  The cultural and theological genesis of fundamentalism in the late 19th and 20th centuries continues to have ramifications for the 21st century Church in America and throughout the globe, and thus the practical implications of the historic controversy will be considered thoroughly.  Readings will include primary-source materials, as well as seminal writings of J. Gresham Machen and Harry Emerson Fosdick, among others.  Secondary sources will include the most recent scholarly reflections on the topic.  The approach of the seminar will be both historical and theological.

[Elective]

THE 731NE

Suffering, Pain, and Evil: a Theological Response

Credits: 2

Those in ministry must often respond to the following question: “Why did God allow that horrible event – that tragic accident, that terrible betrayal, that intense suffering – to happen?” After outlining the various responses (theodicies) available to Christians, we will discuss how best to help those asking “why” determine what these responses have to offer.  Included among the texts we read will be the Book of Job.

[Elective]

THE 740NE

Theology of the City

Credits:  3

The 20th century began as a predominately rural world.  At the beginning of the 21st century, the world is predominately urban; by 2015, more than half of the world’s population will live in major urban centers.  This massive demographic shift has created huge challenges for political and social systems and also for the Church.  This course will develop a biblical theology for urban mission that will serve as a foundation for pastors and church leaders seeking to understand the city and will guide them in constructing and implementing effective urban ministry strategies.

[Elective]