Systematic Theology

Faculty
Chair Holloman, Th.D.
Distinguished Professor Saucy
Professors Gomes, Holloman, Issler, M. Saucy
Associate Professors Coe
Assistant Professors Naidu, Price
Special Appointment Issler

Objectives

It is the purpose of the emphasis of theology to give the student a thorough grasp of the great doctrines of the Christian faith. Based upon the Scripture as the ultimate source of authority, the doctrines are developed through the systematic examination and integration of relevant Scriptures with consideration given to doctrinal interpretations throughout Church history. Along with the acquisition of a knowledge of the theological doctrines of the Scriptures, it is the goal of the department to develop in the students a facility which will allow them to continue their own theological development.


TTTH 511 - Theology I - Introduction: Revelation and Nature of God (3)

The nature, method and rationale of Christian theology. Revelation, both general and special, inspiration, canonicity and illumination of Scripture. The doctrine of God, including His existence, attributes and Trinitarian nature. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

TTTH 512 - Theology II - Works of God, Angels, Man and Sin (3)

God's eternal plan including His kingdom purpose and redemptive focus; His work of creation and continued activity within creation. The angels, both good and evil; including their origin, present state, work and destiny. Creation of mankind in God's image, human nature, the fall and the effect of sin upon humanity. Human life in relation to the divine institutions of the family and civil government. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

TTTH 610 - Advanced Theology (3)

An in-depth study of the major theological issues in the areas of theology proper, anthropology, hamartiology, christology, soteriology. This course is specifically designed for those students who receive reduction in theology due to prior studies. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students who are not required to take TTTH 512 and TTTH 613.

TTTH 613 - Theology III - Christ, Salvation and the Spirit (3)

The person and saving work of Christ. The nature and application of salvation including the person and work of the Spirit. Special emphasis on the practice of sanctification in personal Christian living. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

TTTH 614 - Theology IV - The Church and Last Things (3)

A study of the broad kingdom purpose of God and the future events related to the destiny of history and individuals including Christ's second coming in its phases, the millennial reign of Christ, the resurrections, the judgments and eternal state. The inception and nature of the church, both as a living organism and an organization, its function, ordinances, place and mission in God's purpose. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

TTTH 700 - The Doctrine of God (2)

Advanced study of the reality, attributes and triune nature of God. Includes discussion of the human knowledge and the nature of encounter with God. Prerequisite: TTTH 511. Elective.

TTTH 701 - Introduction to Christian Spirituality (3)

This course explores the means to developing a deep relationship with God. Based on scriptural teaching about knowing God, it is geared particularly for those preparing for or engaged in Christian ministry. Considers barriers that hinder us and what spiritual disciplines and practices may be used to nurture a deeper friendship with God.

TTTH 702 - Advanced Bibliology (2)

Intensive study of revelation, inspiration, inerrancy and authority in the light of contemporary issues. Prerequisite: TTTH 511. Elective.

TTTH 707 - Roman Catholic Theology (2)

A detailed study of the tenets of Roman Catholicism; reading from representative Roman Catholic literature; particular attention given to the distinctions between Roman Catholic and Protestant doctrines. Especially helpful for those contemplating missionary service in countries dominated by Roman Catholicism. Elective.

TTTH 709 - Contemporary Theology (2)

The study of contemporary theological positions, including a survey of the philosophical and theological thought leading up to the present scene. Required of M.A. (Th.) and Th.M. (Systematic Theology) students.

TTTH 710 - Pneumatology (2)

The person and work of the Holy Spirit both in the Old and New Testaments with particular attention to His ministries in this age to the individual believer and the church. Elective.

TTTH 712 - Current Theological Issues (2)

An intensive study of the thought of particular contemporary theologians, prominent theological or theologically significant ethical issues in the light of biblical revelation. Elective.

TTTH 717 - Theology of Human Nature (2)

Exploration of key areas relating to the nature of man from both a theological and psychological perspective; the biblical nature of man in comparison to teaching theories of human development. The meaning and significance of man created in the image of God; nature and dynamics of sin which lead to sins or psychological maladjustments; practical application of the above concepts to the areas of personal growth and discipleship, education and child rearing and church ministry. Team taught by faculty with strength in theology and psychology. Prerequisite: TTTH 512, or equivalent. Required of reduced M.A.C.E. students. Elective.

TTTH 718 - Theology of Christian Nurture (2)

Designed for the student with background in the biblical and theological knowledge of soteriology. Consideration of the nature of personal transformation in regeneration, the means and dynamics of nurture including the relation of cognitive and relational aspects. Examination of the nature of spiritual maturity and its relation to psychological maturity and hindrances to growth. Team taught by faculty with strength in theology and psychology. Prerequisite: TTTH 512, 613 or equivalent. Required of reduced M.A.C.E. students. Elective.

TTTH 720 - The Theology and Practice of Prayer (2)

A study of the biblical theology of prayer including its meaning, purpose and practice. Elective.

TTTH 723 - Demonology and The Occult (3)

A theological examination of the nature and work of Satan and demons with application to the topics of demon possession, spiritual warfare, occultic groups, occultic phenomena and occultic practices. Special emphasis is placed on Christ as the Deliverer.

TTTH 724 - Eschatological Problems (2)

Typical exegetical and doctrinal problems in the area of Bible prophecy. Lectures, assigned problems with written and classroom reports, discussion and library research. Elective.

TTTH 725 - The Dispensational System (2)

An intensive study of that system of biblical interpretation known as dispensationalism; its historical background, modern form and objections. Emphasizing primary theological and exegetical issues or disagreement between dispensational and non-dispensational positions. Elective.

TTTH 726 - Cults of America (3)

The distinctive features of the cults of America with their significance in the development of religious thought and with particular reference to their treatment of the central features of orthodox Christian doctrine. Required of M.A.(Th.) students. Elective. (Cross listed with TTPH 726)

TTTH 728 - Theological Systems (2)

Several major theological systems of thought emphasizing those within the Protestant perspective, but also including significant Roman Catholic and Jewish systems. Elective.

TTTH 729 - The Theology of the Gospels (2)

An examination of the theological teaching of Jesus as recorded in the four gospel narratives. Special attention is paid to the chronological development of themes taught by Christ in the light of His presentation and rejection. Elective. (Cross listed with TTNT 755).

TTTH 730 - Pauline Theology (2)

The main themes of Paul's doctrine from the biblical theological perspective. Prerequisite: TTNT 501-502. Elective. (Cross listed with TTNT 759).

TTTH 740 - The Doctrine of the Atonement (2)

A study of the biblical meaning and significance of the atoning work of Christ including a survey of the significant historical interpretations of the doctrine. Elective.

TTTH 751 - Theology of Mission (3)

An introduction to theology of missions that focuses on the biblical basis for mission. This study seeks to examine the motives, aims and methods of mission from both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.

TTTH 761 - Directed Study (1-4)

Supervised reading and research in selected areas of systematic or biblical theology. Elective.

TTTH 771 - Theology Seminar (1-4)

The study of selected areas of systematic or biblical theology. May be repeated for credit with different content. Elective.

TTTH 781 - Legal Evidence and Apologetics (3)

An exploration of legal reasoning, legal evidence, and legal advocacy tactics with respect to how these concepts and methods may be employed in polemical theology and apologetics.

TTTH 782 - Theology of Church and State (3)

A theological examination of the relationship between the church and the state. Also an analysis of the jurisprudence and case law related to the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the U.S. Constitution.

TTTH 802 - Millennial Views (2)

A careful and intensive study of the three main eschatological views relative to the millennium; the historical and biblical strength of the premillennial system; consideration of the leading amillennial writings. A detailed analysis of the four positions relative to the time of the rapture; a biblical and theological defense of the pretribulational view, with exegesis of crucial passages of Scripture. Prerequisite: TTTH 614. Elective for Th.M. students; others by departmental permission.

TTTH 806 - Theology Seminar (1-4)

Selected problems in the fields of systematic or biblical theology. Elective for Th.M. students; others by departmental permission.

TTTH 810 - Johannine Theology (2)

The theology of the Johannine writings, with emphasis upon the concepts that the writer himself emphasizes. Prerequisite: TTNT 501-502. Elective for Th.M. students; others by departmental permission. (Cross listed with TTNT 823)

TTTH 815 - Advanced Ecclesiology (2)

An intensive study of significant aspects of the church related to its nature, purpose and organization. Particular attention directed to current problem areas. Prerequisite: TTTH 614 or the equivalent in ecclesiology. Elective for Th.M. students; others by departmental permission.

TTTH 827 - The Doctrine of the Kingdom (2)

An investigation into the meaning and purpose of the Kingdom of God and its progressive development within history. The course includes discussion of historical and contemporary theological positions with emphasis upon the biblical teaching in its historical framework. Elective for Th.M. students; others by departmental permission.

TTTH 880 - Directed Research (1-3)

Supervised research in selected areas of theology. Elective for Th.M. students.

TTTH 891 - Research Seminar (3)

TTTH 892 - Research Seminar (2)

Discussion and application of the central areas of theology research and related fields of study. Instruction in research methodology, including the identification of a problem, the steps taken to resolve it and writing the results. Required for the first semester of the Th.M. (Systematic Theology) program. Fee: $50 for TTTH 891. A second semester may be taken to continue research in the area of interest.