Theological-Historical Department

THE THEOLOGICAL-HISTORICAL DEPARTMENT

ÁNGEL J. GALLARDO  WILLIAM GREENWAY DAVID H. JENSEN  CYNTHIA L. RIGBY  ASANTE U. TODD  MELISSA WIGINTON

The courses in the Theological and Historical Department are designed to provide grounding in Christian theology, history, ethics, and comparative religion.

Theology courses survey the history, significance, and philosophical dimensions of the major doctrines and issues of the faith, exploring their significance for contemporary life and ministry. These courses consider the thought of major theologians and philosophers, both past and present, with emphasis on the Reformed tradition and perspectives from the wider church and society.

Ethics courses address both fundamental matters and specific topics and thinkers. The courses encourage students to bring theological, philosophical, and ethical insights to bear upon contemporary moral and cultural issues.

Courses in history of the church acquaint students with its diverse expressions throughout the centuries and lead them to view the contemporary church against this historical background. This approach provides perspective on the challenges and opportunities that confront the church today. In addition, students investigate the origins and development of their own denominations so that they can fulfill informed and constructive roles in the lives of their churches.

Courses in comparative religion explore basic concepts of religion, the particularity of protestant Christianity within the diversity of religious thought and practice, and the beliefs and nature of other religions. Students explore ways that religious diversity affects their ministry, missions, and work in local, national, and international settings.

Dr. Ángel J. Gallardo Dr. William Greenway

Dr. David H. Jensen

Dr. Asante U. Todd Dr. Cynthia L. Rigby

Prof. Melissa Wiginton

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

I. ETHICS

TH.110 MAYM: MORAL QUESTIONS IN YOUTH CULTURE Today’s youth are confronted by many difficult moral issues including abortion, suicide, eating disorders, and sexuality. The goals of the course are to give students a practical understanding of the moral challenges many youth face and to equip students with the tools to think about these issues from various modes of Christian moral reasoning. Six credits. Prof. Todd

TH.155 AFRICAN AMERICAN RELIGIOUS ETHICS This course examines major historical and contemporary trends in African American theology and ethics. Special attention is given to the ways that African American theologians and ethicists formulate theology, critically engage a constellation of social and theological problems, and promote liberation and empowerment. Objectives of the course are to give students an understanding of the historical trajectory of African