This course explores the theology of Martin Luther through careful reading of key texts. Specific attention will be given to the major themes and distinctions that shape Luther’s thought, always with an eye towards their relevance for pastoral care.

This class will examine the use of humor and storytelling, starting with the book of Genesis and moving through the Bible looking for instances of storytelling and humor in the Old Testament, Gospels, and Epistles.  The use of storytelling and humor will also be examined in church history by looking at famous preachers such as Luther, Edwards, Spurgeon, and Moody.

Then the use of humor and storytelling will be examined as a sermonic tool for use today.  Modern sermons and writings on both the use of humor and the telling of stories will be read and listened to.  Questions of appropriateness of humor, overuse of stories, proper storytelling technique, and how such tools can either hurt/help a sermon will be discussed.

The student should be prepared to think through the use of humor and storytelling in his/her own ministry.  On the final day of class each student will be expected to tell a story to the class using some of the tools that have been learned.

This course is an exciting journey through the epic literary genre in Western literature. Together, we will explore the key motifs and themes in classic epic literature spanning the period from the ancient world up to modern times. In this class, we will learn how to define an epic, learn how to identify key works of literature as epics, and study the main themes present in epic works of literature. Along the way we will see how gospel narratives of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration can be seen in the epic genre. All of this will be studied with a view to seeing how the gospel of Jesus Christ has transformed and continues to transform literature, society, and culture.

This course gives you an understanding of our western culture by examining what the Bible teaches concerning the two visions of culture that build two distinct cities. On the one hand, there is the Christian view of society’s institutions (family, government, church) that builds the city of God. On the other hand, there is the anti-Christian view of those institutions that builds the city of man. In this course we establish the biblical teaching on the two cultures and cities. We then observe a Christian apologist in action on these issues as we study Augustine’s defense of the Christian moral vision in his City of God over against the competing secular vision represented in Plato’s Republic and other period writings.

This is the first of two courses that constitute a survey of the Old Testament. The focus of this course is on the Torah/Pentateuch within the framework of a canonical approach to Christian Scripture. In addition to a survey of the prominent methods and developments in the history of interpretation, particular attention will be given to the redemptive-historical themes that extend from the Pentateuch through the rest of the canon.

This course examines the theology of John Calvin. Students will survey the main features of Calvin’s theology and exegesis. Additionally, students will assess the historical factors that shaped Calvin’s theology as well as his contribution to the Reformed tradition.

This course examines basic philosophical topics and historical philosophical thought in order to prepare students to understand current theological issues and interpret historical theology.

This course examines the relationship of the Gospel to obedience. It considers the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. It then addresses the role of the law as a framework for Christian life, noting the impact of redemptive-historical and cultural shifts in our appropriation of the law.

In this course, students will examine the application of the gospel to individuals and to the whole earth. We will focus on the application of salvation (ordo salutis), the means of grace, and the kingdom of God. The students will be introduced to pertinent biblical texts and themes, theological terms, key figures, and the importance of culture and history in framing various debates. As the last of three courses in systematic theology, particular attention will be given to the eschatological shape of all Christian theology.