Seminars—PhD

An exegetical and theological study of selected texts or a book of the Pentateuch with emphasis on the ancient Near Eastern setting, critical theory, and scholarly interpretation. Attention is given to the history of Pentateuchal criticism and to current developments in this field.

An investigation of archaeology’s role in the field of Old Testament studies. Current trends and attitudes in the discipline are examined, and critical theories are considered in light of the innumerable discoveries in the last two centuries. Key archaeological finds are surveyed according to historical periods, and their particular contributions to the understanding of the Old Testament are investigated.

A comprehensive study of the Book of Daniel, an enigmatic and controversial work of Old Testament prophecy. The extensive body of Danielic literature, key critical issues, historical background, and other significant matters related to the prophecy are examined. Particular attention is given to the interpretation and theology of the book. Translation of the Hebrew and Aramaic text is involved in the study.

A study of the nature of prophetic literature and of the methods appropriate for its interpretation. Attention is given to an evaluation of modern critical views, special interpretative problems, and key themes of individual prophetic books. A careful exegesis of sections of the prophetic literature is made.

A study of the Psalms and Hebrew poetry and/or Wisdom Literature. Special attention is given to the nature and forms of Hebrew poetry. The course includes the exegetical and theological study of selected texts.

During this course of study, the major cultural groups of the Old Testament (those which interacted with Israel as recorded in the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings of the Hebrew Bible) are surveyed in light of biblical as well as extra-biblical information. The study of Israelite culture forms the background against which comparisons and contrasts are drawn. Non-Israelite cultures are surveyed with regard to their history, religion, languages, and kinds of literature (or extant inscriptions). Cultural groups are studied in relation to their respective geographical regions.

An examination of selected key passages in the Law, the Writings, and the Prophets that reflect Old Testament instruction and/or illustration concerning its total message of salvation. The approach to the study is biblical and exegetical.

An investigation of some major areas of theological concern in the Old Testament, including soteriology, eschatology, Christology, theodicy, pneumatology, the community of faith, etc. Special attention is given to the literary devices associated with each of these themes.

A survey of the various periods of the Hebrew language including pre-exilic Hebrew inscriptions, biblical Hebrew and later traditions (Palestinian, Babylonian, and Tiberian), and later developments in Hebrew (postexilic influence of Aramaic, Samaritan Hebrew, Rabbinic Hebrew, Medieval Hebrew, and a brief excursus on Modern Hebrew).

An advanced Hebrew program for the study of the biblical text and the extensive body of literature pertaining to the language. The seminar consists primarily of readings from selected passages from the Hebrew Bible with attention to grammar, syntax, lexicography, textual criticism, the Masoretic tradition, and exegesis. Related topics, such as the history of the language and modern methods for teaching biblical Hebrew, are examined.

An introduction to the background languages of the Hebrew Bible, including Phoenician, Ugaritic, and Akkadian. Examples are given to demonstrate how knowledge of such languages helps in the translation of the Hebrew Bible and with Old Testament interpretation.

A comprehensive study of the synoptic Gospels, including a history of synoptic studies, a survey of contemporary approaches, literary criticism, theology, and content. Students work from the Greek New Testament.

A comprehensive study of the fourth Gospel, the three Johannine epistles, and Revelation, including introductory issues, hermeneutics, exegesis, and John’s life. Students work from the Greek New Testament.

An introduction to the principles and methods of interpretation used by the New Testament writers, the history of hermeneutics, and contemporary approaches to biblical interpretation. Students use the Greek New Testament to understand principles, methods, and illustrations.

A comprehensive study of the 13 letters of Paul, including introductory issues, hermeneutics, exegesis, and Paul’s life and thought. Students work from the Greek New Testament.

This seminar is an introduction to the interpretative methodology of historiography. Theories of Greek, Roman, and Jewish history writing will be discussed, based on a reading of primary sources in Greek, Hebrew, and Latin as well as secondary sources in German and French. This seminar also investigates the book of Acts from the perspectives of languages, history, culture, and theology.

A comprehensive study of the Epistle to the Hebrews including introductory issues, hermeneutics, and exegesis. Includes a unit on textual criticism. Students work from the Greek New Testament.

A study of these general epistles including introductory issues, hermeneutics, and exegesis. Students work from the Greek New Testament. Special attention will be given to those passages that have proven particularly difficult and/or controversial.

This seminar is an intensive investigation of background issues of the New Testament world. This seminar investigates the languages, history, and culture in which the New Testament was written (Hellenistic Judaism, Palestinian Judaism, and Roman Hellenism). The participants of this seminar read from primary sources in Greek, Hebrew, and Latin as well as secondary sources in German and French.

This seminar is an intensive study of the history and principles of New Testament textual criticism, including an examination of the relative values of the critical text and the Textus Receptus. The students will discuss methods and issues concerning textual criticism with noted text critics. Each seminar participant will learn how to collate fragments, manuscripts, and documents. The participants of this seminar read from primary sources in Greek, Hebrew, and Latin, and other languages of antiquity as well as
secondary sources in German and French.

The history of the theology of the New Testament is traced, along with examining contemporary issues in the discipline, including nature, center, and methodology. After giving proper attention to these issues, the seminar majors on issues in the theology of Jesus and on Jesus as presented in the four Gospels.

A seminar devoted to a detailed study of the theology of Pauline writing. Attention is given to contemporary issues in Pauline theology and an examination of the salient features of the theological content of the Pauline epistles.

This doctoral seminar covers the content and major critical issues of selected passages of Scripture that have a history of being especially challenging and enigmatic to biblical interpreters. Emphasis is on hermeneutics and exegesis. Since this seminar is exegetically based, there is extensive reading and work in the Greek New Testament.

A seminar focusing on the principles of translating the Greek New Testament with some attention given to the Septuagint. The seminar consists of an intensive investigation into the philosophy, principles, and practice of modern translation theory with special attention given to the era following James Barr’s Biblical Words and Their Meaning. Competence in New Testament Greek is required for this seminar.

A comprehensive study of the early church from the post-New Testament era through the Council of Chalcedon. Special attention is given to historiographical, biographical, theological, and cultural issues.

A comprehensive study of the 16th century Protestant Reformation, including the Magisterial Reformers and the Anabaptists. Special attention is given to historiographical, biographical, theological, and cultural issues.

A comprehensive study of the Christian experience in America from the colonial to the present, including Puritanism, revivalism, denominationalism, fundamentalism, and evangelicalism. Special attention is given to historiographical, biographical, theological, and cultural issues.

A comprehensive study of the Baptists from the early 17th century to the present, with major attention given to Baptists in England and America. Special attention is given to historiographical, biographical, theological, and cultural issues.

A historical overview of preaching with a focus on the preachers of biblical days through the Great Awakening. Emphasis is given to major homiletical developments and outstanding personalities.

A historical overview of preaching with a focus on great American preachers of the 20th century. Emphasis is given to major homiletical developments and outstanding personalities.

A comprehensive overview of the historical expansion of Christianity from a missionary perspective. The seminar differs from a church history seminar in that the focus is upon the factors in the spread of Christianity with regard to the agents and methods involved rather than on the development of theology and the church councils. Special attention is given to Latourette’s chronological divisions of missionary history and his seven analytical questions which are employed to examine significant factors in each period.

An overview of western intellectual development from ancient Greece to newer trends of Postmodernity. This study includes a mapping of both philosophical and theological developments in western history. It is particularly interested in the ongoing relationship between Christian theology and the broader worldviews in which faith is embedded.

A comprehensive study of Medieval Christianity from the ascension of Gregory the Great to the eve of the Protestant Reformation. Special attention is given to historiographical, biographical, theological, and cultural issues.

A thorough examination of the theology of missions, beginning with the development of a biblical basis for a proper understanding of God’s mission in the world and continuing through an analysis of historical perspectives on missions and concluding with the development of a biblically-based contemporary theology of missions.

A thorough examination of the theology of missions, beginning with the development of a biblical basis for a proper understanding of God’s mission in the world and continuing through an analysis of historical perspectives on missions and concluding with the development of a biblically-based contemporary theology of missions.

An investigation of the components of strategies for world evangelization. These components include planning, management, targeting specific people groups, maximizing the available resources, and analyzing methods to accomplish this task in a cross-cultural setting. Additional areas of investigation include the practicality and urgency of world evangelism, the principles and methods for the planting and development of indigenous churches, and contextualization in the mission field.

A survey of significant aspects of cultural concepts and social organization that have practical relevance to effective missionary communication of the Gospel in a culturally heterogeneous world. Special attention is given to family structure, kinship webs, tribal authority, and decision-making within a communal society. This course is also a study of the phenomenon of traditional religions in the missionary context, examining the primary characteristics of traditional religious expressions such as animism, the spirit world, demon possession, magic, religious specialists, veneration of ancestors, and concepts of God, even in the more developed formal religions such as Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

An examination of selected key passages in the Law, the Writings, and the Prophets that reflect Old Testament instruction and/or illustrations concerning its total message of salvation. The approach to the study is biblical and exegetical.

The doctrine of God is the study of the person and work of God revealed in scripture. The seminar focuses upon God’s existence, His attributes, and His triune nature.

The history of the theology of the New Testament is traced, along with examining contemporary issues in the discipline, including the nature, center, and methodology. After giving proper attention to these issues, the seminar majors on issues in the theology of Jesus and on Jesus as presented in the four Gospels.

A seminar devoted to a detailed study of the theology of Pauline writing. Attention is given to contemporary issues in Pauline theology and an examination of the salient features of the theological content of the Pauline epistles.

An approach to the study of Christ, His person, and His work, both historically and systematically. The course involves a study of the historical development of the doctrine (with special emphasis upon the first six centuries of the Christian Era, the Reformation Period, and the Modern Period), and a systematic presentation of the historical and biblical materials concerning the doctrine of Christ. Both of these approaches include selected readings from various Christologies and systematic theologies.

The seminar focuses upon the sinfulness of humankind using the format of historical, biblical, and systematic theology. Accordingly, the student examines the major historical development within the doctrine of sin. Then the biblical teaching regarding the nature and origin of sin is treated. Finally, the seminar surveys the various theological aspects of the doctrine.

An exploration of the biblical teaching on the doctrine of the church and its interpretation in various theological traditions in general and in the Baptist tradition in particular.

A biblical and systematic study of eschatology. The intent is to expose the seminar members to the biblical teaching on the doctrine of last things, and the various interpretations of the doctrine that have been held on the subject. Topics covered are death and the intermediate state, the rapture, second coming, tribulation, millennium, hell, and heaven. Special attention is given to the book of Revelation.

An analysis of the Christian understanding of salvation which includes a detailed description of human sinfulness and the application of Christ’s work in the believer. The approach of the seminar relates human salvation to the covenants of works and the covenant of grace.

An investigation of some major areas of theological concern in the Old Testament, including soteriology, eschatology, Christology, theodicy, pneumatology, the community of faith, etc. Special attention is given to the literary devices associated with each of these themes.

A critical survey of strategic theological movements from the appearance of Protestant Liberalism to the postmodern era designed to equip the student for interaction with contemporary theological issues.

An examination of biblical ethics in application to contemporary preaching and Pastoral Ministry. The seminar explores the moral teaching of the Scriptures and the ethical demands of discipleship in the context of contemporary culture and examines the pastoral response.

The seminar will cover the history and practice of Christian apologetics. This will include a survey of Christian history with special emphasis upon those who have served Christianity as apologists. The seminar covers methodology and the philosophical concerns which accompany the apologetic task. Finally, the course investigates current challenges to the Christian message raised by modernity, secularity, and postmodernity.

A study of various contemporary preaching styles and philosophies. This course helps the student of biblical preaching to consider the practices of different types of sermons in light of the standards of expository biblical preaching. Studies include preaching in the emerging churches, seeker-sensitive churches, new church starts, and traditional sermons with contemporary applications.

This seminar is a study of the facets and factors of evangelistic preaching. Various past and present approaches to evangelistic preaching are investigated.

An examination of theory and methodologies of biblical preaching. The seminar studies the universal principles of expository preaching in various applications. The seminar helps prepare students to teach preaching at the seminary and university levels.

An introduction to the principles and methods of interpretation used by the New Testament writers, the history of hermeneutics, and contemporary approaches to biblical interpretation. Students use the Greek New Testament to understand principles, methods, and illustrations.

A study of selected lecturers from a major series of lectures on preaching. Included are the Yale Lectures, the Warrack Lectures, and the Farris Lectures (Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary).

A historical overview of preaching with a focus on the preachers from biblical days through the Great Awakening. Emphasis is given to major homiletical developments and outstanding personalities.

A historical overview of preaching with a focus on great American preachers of the 20th century. Emphasis is given to major homiletical developments and outstanding personalities.

The study of the preaching task in the context of its theological foundations. Investigations include the contributions that major theologians have made to preaching, exegetical developments, and contemporary theological trends, and movements and their effect on preaching.

A comprehensive study of the various philosophies and cultural implications of postmodernism with a specific view of employing the principles of expository preaching in addressing people within that culture.

The seminar is a foundational course dealing with the need for and the fundamentals of biblical counseling. Attention is given to understanding what nouthetic counseling means and how it differs from the prominent secular and religious counseling process including data gathering, questioning, homework, giving hope, methods of change, and the role of the Holy Spirit in counseling. Other topics include the sufficiency of Scripture, self-esteem, and counseling failure.

This seminar deals with the importance of sound theology as it relates to the counseling process. The class surveys the entire scope of theology as it relates to counseling issues and processes. The importance of solid exegesis and hermeneutics is discussed. Additionally, students examine the process of training others to be biblical counselors.

The seminar begins with an overview of the history and current state of the modern biblical counseling movement. Included is a survey and critique of many Christian counseling teachers, philosophies, and organizations with a special focus on the dangers of integrating secular psychological concepts. Other topics will include legal issues in counseling, counseling in the local church, evaluating counseling resources, the value and process of certification in biblical counseling, and the critical stages in the progression of typical counseling cases.

The seminar consists of an examination of the biblical concept of marriage and the specific Scripture passages that relate. The student is challenged to lead couples to biblical solutions to marriage conflict. Specific topics include communication, the purpose of marriage, gender roles, the sexual relationship, adultery, finances, raising children, and the dynamics of counseling couples. In addition, the seminar includes a study of the relevant Scripture passages dealing with the issue of divorce and remarriage with the goal of leading the student to a biblical view of the issue and an application of that view to counseling situations. The seminar concludes with an examination of specific counseling cases in a church setting.

A study of the principles of educational administration in Bible colleges, Christian liberal arts colleges, and seminary education. Attention is given to the educational role of the institution as well as its administrative tasks.

An exploration of the major curriculum developments in Christian education including a review of historical trends, the design of curriculum frameworks and teaching-learning sessions, the supervision of curriculum in the local church, and a critique of curriculum issues in higher education.

An evaluation of personality theories, educational psychology, and developmental psychology and an analysis of their contributions to the practices of leadership, instruction, and spiritual formation.

Explores psychological and developmental underpinnings of organizations. Presents classical and contemporary theories and principles of organizational development. Students gain skills in the analysis of organizational culture, communication processes, and staff training.