School of Theology

David Thomas, Dean; Darold Bigger, Carl Cosaert, Paul Dybdahl, Bruce Johanson, Pedrito Maynard-Reid, Zdravko Stefanovic, Alden Thompson.

The principal purposes of the School of Theology are to provide undergraduate education for students seeking to pursue religious callings such as pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, religious scholarship, and to teach religion and offer courses in religion for the general student body in harmony with the mission of the University.

Students interested in becoming pastors, chaplains, evangelists, Bible workers, or teachers of religion are best advised to pursue the Theology Major. This degree is the preferred degree for entering the various religious professions because it includes elements of religious practice, the necessary academic components, as well as the development of proficiency in two major biblical languages, Greek and Hebrew. The Theology Major is also designed to meet Seminary entrance requirements.

A Religion Major is also offered for those who wish to have an emphasis in religion at the undergraduate level, but who do not want or need to have the practical elements of ministry or biblical languages as part of their education.

The School of Theology offers a third major, one in Biblical Languages. This major is intended for those who wish to gain facility in the basic tools for biblical study, especially those anticipating graduate work in this and related areas.

Candidates for the Theology degree who want to receive a recommendation from the faculty to Church employing agencies, in addition to completing the listed requirements for the degree, must go through the process of being advanced to candidacy. This process typically takes place in the Junior year. Candidates for advancement are evaluated on the basis of spiritual qualities and interest, cultural refinement, social abilities, interpersonal skills, ministry skills, and scholarship. The process of advancement is more fully described in a separate handbook obtainable from the School of Theology. Those who achieve candidacy should expect to go on into some kind of internship before going to seminary, typically the Theological Seminary at Andrews University, where they will complete an additional two years of study in order to earn the basic ministerial degree, a Master of Divinity. Those planning to attend the Seminary should complete the undergraduate subjects required for entrance and maintain a minimum grade-point average of 2.50.

All majors must successfully complete a senior comprehensive examination. Theology and Biblical Languages majors must also pass a Greek and Hebrew proficiency examination with a minimum score of 70 percent. These exams are typically given early in the spring quarter of each year.

Students who plan to teach religion in Seventh-day Adventist academies are advised to obtain teacher certification as outlined in the Education section of this bulletin. Students should consult the Dean of the School of Theology about courses required as early as possible in their university career.

RELIGION MAJOR (Bachelor of Arts)

A student majoring in religion must complete 55 hours in the major (30 hours must be upper-division), the required cognates, the general studies requirements, and all baccalaureate degree requirements as outlined in this bulletin.

Major Requirements:

Cognates:

Whenever possible, Religion majors are advised to take RELP 131 as their first course, followed by RELB 104 and RELT 202, in that order.

THEOLOGY MAJOR (Bachelor of Arts)

A student majoring in theology must complete 57 quarter hours in the major, the required cognates, the general studies requirements, and all baccalaureate degree requirements as outlined in this bulletin.

Major Requirements:

Cognates:

Pastoral Mentoring Experience: Theology majors must become involved for at least one school year in the mentoring program operated jointly between the School of Theology and the Upper Columbia Conference. Details of this program are available in the School of Theology office.

NOTE ON ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY

Advancement to candidacy typically takes place during the junior year, except for those students transferring from other colleges or those changing majors close to the beginning of their junior year. In order to be evaluated, students must have successfully completed RELP 131, RELT 202, ENGL 224, GREK 231, 232, 233, SPCH 381, and RELP 336.

BIBLICAL LANGUAGES MAJOR (Bachelor of Arts)

A student majoring in biblical languages must complete 48 quarter hours in the major, the required cognates, the general studies programs, and all baccalaureate degree requirements as outlined in this bulletin.

Major Requirements:

Cognates:

BIBLICAL LANGUAGES MINOR

A student minoring in Biblical languages must complete 30 quarter hours of Biblical language courses:

*Approval of Biblical languages adviser required. Recommended electives outside the minor are RELB 406, RELH 205, 455.

RELIGION MINOR

A student minoring in religion must complete 30 quarter hours of religion courses:

*Approval of religion adviser recommended.

All religion classes (courses with REL[x] prefixes), except RELP, may count toward a Religion Minor.

At least one lower-division religion course is required before students may take upper-division religion courses listed in the bulletin.

BIBLICAL STUDIES COURSES (RELB)

RELB classes that fall into the 300 range are focused on the Old Testament while RELB classes in the 400 range are New Testament.

RELB 104 THE MINISTRY OF JESUS 4

Survey of Christ's life in its historical setting as a basis for determining Christian action. Not open to students with senior standing.

RELB 105 THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT 2

Study of the Sermon on the Mount as it relates to the needs of the Christian. Not open to students with senior standing.

RELB 106 THE PARABLES OF JESUS 2

Exegetical study of Jesus' parables; considers literary structure, historical context, and relevance for today. Not open to students with senior standing.

RELB 111 MESSAGES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT 4

Survey of basic themes of the Old Testament. Not open to students with senior standing.

RELB 231 EXPLORING THE NEW TESTAMENT 4

An introduction to the New Testament Scriptures and the faith of the earliest Christians. The course will focus on Jewish and Greco-Roman background, the nature and message of the gospels, the life and ministry of Jesus and the ministry and theology of Paul, and the later developments that transformed the church from a first-century Jewish sect into a separate movement that spread around the world.

RELB 301 OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY 3

Study of the historical framework in which the religion of Israel developed; considers dominant events and trends in God's saving relationship to His covenant people.

RELB 302 PENTATEUCH 4

Exegetical examination of significant passages in the first section of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament); considers the historical setting, authorship, time, circumstance of writing, and other literary and theological questions.

RELB 303 OLD TESTAMENT PSALMS, STORIES, AND WISDOM 3

Introduction to the third section of the Hebrew Bible; considers authorship, the time and circumstance of writing, and other literary and theological questions.

RELB 304 HEBREW PROPHETS 4

A study of the ministry and messages of selected pre-exilic, exilic and post-exilic prophets in Israel including consideration of their relevance for today.

RELB 312 DANIEL AND JEREMIAH 4

An exegetical study of selected passages from the prophetic books of Daniel and Jeremiah within their historical and literary contexts with special attention to their significance for Christian Eschatology.

RELB 321 INTERPRETING THE BIBLE 4

Introduction to different approaches to interpreting the Bible and to the procedures and resources for exegesis of biblical texts with a focus on literary forms. Prerequisite: Complete at least one upper-division RELB course.

RELB 333 BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES ON HEALING 4

A survey of the various ways biblical writers describe restoration to wholeness of life and of how these biblical views have been understood in prominent Christian traditions down to modern times. Offered on Portland campus. Offered as needed.

RELB 406 THE BIBLE AND ITS TRANSLATIONS 2

Survey of the history of the Bible from the earliest manuscripts through the science of textual criticism to a comparison of the numerous English versions currently available.

RELB 413 REVELATION 3

An exegetical study of the book of Revelation within its historical context, with special attention to its significance for Christian Eschatology.

RELB 437 MATTHEW, MARK AND JOHN 4

An examination of the gospels, attending to the background and purpose, literary composition, theology, ethics, and relevance to contemporary issues and life.

RELB 439 LUKE-ACTS 3 or 4

An examination of the Gospel of Luke and of Acts with attention to background and purpose, literary composition, theology, ethics, the development of early Christianity, and relevance to contemporary issues. (College Place campus-3 quarter hours; Portland campus-4 quarter hours.)

RELB 441 SCRIBES, MANUSCRIPTS, AND THE NEW TESTAMENT 2

An introduction to the history and present development of the text of the New Testament, including how ancient manuscripts illuminate the social history of early Christianity. Topics include the formation of the Gospels, development of the New Testament canon, the spread of Christianity, doctrinal disputes, the oppression of women, Jewish-Christian relations, as well as differences between modern Bible translations. Credit will not be allowed for both GREK 341 and RELB 341.

RELB 454 LITERATURE OF THE BIBLE (or ENGL 454) 4

Prerequisite: General Studies literature or ENGL 234. See the English section of this Bulletin.

RELB 455 BOOK OF JUDGES: A Cross-disciplinary Approach (or ENGL 455) 4

An interdisciplinary approach to the Book of Judges, including historical, literary, theological, archaeological, and anthropological methods. The course is designed to model various scholarly methods in the study of a biblical text. Prerequisite: One general education literature course and one biblical studies course, or permission of instructor. Will be offered even years only.

RELB 462 NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS I 4

An examination of I and II Thessalonians, I and II Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans with attention to background and purpose, literary composition, theology, ethics, and relevance to contemporary issues and life.

RELB 467 NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS II 4

An examination of Paul's prison and pastoral letters and of the general letters of the New Testament with attention to background and purpose, literary composition, theology, ethics, and relevance to contemporary issues and life.

RELIGIOUS HISTORY COURSES (RELH)

RELH 205 BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY 4

Introduction to the science of archaeology with particular attention to those discoveries which bear on the interpretation of the Biblical text

RELH 303 WORLD RELIGIONS 4

Introduction to the greater religions of mankind, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Islam, and Christianity; considers the historical setting out of which these religions arose, their founders, their basic teachings and rituals, their conceptions of God and mankind, as well as their influence on cultural development.

RELH 425 PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION (or PSYC 425) 3

See the Education and Psychology section of this bulletin.

RELH 455 EARLY CHURCH HISTORY 3

Study of the rise of Christianity with emphasis on the development of theological concepts. Prerequisite: ENGL 224 or permission of instructor.

RELH 456 MEDIEVAL AND EARLY MODERN CHRISTIANITY (or HIST 456) 4

The history of Christianity from the Council of Chalcedon through the Enlightenment, with an emphasis on the Lutheran and Calvinistic Reformations, 400-1776.

RELH 457 HISTORY OF ADVENTISM 3

Study of the rise and development of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.

RELH 490 ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDWORK 0-4

Participation in an archaeological expedition. Involves all aspects of dig life - stratigraphic excavation employing the most up-to-date methodologies, careful recording and analysis of data in consultation with experts from a wide range of disciplines. Prerequisites: RELH 205 or permission of instructor. Application to the School of Theology is required by March 1 of the year the course is taken. Offered summers of even years.

SOCI 449 SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION 3

See the Social Work and Sociology section of this bulletin.

MISSIONS COURSES (RELM)

RELM 233 INTRODUCTION TO CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY 3

Study of the major issues involved in communicating Christianity in other cultures with the aim of preparing the student for actual field work. This prerequisite for student missionaries is also open to other interested students.

PROFESSIONAL RELIGION COURSES (RELP)

RELP 131 INTRODUCTION TO FAITH AND MINISTRY 4

Exploration of personal faith and pastoral ministry with a focus on spiritual disciplines, call to pastoral ministry, and the scope of pastoral ministry and an acquisition of a basic Bible knowledge. The course includes a required weekend retreat. Open only to theology and religion majors. Not open to students with senior standing. (Course fees apply)

RELP 236 CHURCH WORSHIP 2

A study and application of the theology and choreography of worship. Open only to theology and religion majors. Prerequisite: RELP 131. (Course fees apply.)

RELP 336 CHURCH AND PERSONAL MINISTRY 4

A study of the skills needed for personal and public ministry, including pastoral visitation and counseling, and various forms of evangelism. Combines theory and practice on how to minister to people of both genders and all age groups in church and community. Open only to theology and religion majors. Prerequisites: RELP 131, RELB 132, RELT 133.

RELP 338 CHURCH LEADERSHIP 3

Study of the theological and psychological principles of leadership applied to the church. Emphasizes Adventist church policy and programs, materials, and methods that can be used in preserving and fostering the life of the church. Open only to theology and religion majors. Prerequisite: RELP 131.

RELP 370 CHAPLAIN MINISTRY 2-4

Study and exposure to chaplaincy as an alternative vocational setting to traditional pastoral assignments. Includes hospital, prison, military, school and industrial chaplain work. The basic 2-hour course includes visits by professionals such as administrators, guards, physicians, nurses, and institutional chaplains. The optional hours include an inductive exploration of chaplain ministry through visitation, small group process, and discussion.

RELP 385 PASTORAL MENTORING PROGRAM 0

Theology majors must participate in one school year of working with a local pastor in a church setting, thereby exposing them to active church life and pastoral ministry. This training is typically completed during the student's Junior or Senior school year. Graded S/NC.

RELP 395 METHODS OF TEACHING BIBLE IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL 3

Examination of religion teaching in the secondary school with emphasis on objectives, content, organization, methods and materials, as well as adolescent developmental needs and spiritual formation. Includes a practicum experience at the secondary level. Prerequisite: EDUC 390. Offered odd years and alternate summers.

RELP 440 CRISIS MINISTRY 2

Introduction to the principles and practice of pastoral care of troubled persons through the application of counseling techniques, the utilization of the spiritual resources of the Christian community, and theological reflection. Open only to theology and religion majors. Prerequisite: RELP 131.

RELP 483 ADVANCED PASTORAL CARE 3

Study of the role of the pastor in relationship to his/her ministering to families; includes study of the pastor as premarital counselor, as marriage and family counselor, and as marriage and family life enrichment leader. Prerequisite: RELP 440 or permission of instructor. Open only to theology and religion majors. Offered as needed.

RELP 490 PUBLIC EVANGELISM 1-3; 3

Experience in evangelistic techniques to include giving Bible studies and holding public meetings. Open only to theology and religion majors. Offered as needed. Graded S or NC.

RELP 494 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION 0-3

Individual contract arrangement involving students, faculty, and cooperating institutions to gain practical experience in an off-campus setting. Allows the student to apply advanced classroom learning. Prerequisite: Approval of the major adviser. Open only to theology and religion majors. Graded S or NC.

RELP 496 SENIOR SEMINAR 2

Reading, writing and discussion focused on applying the range of theological disciplines to practical problems faced by the pastor. Open only to senior theology majors.

SPCH 381 BIBLICAL PREACHING: FOUNDATIONS 2

See the Communications section of this bulletin.

SPCH 382 BIBLICAL PREACHING: EXPOSITION 2

See the Communications section of this bulletin.

SPCH 383 BIBLICAL PREACHING: EVANGELISM 2

See the Communications section of this bulletin.

THEOLOGY COURSES (RELT)

RELT 110 INTRODUCTION TO SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST BELIEF AND PRACTICE 4

A general introduction to the Adventist community in its historical and contemporary contexts. Not open to students with senior standing. Students who have taken RELT 202 are not eligible to take RELT 110 for credit.

RELT 201 THE CHRISTIAN WAY OF SALVATION 4

Study of the Christian offer of salvation as found through Jesus Christ and the church; considers not only the future, but also contemporary moral and social dimensions of salvation. Offered as needed.

RELT 202 CHRISTIAN BELIEFS 4

Study of Christian teachings and doctrines from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective; explores topics such as revelation, God, creation, Sabbath, human beings and sin, the person and work of Jesus, the nature and purpose of the church, salvation, and the Christian hope of the Second Advent. Prerequisite: One college-level religion course or permission of instructor. Students who take RELT 110 are not eligible to take RELT 202 for credit.

RELT 204 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ADVENTIST THOUGHT 4

Study of current ideas and issues in Adventist theology designed for those who have an adequate background in Adventist doctrine. Offered as needed.

RELT 326 SPIRITUALITY AND DISCIPLESHIP 4

Study of the dynamics of the Christian spiritual life as lived individually, in the church community, and in the world. Prerequisite: 6 hours of religion general studies credit.

RELT 340 SPIRITUAL CARE AND NURSING 4

Study of religion and its major role and function in life along with a practical application of religious ideas and practices as they pertain to people experiencing illness and suffering. Offered on the Portland campus.

RELT 342 ISSUES OF GOD AND FAITH 3

An intellectual defense of the Christian faith from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective. Students will look at the philosophical and experiential elements that undergird religious belief.

RELT 348 CHRISTIAN ETHICS 4

Study of the foundations and application of ethics to contemporary issues such as bioethics, sexuality, economics, violence, discrimination and the environment, with a focus on moral decision-making and behavior.

RELT 352 THE CHRISTIAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT 2

Exploration of issues, interests, strategies, and implications that arise from the intersection of environmental concerns and biblical creationism.

RELT 412 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION (or PHIL 412) 4

Study of religious thought and practice from a philosophical perspective; considers the arguments for the existence of God, the relationship of faith and reason, the use of religious language, and the problem of evil. See the History and Philosophy section of this bulletin.

RELT 417 INSPIRATION AND REVELATION 3

Study of the concept of inspiration as revealed in the Bible writers as compared to the concept of inspiration in modern times as revealed in the person and writings of Ellen G. White.

RELT 456, 457 SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY I, II 3, 3

An inquiry from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective into the major themes of Christian theology; introduces students to the process of theological thinking, including systematic reflection of one's own views. Open only to departmental majors. Prerequisites: RELH 455 and HIST 456 or permission of instructor.

RELT 495 COLLOQUIUM 0

Lecture series designed to enrich the professional and spiritual development of students in religion and theology, and create a sense of community within the School of Theology. All Religion and Theology majors must satisfactorily complete twelve colloquiums, at least two of which must be during the senior year. Requirement must be completed at least one quarter before graduation. Graded S or NC. Appropriate adjustments will be made for transfer students.

BIBLICAL LANGUAGES COURSES (GREK, HEBR, LANE, LATN)

GREK 231, 232, 233 GREEK I 3, 3, 3

Introduction to the elements of New Testament Greek with experience in translation. Language laboratory required. Prerequisites: A score at the 70 percentile on the ACT composite score and at the 70 percentile on the ACT English scores or successful completion of ENGL 121, 122.

GREK 331, 332 GREEK II 3, 3

Continued reading in Koine Greek with emphasis on intermediate level syntax and practice in translating selected passages from the Gospels, Acts, the New Testament Epistles, Revelation, and the Apostolic Fathers. Prerequisite: GREK 231, 232, 233, or their equivalent.

GREK 341 THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT 3

An introduction to the history and present development of the text of the New Testament, including how ancient manuscripts illuminate the social history of early Christianity. Topics include the spread of Christianity, doctrinal disputes, the oppression of women, Jewish-Christian relations, as well as differences between modern Bible translation; integration of textual analysis and translation of selected passages from Novum Testamentum Graece. Credit will not be allowed for both GREK 341 and RELB 441. Prerequisites: GREK 231 and GREK 232 or their equivalent. Offered even years only.

GREK 342 READINGS IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT 2; 8

Reading in selected sections of the Greek New Testament. Offered on request. Prerequisite: GREK 331, 332 or their equivalent.

GREK 344 THE GREEK OLD TESTAMENT 2

Translation of selected narrative portions from the Septuagint and comparison with the Masoretic Text. Also includes translation of selected portions of Hebrews with attention to Old Testament citations. Offered on request.

HEBR 331 HEBREW I 4

An introductory course to the grammar and vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew intended to enable the student to use the original language as a tool in Biblical studies.

HEBR 332 HEBREW II 4

Study of Hebrew grammar and syntax advancing to reading of selected biblical passages. Prerequisite: HEBR 331.

HEBR 333 HEBREW III 4

Advanced reading of selected passages from various sections of the Hebrew Bible and Modern Hebrew. Exegesis of biblical passages as time permits. Prerequisite: HEBR 332.

HEBR 451 READINGS IN HEBREW 2; 8

Selected reading in the various sections of the Hebrew Bible. Prerequisites: HEBR 332, 333.

LANE 460 LANGUAGES OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST 1-4; 8

Introduction to the elements of an ancient Near Eastern language, its vocabulary, grammar, syntax and cultural background. Departmental approval required.