This page is part of the seminary catalog
Understanding the Christian Tradition
Course descriptions and scheduling are subject to change by administrative decision. See course offerings booklet for current offerings. Some courses will be offered on a two- or three-year rotation.
Theology (CTT)
510 Theology for Ministry (3 SH)
A course in which students develop their own views on three or four major theological themes (such as the person of Jesus Christ, justification by faith, the authority of scripture, church and state). Biblical foundations, important historical and contemporary formulations, and practical implications of these themes are explored. Prerequisite: CTH 500, CTH 510. (Meets requirement for MACL degree only.)
520 Anabaptism Today: Learning with Yoder and Hauerwas (also offered online) (3 SH)
John Howard Yoder articulated a compelling vision, attracting many around the globe to “the politics of Jesus.” Yoder demonstrated that the Anabaptist movement was fundamentally a new way of viewing Christian faith and life—including the centrality of Jesus, a re-imagining of church and world and a commitment to love both enemies and neighbors. This course focuses on the contemporary challenges of Anabaptism as mediated through Yoder and his most influential convert— Stanley Hauerwas.
600 Systematic Theology I (3 SH)
Systematic theology attempts to articulate in a coherent way the church’s claims regarding the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will examine the contexts, tasks, sources and norms of theology. We will also engage classic and contemporary teachings about the Triune God and the wondrous creation of a glorious Creator. Prerequisite: CTH 500, CTH 510.
610 Systematic Theology II (3 SH)
A continuation of Systematic Theology I, this course will cover the doctrines of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and eschatology. Always we will try to remember that the critical and constructive task of theological reflection is related to the life and practices of Christians living within the context of a world loved by God. Prerequisite: CTT 600.
620 The Believers Church (3 SH)
This course examines the theological vision, character, sociological shape and mission of the believers church. Biblical, Anabaptist and other free church antecedents are studied. Major attention is given to issues of renewal of the believers church vision.
630 Anabaptist Theology (3 SH)
This course is a descriptive and analytical study of sixteenth-century Anabaptist history and theology. We will look at a variety of issues such as peacemaking, discipleship, the church, and spirituality. The central purpose of the course is to help us better understand the relevance of the Anabaptist heritage for Christians today.
640 Christian Encounter with the Religious “Other” (3 SH)
Amid the rapid changes of religiously pluralist landscapes, Christians need special grace and skills to engage with many others whose religious truth claims, practices and goals for a spiritual life may differ dramatically from our own. We must develop guidance for mapping and evaluating such traditions (new or ancient, small or global) in light of biblical revelation across a wide spectrum that even ordinary members of local congregations may expect to encounter. By engaging in direct dialogue with persons from other world faiths and some new religious movements, students learn skills of confident witness in a framework of gentleness, respect and compassion.
660 Readings in Spiritual Classics (3 SH)
This course offers guidance for close readings and thoughtful exploration of some major texts within Christian spirituality from the early centuries of the church to the present. Additional readings by contemporary scholars whose work helps set the classical texts in their historical context of the Christian church and the development of spiritual understanding will also be assigned. Pre-requisite: Christian Tradition I and Introduction to Spiritual Guidance or permission of the instructor.
710 Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Life, Theology & Witness (3 SH)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life stands as an extraordinary witness against the backdrop of that long, dark night known as Nazi Germany. He is rightly well known for his popular and influential books, Discipleship and Life Together. However, this pastor, theologian and director of a seminary also penned numerous other writings in biblical studies, ethics, systematic and practical theology—as well as unforgettable letters from prison—that have etched his influence in large letters into the face of contemporary theology. This course reflects on Bonhoeffer’s life, theology and ongoing witness.
720 Contemporary Theological Issues (3 SH)
This course is a study of the themes, assumptions, methods, movements and/or debates within the broad and complex field of contemporary theology. This course will change each time it is offered, pursuing different themes and trajectories ( e.g. narrative, feminist, black, womanist, or postmodern theologies). Thus it may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: CTT 600 and CTT 610 or permission of the instructor.
Historical (CTH)
500 Christian Tradition I (4 SH)
An overview of ways in which the Christian church has attempted to live and express its faith in various cultures from the second century to the Reformation. Special attention is given to developments in worship and in theological reflection and to the significance of these in particular social and historical contexts. Additional resourcing in writing and research is provided for students at the beginning of their seminary studies.
510 Christian Tradition II (3 SH)
A continuation of Christian Tradition I, covering from the Reformation to the present. Attention is given to current social and cultural contexts and to ways in which worship and theological reflection might be carried on today. Prerequisite: CTH 500.
610 Prayer in the Christian Tradition (also offered online) (3 SH)
This course invites careful attention to the practices of corporate and personal prayer within the believing community from Old Testament times to the present. Experience of prayer, class discussion, readings, and course assignments will assist us in our discovery of the formative and transformative nature of the relational dialogue God enters into with us, and we with God.
620 Topics in the History of Christianity (3 SH)
Offerings of this course examine the development of the church in particular places and times around significant historical themes. Such offerings blend historical study with pastoral and ecclesial application.
640 Mennonite History (also offered online) (3 SH)
A study of the emergence and growth of Anabaptist-Mennonites from their origin in the 16th-century Reformation in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands to Russia, North and South America, and the third world. Attention is given to modern renewal movements in the tradition.
Ethics (CTE)
This course trains students in the use of Biblical and theological resources for moral discernment, with emphasis on case studies. We focus on the Christian church as a community of moral discourse and decision making, with practices that translate the Biblical witness into clear guidance and formation of Christian character.
710 Ethics and Nonviolence: Sermon on the Mount (also offered online) (3 SH)
The teachings of Jesus have reached across many centuries with a strong witness against violence: “Love your enemies.” People in many cultures have found the Sermon on the Mount foundational for understanding the core of Jesus’ ethical teaching and practice. The earliest Christians placed this instruction at the forefront of their witness on what it means to be Christian. Are we willing to be instructed in this way of Christ today, as the movement takes form in the third millennium? This course builds on the Old Testament Jewish backgrounds for Jesus’ teaching. Two further horizons are surveyed: the resonance with this core (Matthew 5-7) in other ethical instruction of the New Testament, and the strong echoes down through Christian history where this teaching has been translated into lived practices.
730 Human Sexuality in Theological Perspective (3 SH)
We live in a time of substantial confusion regarding sexual beliefs and behaviors. Such a context calls for theological clarity about sexuality for those providing church leadership. This course will engage students in theological reflection about the meaning and purpose of human sexuality from a Christian perspective. In conversation with biblical, historical and contemporary writings, this course will challenge participants to articulate the sexual theology that informs their ministry and practice.
Biblical Foundations for Peacemaking (3 SH)
Churches and Social Transformation (3 SH)
See CM 730.
Issues in Peacemaking (3 SH)
See CM 720.
