Cranmer Theological House

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Our programs of study…

1. SACRED MINISTRY PROGRAM (3 Years)

     The three-year Sacred Ministry Program is the cornerstone of CTH. This program prepares students for ordained ministry with a course of study in three departments: Holy Scripture, Church History, and Theology and Worship.

     Over a third of the program is concentrated in the area of Holy Scripture. In order for students to carry out their ordination requirements to preach the Word of God, they must know the Scriptures. To this end, Biblical languages are staple fare. In addition to introductory courses on history, background, and hermeneutics, students receive training in all of the books of the Old and New Testaments.

     The Department of Church History consists of three general history courses (Patristic, Medieval, Reformation and Modern) designed to lay a proper historical foundation for interpreting the Scriptures and for an understanding of the history of Christianity from the first century to the present. One additional course, Anglicanism, pays particular attention to the history of the Anglican tradition.

     The Department of Theology and Worship is divided into five Divisions or concentrations covering all of the major doctrines of Christianity as outlined in the historic creeds: the doctrine of Scripture and the science of interpretation, apologetics, moral theology, liturgics, and pastoral theology. There is an emphasis on the doctrine of God (Holy Trinity) and the person of Christ, areas that are sorely needed today when each person creates a god after his/her own image to worship. The “openness” of God movement is challenging the orthodox concept of God, and the kenotic view of Christ is denying Chalcedon, saying that He may have been God in the incarnation but that He did not function as such. Each course is taught on the basis of the authority of Scripture as understood within the framework of the Thirty-Nine Articles in an attempt to lay an orthodox doctrinal foundation in the life of the student. But the truly unique feature of this program is the approach to the discipline of pastoral care, or the “cure of souls,” which is taught from a Scriptural and sacramental perspective. Students are also introduced to the historical and theological rationale for the classical versions of the Book of Common Prayer, as well as the pastoral, liturgical, and practical dimensions of parish leadership. There is also a heavy emphasis placed on preaching. Students are required to take Homiletics each year, and sermons are videotaped in a classroom context for “self-evaluation,” as well as being critiqued by both faculty and peers.

Requirements:

The Sacred Ministry Program is a three-year program requiring 130 credit hours. The required core courses are listed below, and their descriptions are found later in this catalog.

Sacred Ministry Program (3 years)

Department Divisions, Required Courses, and Credits (in Quarter Hours)

2. THEOLOGICAL STUDIES PROGRAM (2 Years)

    The two-year Theological Studies Program requires a minimum of 76 credit hours. The Theological Studies Program is designed specifically for the student who seeks ministry in the church but does not necessarily seek ordination, though in some cases the program may satisfy the ordination requirements of some denominations. It differs from the Sacred Ministry Program not only in length of time, but also in not requiring Greek or Hebrew and at least seven elective courses which can be obtained either by directed study, additional core courses, or by additional language study, Homiletics, or Liturgical Practice.

Requirements:

Though a specific concentration is not required, successful candidates may have one of three areas of concentration indicated on their graduate diploma: Old Testament (Hebrew required), New Testament, or Church History. The course of study consists of core subjects selected from all three years of the Sacred Ministry program as follows:

Theological Studies Program (2 years)

 Courses Required for All Concentrations (46 credits)

Third Year Option (Theological Studies)

      Qualifying students who, due to the lack of a prior bachelor’s degree, were initially accepted into the two-year Theological Studies Program rather than the three-year Sacred Ministry Program may apply and be accepted into the Sacred Ministry Program at the conclusion of their second full year of study. Qualification is dependent upon, but is not limited to, the student’s achievement of a GPA of at least 2.0 or “B” (according to a 3.0 point grading system) at the conclusion of their second year.

3. SACRED THEOLOGY PROGRAM (1 year)

      The Sacred Theology Program is a one to two year program open only to those who already possess the M.Div. degree or, in some cases, the B.D. degree, or the nearest equivalent. The program also assumes a graduate level of proficiency in the biblical languages, though a candidate may be admitted to the program on condition of further language study. The Sacred Theology Program is especially recommended to those wishing to pursue an intensive course in Anglican studies subsequent to the completion of ministerial training (usually at a non-Anglican seminary), either to fulfill the requirements for Anglican /Episcopal ordination, or in preparation for further academic pursuits. The Thesis Option is open only to select CTH graduates who have demonstrated superb writing and research skills as an ideal way to cap off one’s regular ministerial training or to prepare for further academic study. In all cases the candidate is required to submit a thesis proposal in writing at least eight months prior to the expected date of graduation. The topic must be approved by the Academic Dean and the Faculty-Supervisor under whom the candidate intends to work, and must be in some area of inquiry in which the candidate has not worked before. CTH will retain a copy of the thesis upon its successful submission. All students must go through the normal application procedure prior to admission.

Thesis Option (CTH Graduates):

      The CTH graduate may enter the Sacred Theology Program immediately upon the completion of the Sacred Ministry Program (or in some cases the Theological Studies Program). The Thesis Option involves the research and writing of a faculty-supervised thesis of not less than twenty-five thousand words, and the successful oral defense of that thesis before a board of at least two approved examiners. No additional course work or residency is required.

4. DIRECTED STUDIES

     Students may from time to time elect or be required to fulfill part of their normal core course requirements by means of directed or independent study, especially when scheduling conflicts occur. Directed study elective credits are also available to students who wish to pursue in-depth studies of certain topics.

5. DISTANCE STUDIES

     We are developing studies that you can do at a “distance.” Though we are committed to studying together personally (principle of formation), we recognize that some will need to do some work at home. To this end, we have some audio studies on CD ROM and some video on DVD that can be done at a distance either for credit or just as an audit. (See the web site for more information such as what is available and the cost: www.cranmerhouse.org.)

The 2007 – 2008 Cranmer House Lectureships…

The Rev. Benjamin Bernier, Adjunct Lecturer in Christian Education and Philosophy, CTH.
B.A., M.A., University of Puerto Rico; Ph.D. Candidate, Lancaster University.

The Very Rev. Dr. Curtis I. Crenshaw, Dean and Professor (Dept. Chair) of Holy Scripture, CTH
B.A., Crichton College; Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; Th.D., Whitefield Theological Seminary.

The Rt. Rev. Royal U. Grote Jr., Bishop Ordinary, Diocese of Mid-America (REC); Lecturer in Dogmatic Theology. Diploma, Reformed Episcopal Seminary; Th.B., International Seminary; D. Litt., Central School of Religion; D.D., Reformed Episcopal Seminary; D.D., Cummins Theological Seminary.

The Very Rev. Frank M. Levi, Adjunct Professor of Apologetics and Ethics, CTH.
B.A., Indiana Wesleyan University; M.A., Wheaton College

The Rt. Rev. Daniel R. Morse, Missionary Bishop, Diocese of the Central States (REC), Professor in Old Testament. M. Div. Reformed Theological Seminary; further study of Hebrew in Jerusalem, D.D., Cranmer Theological House.

The Rev. Canon James Payne, M.Div., Rector of St. Thomas of Canterbury, Houston, TX, and Canon to the Ordinary of the Diocese of Mid-America (REC).

The Rt. Rev. Ray R. Sutton, B.F.A., Th.M., Th.D., Ph.D., D.D. Suffragan Bishop, Diocese of Mid-America (REC).

Other Lecturers: CTH will frequently call upon other gifted lecturers and scholars to augment its program throughout the year, or during the course of a three-year cycle. Among these are the following:

The Rt. Rev. John Fenwick, Ph.D., Bishop in Free Church of England, professor in church history.

The Rt. Rev. George B. Fincke, B.A., M.Div., D.D. Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Mid-America.

The Rt. Rev. Leonard W. Riches, A.B., M.Div., D.D. Presiding Bishop and Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic (REC).

The Rev. Dr. Rodney A. Whitacre, B.A., M.T.S., Ph.D., D.D. New Testament Professor, Trinity Episcopal School of Ministry.

Admissions, Procedures, and Policies…

Application for Ecclesiastical Programs

Are we accredited? Cranmer Theological House is not accredited by any secular accrediting organization, governmental agencies, or theological accrediting associations. We are accredited by the Theological Commission of the Reformed Episcopal Church, relying on our origination in 1873 for our legitimacy and on the integrity of the Reformed Episcopal Church.

Cranmer Theological House is a theological institute under the auspices of the Reformed Episcopal Diocese of Mid-America, the office and headquarters of which are located in Houston, TX. CTH does not directly offer or confer civil academic degrees on the authority of the State of Texas. Successful graduates of CTH are awarded the appropriate titles and licensure of their qualifications directly by the Reformed Episcopal Diocese of Mid-America under the direction of the Theological Commission of the REC. Our credits are widely accepted by most institutions and denominations for ordination, but there is no guarantee of such. We currently have several graduates doing PhD work both in the USA (Drew University) and in England (Lancaster, Durham, and Oxford), but our program is primarily designed for the pastoral ministry, not for academic pursuits.

Theological Studies Program (2 years): Applicants for the Theological Studies Program leading to L.T.S. (Licentiate in Theological Studies) do not need to hold a prior earned Bachelor degree. CTH will accept up to 45 credit hours for the L.T.S. candidacy from other approved institutions provided that the course work is comparable.

Sacred Ministry Program (3 years): Applicants for the Sacred Ministry Program leading to the L.S.M. (Licentiate in Sacred Ministry, what most call the M.Div.) must normally hold a prior earned Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) or its equivalent from an accredited or approved college or university. In some cases, students over thirty without a prior bachelor’s degree may be awarded “life experience” as the basis for admission. CTH will accept up to 90 credit hours for this Licentiate as transfer credits from other approved institutions, provided that the course work is comparable.

Sacred Theology Program (1-2 years): Applicants for the Sacred Theology Program leading to the L.T.M. (Licentiate in Theology Master) must already hold the M.Div. degree or, in some cases, the B.D. degree, or the nearest equivalent. The program also assumes a graduate level of proficiency in the biblical languages, though a candidate may be admitted to the program on condition of further language study. Normally speaking, no transfer credits shall apply.

Certificate in Anglican Studies (1 year): Applicants must already hold the M.Div. degree, or, in some cases, the B.D. degree, or the nearest equivalent.

Deadlines and Application Procedures

Application Requirements: Each application requires: (1) complete transcripts from all colleges and/or post-secondary schools attended; (2) three letters of reference including a pastor’s reference as specified on the admissions forms; (3) an autobiographical statement; (4) an on-campus interview (can be waived in some cases); (5) a non-refundable application fee of $50.

 Students may apply at anytime throughout the year, and matriculate at the beginning of any course. However, early application and matriculation is strongly encouraged. A student applying for September should plan to complete his/her application by August 1 if possible.

Materials submitted by an applicant for admission purposes are not returnable to the applicant regardless of the admission decision. Also note that CTH does not release copies of such materials to a third party without written consent of the original sender.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, gives enrolled students access to information contained in their student file for which they did not waive access. Applicants may waive the right to see reference letters and thereby assure complete confidentiality to the writers of their letters. This waiver is voluntary, and the recommendation form gives students the opportunity to state their choice.

Transfer Credit: Students transferring from other approved institutions of higher learning may be given appropriate credit for work done, as determined by the Academic Dean. Transfer credit may be accepted for comparable course work taken at an approved theological seminary or related graduate program in which the student has earned a grade of “B” or better. A written request for transfer credit should accompany the admission application. Such credit is decided on an individual basis. All questions concerning the transferability of credit should be referred to the Academic Dean.

Audit Policy for Spouses: Spouses of students may audit any course free. If credit is desired, registration is required and the ordinary fees apply.

Independent Study: Any student who has demonstrated exceptional academic ability and responsibility may request an independent study, especially in the case of scheduling difficulties. Such a request is made to the appropriate instructor pending the approval of the Academic Dean.

Leave of Absence and Re-Admittance: Any student who takes a leave of absence may resume studies without reapplying, provided the leave is not longer than three years.

Orientation: Each school year begins with an orientation program that introduces new students to life at CTH and begins to integrate them into the institution’s community.

Length of Study: The length of study for any of the licentiate degree candidacies is ordinarily not to exceed seven years without special permission.

Non-discrimination Policy: CTH admits students regardless of sex, race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities of the school. CTH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, or other programs.

Denominational Affiliation: There is no denominational “test” for admission to CTH. Students from any faithful Christian fellowship are welcome. A variety of denominational affiliations enrich our institution family, and each is respected.

Deportment and Dress Code: Students and faculty are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner. While there is no set attire, students are expected to dress neatly when on campus. Students serving in chapel are expected to wear the appropriate attire as determined by the officiating minister. Normally speaking, only clergy (deacons, priests, and bishops) are permitted to wear full clerical attire, including clerical collar and pectoral cross. However, postulants for the ministry who provide clear evidence of permission from their respective ecclesiastical jurisdictions are encouraged to wear a “seminarian’s collar,” i.e., a regular clerical shirt or rabat along with a standard white collar that has been clearly marked with a thin vertical black line beneath the larynx. Evidence of such permission should be given to the Dean prior to wearing the attire.

Tuition and Fees…

Tuition costs are subject to change by the beginning of each academic year (September).All tuition costs and fees must be paid before a student can graduate.

Standard Tuition: Full-time residential tuition for all programs is currently $3500.00 per year, payable on a ten-month basis at $350.00 per month for ten months. In some cases, one can pay over a twelve month schedule. This price includes all regular course work, language courses, practicums and any additional directed studies that the student may wish to take. A full-time student is defined as a resident student enrolled in any given academic year in at least 6 core, directed study, or language courses, or one who enrolls during the course of the academic year and intends to assume a typical full-time schedule (tuition to be calculated pro rata).

Part-time Tuition: Part-time Theological Studies or Sacred Ministry students (less than 6 courses in an academic year) pay by the course. The cost is currently set at $450.00 per course, or $150.00 per credit for a 3-credit course.

“Thesis-Year” (Sacred Theology students only): In their second or “thesis” year, Sacred Theology students pay $475 upon the submission of a thesis proposal, and a continuance fee of $200 for each academic year thereafter until the completion of the program. CTH graduates pursuing the Thesis-Option pay the initial $475 submission fee in the first year, and the $200 continuance fee after 18 months (and on each calendar year thereafter until the program is completed.)

Minimum Residency Requirement: The minimum residency requirement for a successful completion of the Theological Studies or Sacred Ministry Programs is one year. The maximum amount of credit that may be obtained via directed or independent study may not exceed one third of the total number of credits needed to graduate.

Tuition Discounts: A 10% discount applies to any student who pays in advance for all course work in a given academic year, payable on the first day of the month in which the student begins classes. Otherwise tuition payments are due on the first day of each month. A late fee of $3.00 per day will be assessed for payment after the first day of the month. If after two weeks the student has not paid, he/she will not be permitted to attend class. All outstanding fees and tuition must be brought current before a student is permitted to return to class. No transcript will be sent to any school until all tuition and fees are paid.

Refund Policy: If for any reason a student does not finish any part of a course or ecclesiastical program, all or part of the remaining balance of paid tuition may, subject to certain conditions outlined below, be refunded. Any course in which a student may be currently enrolled at the time of withdrawal is subject to a partial refund (pro rata). A refund of the student’s tuition and fees will be given only after one or more of the following conditions are met:

·        The student officially resigns from the school by submitting a letter of resignation to the Academic Dean.

·        Cranmer House expels, suspends, or otherwise cancels the student’s registration.

·        The student (if paying by course) officially withdraws from one or more classes.

Refund Schedule:

·       100% of all applicable tuition and fees if one of the above actions occurs before the commencement of classes, or the applicable balance (see below) if the actions occur after the commencement of classes.

·        80% of the cost of any core or directed study course from after the commencement of that course up to a quarter of its specified lecture hours or contracted duration.

·       60% of the cost of any core or directed study course from after the quarter-point up to the halfway point of its specified lecture hours or contracted duration.

·        40% of the cost of any core or directed study course from the halfway point through to the three-quarter point of its specified lecture hours or contracted duration.

·        No refund applies after the three-quarter point of the specified lecture hours or contracted duration of a course.

·        All refunds are subject to a $25.00 administration charge.

Full-time students who have paid all or part of their annual or overall tuition in advance will be refunded any balance remaining of the uncompleted program provided that the above guidelines are met.

Other Fees:

(1)   Language Proficiency Exams: $75.00 per exam (if applicable).

(2)   Sacred Theology Oral Exam Fee (viva voce): $100.00.

(3) Graduation Fee: $50.00. Note: an additional fee will be required for the purchase of an academic hood.

Awards and Graduation…

     CTH maintains collaborating ties with Central School of Religion in the United Kingdom (CSR), and thus may prepare students for candidacies in CSR degree programs and/or admission into CSR membership.In this way qualified students receive the endorsement of CTH for the following CSR degree program candidacies: the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)—a two-year level degree; the Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.)—a three-year level degree for those without a prior earned Bachelor’s degree; the Master of Divinity (M.Div.)—a three-year level degree for those who hold a prior earned Bachelor degree; and the Master of Theology (M.Th.)—a one- to two-year graduate level (i.e., post-M.Div.) program.A brief prospectus on CSR is provided below.

Associated and Collaborating Schools in the United Kingdom…

Central School of Religion, UK. Founded in 1896 as a non-profit institution, CSR functions as a theological society offering programs of study leading to Bachelor, Master, and Doctor diplomas in Theology and Church Music to qualifying candidates. Membership of the Society is open to those who wish to support its objectives, and senior members may be admitted as Associates, Corresponding Members, and Fellows of the Central School of Religion. CTH graduates wishing to pursue the academic degree options or further graduate study are strongly encouraged to become members of CSR.

CSR (UK) is a member of the Association of Centres of Adult Theological Education, the premier fraternity of Theological Colleges and Institutions in the United Kingdom. CSR is also a collaborating Institution of the University of Brighton and may prepare students for research degrees of M.Phil. and Ph.D. conferred by the University. The University of Brighton received its Royal Charter in 1993, building on a long tradition of higher education in the town from which it takes its name.

President of CSR (UK): His Grace, the Archbishop of Dublin (Church of Ireland).

Dean-Chaplain: The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Mark N. Gretason, B.A., M.Th., M.Phil., Ph.D., D.D.

Director of Studies: Dr. Judith Pinnington, M.A., D.Phil. (Oxon), D.D., Honorary Reader in Theology.

Executive Council of CSR (UK): The Dean-Chaplain; the Rev. Dr. M.R. Cochlin, M.A., Hon.Th.D., B.Th., S.Th. (Lambeth); and the Rev. Dr. R. Britton, M.A., Ed.D., Ph.D.

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Life at Cranmer House…

The City of Houston, Texas: Near the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and within an hour’s drive of the beach resort town of Galveston, Texas, the city of Houston offers all the amenities of life in the Southwest United States with a metropolitan flare. With a population of over 4,000,000 including the surrounding suburbs, Houston is the fourth largest city in the USA. As such it offers the finest shopping, recreation, and historical sites, along with a wide range of activities for the entire family. Yet each neighborhood and subdivision still maintains the friendliness and feeling of a small, close-knit town or community. The Greater Houston area represents a variety of cultures—Hispanic, Cajun, Southern, Southwestern, transplanted “Yankee,” and of course dyed-in-the-wool Texan—making for colorful history and many fine restaurants. The area is suited for family life at a moderate cost of living.

Worship/Chapel: Chapel is held before our regular weekend classes. Worship is a high priority at CTH. Students and faculty value a worshipful and reverent atmosphere. Our goal is to produce students who are fervent worshipers, adept worship leaders, and articulate teachers of the importance of worship. Every opportunity is taken to foster a life of worship. The historic Book of Common Prayer is the core of CTH’s Biblical worship of God. Students participate in leading worship and preaching, under the guidance of the faculty. Attendance is expected from all students except for serious cause. Chapel is also part of Middler and Senior Liturgical Practice throughout the year.

Employment: Students are encouraged to seek outside employment if necessary to meet their personal and family financial needs. However, the scheduling of classes and other school activities cannot be contingent on individual work schedules. Also matters and agreements relating to outside employment are made between the student and his employer, and do not directly involve the school.

Spiritual Formation: While excellent academic performance is expected, we do not believe our students are successful unless they also exhibit spiritual growth. Stimulating spiritual maturity in all students is the goal of Cranmer House life, the professors, and every course. Our highest priority is to establish every student as a growing disciple of Christ.

Facilities: At present, until a more permanent residence can be acquired in the Houston area, Cranmer Theological House is sharing the facilities with a Christian day school.

Other Library Privileges: It is highly recommended that students make ample use of the excellent theological collections located in the city of Houston, specifically the Doherty Library of St. Thomas University, the Cardinal Beren Library of St. Mary’s Seminary, and the library at Rice University. In some cases lending privileges are obtainable, and instructions and directions are provided at student orientation.

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Course Descriptions

DEPARTMENT OF HOLY SCRIPTURE

Old Testament Division

OT 508 Old Testament Introduction: General survey of the canonical books of the Old Testament, with an overview and critique of the major critical theories in OT studies. Special attention is paid to the historical reliability of the biblical texts and to the NT fulfillment.

OT 604 Pentateuch: Study of and introduction to the first five books of the Bible, tracing the Biblical theology of God’s covenant of grace as it unfolds in the lives of the Patriarchs and in these five books. Special attention is given to the Genesis accounts of the creation and the fall and to the bibli is given to the nature and purpose of the OT histories, the message of each book, and how each book contributes to the OT development of the coming of Messiah.

OT 701 Prophets (Isaiah – Malachi): Study of and introduction to prophetism in the Old Testament. Special consideration is given to the examination of the texts of the major- and minor- Prophetical Books in light of their historical and sociological settings. Theological issues and principles of prophetic interpretation are also considered along with the application of these books to the Church and society of today.

OT 702 Poetic Books (Job – Song of Solomon): Study of and introduction to the unique style and role of poetry in the Hebrew canon, especially the books Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations. Special consideration is given to the theological, devotional, and didactic significance of these books.

OT 703 Leviticus and Hebrews: This course brings together the Old Testament and New Testament emphasis on the tabernacle, offerings, sacrifices, sufficiency of the death of Christ, priesthood, and the one people of God. It also gives an interpretive model for the unity of the Bible.

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New Testament Division

NT 502 New Testament Introduction: Introduction to the 27 canonical books of the New Testament along with a survey of the cultural background of the NT. Special consideration is given to the study of the development and definition of the NT canon. Recent studies and NT criticism in modern times are also considered along with the message of each book.

NT 503 Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John): Study of and introduction to the Gospels of the New Testament with reference to the Greek texts.Special consideration is given to the origin of the Gospels, noting both early Church tradition and modern theories (Synoptic Problem), their styles and structure, and how they fit into the Bible as a whole.

NT 705 Catholic Epistles (James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude): Study of and introduction to those New Testament epistles addressed to the whole (or Catholic) Church in distinction from those sent to particular churches. The background, contents, structure and theology of each epistle are introduced. Special consideration is given to the theological importance of 1-3 John, the social setting and teaching of James, and the relationship between 1 and 2 Peter to each other and to the Epistle of Jude.

NT 706 Acts and Pauline Epistles (Acts to Philemon): Study of and introduction to the corpus of St. Paul’s epistles alongside their historical contexts set forth in the Book of Acts. Special consideration is given to St. Paul’s use of the epistolary style, as well as the historical occasion, context and culture of behind each epistle. The largest amount of time will be spent on the Book of Romans as a summary of Pauline thought and its historic importance in the Western Church.

Book of Revelation: (covered in Dogmatics III)

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Biblical Languages Division

BL 506, 507 Greek I, II: Introduction to the essentials of Greek vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. The goal is to bring each student to an elementary reading ability in simple Greek as well as a proficiency to use the tools available to the parish minister.

BL 509 Greek III – Advanced Greek: Practical introduction to the exegesis of the Greek New Testament with special attention to methodology and bibliography.The software program Bible Works is required. Prerequisite: Greek 1 & 2.

BL 604, 605 Hebrew I, II: Introduction to the essentials of Hebrew orthography, grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.The goal is to provide the student with the grammatical and lexical skills necessary to read the simpler sections of the Hebrew Scriptures along with a proficiency in the use of the essential tools.

BL 606 Hebrew III – Advanced Hebrew: Practical introduction to the exegesis of the Hebrew Old Testament, with special attention to methodology and bibliography. The software program Bible Works is required. Prerequisite: Hebrew 1 & 2.

Biblical Studies Division

BS 501 Bible Studies Method: This course is for those students who will not take Greek or Hebrew, and teaches the student how to do Bible study with limited access to Greek and Hebrew dictionaries, good commentaries, context, thought flow analysis, and more.

BS 502 Scripture and Hermeneutics: Introduction to the doctrine of Holy Scripture as the inspired, infallible Word of God with special attention to the general rules and principals of interpretation. The history of interpretation is also considered.

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DEPARTMENT OF CHURCH HISTORY

General History Division

CH 502 Patristic Church History: Introductory survey and analysis of the development of the early Christian Church covering the patristic era from the sub-apostolic age through the Ante-Nicene and Post-Nicene fathers.

CH 603 Medieval: Survey of the continuing development of the Church from the patristic period into the Middle Ages.Philosophical and theological controversies will also be examined, along with early reform movements in the years leading up to the Reformation.

CH 703 Reformation and Modern: Particular focus is placed on the life and work of Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and Cranmer, as well as events leading up to the Reformation.

AS 501 Anglicanism: In-depth examination of the origins and development of Christianity in Britain. Special attention will be given to the early British saints, Roman subjugation of the British Church, the English Reformers, the Elizabethan Settlement, Puritanism, Caroline Divinity, the Non-Jurors, Tractarianism, and modern controversies in the Anglican Communion.

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DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGY & WORSHIP

Dogmatic Theology Division

DT 505 Doctrines of God and Christ: Examination of the Scriptural, creedal, historical, theological, and pastoral issues of the Doctrines of God and Christ. Special consideration will be given to the Holy Trinity and the fundamental Christological definitions of the ecumenical councils, in view of developing an apologetic against the various heresies of the past (e.g., Docetism, Arianism, Nestorianism, etc.) along with their modern counterparts (e.g., Kenoticism, etc.)

DT 601 Doctrines of Man, Sin, and Salvation: Scriptural, creedal, historical, theological, and pastoral examination of the Doctrines of Man, Sin, and Salvation. Mankind as the image of God, the extent and meaning of the fall, vocation, predestination, atonement, faith, regeneration, justification, and glorification are the primary subjects of this course.

DT 704 Church, Sacraments, and Eschatology: Part One is an examination of the biblical language, imagery, and theology of the Church (i.e, Ecclesiology) laying the foundation for a consideration what has been described as the great “notes” or marks of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. Part Two presents the concerns of General Eschatology, namely the immortality of the soul, the intermediate state, the resurrection of the body, the second advent of Christ, eternal punishment, and the glory and rewards of heaven.

DT 602 Thirty-Nine Articles: An overview of the historic doctrinal formulary of the Church of England and its importance to the greater Anglican tradition, with primary emphasis on the interpretation of the Thirty-Nine Articles. Also, compares and contrasts the Articles with other Reformation confessions.

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Philosophy of Religion Division

PR 604 Introduction to Moral Theology: Introduction to the subject of moral theology – i.e., the Biblical, philosophical and historical approaches to ethics and morality in the Church. Special consideration will be given to an examination of the Ten Commandments.

PR 703 Christian Apologetics: Introduction to the history of and methodologies used in the defense of the Christian faith as practiced from the earliest days of Christianity to the present. Special consideration will be given to various Christian approaches such as Thomism, natural theology, presuppositionalism and so forth, as contrasted with rationalism, existentialism, empiricism, and logical positivism, etc. The goal of the course is to familiarize the student with the tools of logic to produce a balanced, rational apology for the Christian hope.

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Liturgical Studies Division

LS 503 Liturgics: Introduction to the nature and elements of Divine worship from a Biblical, theological, and historical perspective. Special consideration is given to the general principles of Divine worship drawn from the Old and New Testaments, along with a survey of liturgical theology and history up to the Book of Common Prayer.

LS 502, 503, 504 Homiletics – 2 credits each: Practical introduction to the science and art of preaching and public speaking. Both classroom critique and video-taping will be used to evaluate a student’s style and effectiveness. Practicums will be done during chapels. This course is graded on a “Pass/Fail” basis.

LS 501, 601, 701 Liturgical Practice – 1 credit each: Mentored training and actual liturgical practice in conjunction with regular chapel services. Special emphasis will be given to learning and practicing lay reading and serving. Occasional special seminars may be scheduled.

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Pastoral Theology Division

PT 502 Spirituality: Survey of and introduction to various classical Christian works from the past with a focus on the spiritual life and well-being of pastors and other church leaders in the present.Special consideration will be given to seeking a balance between the place of the intellect, experience, this world, and the world to come with the goal to introduce students to an approach to ministry as spiritual director and not simply as program manager.

PT 602 Marriage and Family: Exploration of the Biblical, liturgical, and pastoral aspects of Holy Matrimony and the Christian family. Special consideration is given to the examination of the whole range of relational dynamics from engagement and pre-marital relationship, the service of Holy Matrimony, having and rearing children, the ethics of birth control, and spousal and parent/child relationships, and so forth.

PT 603 Evangelism & Mission: Introduction to the Biblical and theological basis for parochial outreach, evangelism and worldwide missions. Special consideration is given to the essential elements of evangelization and Christian initiation, involving not only the accurate proclamation of the Word, but also the acceptance of the Gospel claims entailing conversion, profession of faith, sacramental incorporation (Baptism, Confirmation), and admission to Eucharistic communion.

PT 704 Cure of Souls: Introduction to the content, skills, and responsibilities involved in a call to assume holy orders building upon the foundation of the “classical” sacramental economy.Other models of ministry will also be considered and contrasted with the classical approach in light of Scripture, theology, and history to show the unique role of the pastor in the care and nurturing of soulsThis is the how-to-pastor course.

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