• Basic Courses
• Intermediate and Advanced Biblical Studies Courses
• Intermediate Theological Studies Courses
• Religious Studies
• Other Courses and Seminars
• Graduate Courses
• January 2008 Interim & May 2008 Interim

Basic Courses

This course is a study of the Bible within its literary, historical, cultural, and canonical context in order to understand its central theological teachings. Staff.

A study of Christian theology in light of its historical development and ongoing significance, this course surveys the central teachings of the Christian Church as rooted in the Bible, formulated by key theologians, and summarized in the ecumenical creeds and Reformed confessions. Staff.

Intermediate and Advanced Biblical Studies Courses

Intermediate Biblical Studies Courses:

Pre-requisite for all 200 courses: Religion 121 or 131

A study of the first five books of the Bible. This course examines the accounts of creation, fall, Israel's ancestors, exodus, and giving of the Law. Theological issues explored include the nature of God, human beings, and the world, our covenantal relationship with God, and the presence of God in historical events. C. deGroot

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This course explores the Old Testament books of Joshua through 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah in terms of their literary features, historical settings, and theological themes. Particular attention is devoted to the prophetic character of these works, which provide a theological interpretation of Israel's history. R. Whitekettle

213 Psalms and Wisdom Literature (3). F

Students examine the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. The three focuses of the course are how to read poetry, the different categories of the Psalms and their interpretation, and the role of wisdom books in the Bible. R. Whitekettle.

The books of Old Testament prophetic literature are studied, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and selected minor prophets. Each book is considered in light of its literary characteristics and socio-historical context with a view to explicating the text's theological message and contemporary relevance. W. Lee

221 Synoptic Gospels and Acts (3). F and S.

This is a study of Matthew, Mark, and Luke-Acts. After dealing with introductory issues, this course examines the text and context of each book to discern its major themes. The relationship between the Synoptic Gospels and the historical Jesus are also considered. K. Pomykala

222Johannine Literature (3). F and S. Core.

This course studies the Fourth Gospel and 1-3 John. Students consider matters of introduction, historical context, interpretation of major themes and distinctive theological contributions. D. Crump

223Paul's Letters (3). F and S.

A study of Paul's letters with particular attention to their meaning within the context of the early Chrisian communities. D. Harlow.

224 Revelation and General Letters (3). F and S.

This course studies Revelation and the general letters, including Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, and Jude, in terms of their literary features, historical setting, theological emphases, and present relevance. D. Harlow

Advanced Biblical Studies Courses:

307 Interpreting the Bible (3).*

A study of the methods and principles of biblical interpretation. Various exegetical and hermeneutical approaches will be examined and evaluated in terms of their usefulness for understanding the meaning and message of the scriptures. Not offered 2007-08.

309 Biblical Theology (3). *F

A course in constructive biblical theology, focusing on central themes, the problem of the unity and diversity of scripture, the "center" of biblical revelation, and proper methodology. Issues are considered in the context of historic and recent attempts to construct a biblical theology. Pre-requisite: at least two course in biblical studies or permission of the instructor. D. Crump

311 History and Archaeology of Ancient Israel (3).*

A study of the history of ancient Israel from the patriarchs through Ezra in the context of recent research on this topic. This course will consider the sources for reconstructing the history of Israel, including the Old Testament, Ancient Near Eastern literary remains, and archaeological evidence, as well as appropriate methods for interpreting these sources. Pre-requisite: 121 or an intermediate biblical studies course. Not offered 2007-08.

313 When Women Read the Old Testament (3). *S

This course is the special topic for The Current Issues in Old Testament Studies course. In the last two decades, biblical interpretation by women and about women has blossomed and made significant contributions to the field of biblical studies. This course will study feminist approaches to the Old Testament and examine key passages relating to gender issues. Pre-requisite: 121 or an intermediate biblical studies course. C. de Groot

321 Intertestamental Judaism (3). *

A study of Jewish history, literature, and thought from 400 B.C. to A.D. 100, as a background for understanding the New Testament. Literature studied includes the Apocrypha and Dead Sea Scrolls. Pre-requisite: 121 or an intermediate biblical studies course. Not offered 2007-08.

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323 Christian Origins(3). *F

A historically-oriented study of selected topics on the origins of Christianity during the first century, this course studies such matters as the Jewish and Greco-Roman context of earliest Christianity, the historical Jesus, and the history and theology of the earliest Christian communities. Pre-requisite: 121 or an intermediate biblical studies course. K. Pomykala

Intermediate Theological Studies Courses

Intermediate Studies Courses:

Pre-requisite for all 200 courses: Religion 121 or 131

230 The Doctrine of Revelation (3). F.

This course is designed to help students to explore Reformed concepts of revelation in contemporary cultural context. Traditional models of general and special revelation, and models of biblical inspiration and authority will be explored and developed in the context of modern and post-modern concerns in philosophy, science, and non-Christian religions. J. Schneider.

231 The Doctrine of God (3). F and S.

This course is designed to enable students to examine Christian and Reformed concepts of God in considerable depth within the contexts of historical debates and modern discussions. Issues considered include the possibility and extent of human knowledge of God, evidence for God's existence, the attributes of God, and the nature of the Trinity. M. Lundberg.

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232 The Doctrine of Creation (3). F and S.

This course investigates Christian teaching about the creation of the world. Topics considered include the interpretation of Genesis 1 and 2, creation out of nothing, creation and evolution, the goodness of creation and the problem of evil, the image of God, the cultural mandate and the idea of stewardship, and the eclipse of creation in modern thought. T. R. Thompson

233 The Doctrine of Christ and Reconciliation (3). F and S.

The main goals of this course are to provide students with opportunity to examine and reflect upon historic and Reformed doctrines of the person and works of Christ in the contexts of contemporary analytic thought and current biblical theology. Topics include Christ as God and man in current discussion, New Testament Christology and the current debates, Reformed Christology in the making. J. Schneider.

234 The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Church (3). S

This course is a study of the biblical teachings, confessional formulations, theological reflections, and experiential impact of the universal and local church as the creation and manifestation of the Holy Spirit, as well as the attributes and ministries of the Church universal. A. Griffioen.

235 Eschatology (3). F and S.

Christian teachings concerning the end times and last things--their biblical basis, historical formulations, and contemporary relevance. Topics covered include the return of Christ, the final judgment, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life. Millennialist and dispensationalist issues are also critically analyzed both historically and theologically. T. R. Thompson.

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237 Christian Worship (3). S.

A study of the history, theology, and practice of Christian worship. This course examines the relationship between theology and worship by considering the biblical basis for worship, the history of Christian liturgy, and contemporary worship. Examples of sermons, baptismal and Lord's Supper practices, hymnody, prayers, dance, art, and architecture from both traditional and contemporary worship are studied. J. Witvliet

241 General Church History (3).

A survey of the history of the Christian church from its beginning to the present time, noting deviations from apostolic faith and practice, the interplay with the political, the great church councils, the crises that emerge, divisions and reunions, and the confluence of forces that determine the complexion of the Christian church today. Not to be taken if students have taken or plan to take Religion 243 or 244. Not offered 2007-08.

242 Christianity in America (3). *F

A consideration of the theology and religious history of America from the immigration period to the present. Attention is paid to the European background, early establishment of Christianity in America, the colonial era, revivalism and confessionalism, emergence of evangelicalism, fundamentalism and liberalism, and various 20th century movements, including current ecumenism. Major social and political developments and their influence upon the American religious scene will be considered throughout. A. Griffioen .

243 History of Christian Theology I (3). *S

This is a historically oriented study of Christian theology in the Patristic and Medieval periods (100-1500). Particular attention is paid to the development of key Christian doctrines such as the Trinity and the Incarnation and to questions such as the relationship between faith and reason. M. Lundberg

244 History of Christian Theology II (3). F and S

This is a historically oriented study of Christian theology in the Reformation and Modern periods (1500 to the present). Particular attention is paid to the development of key Christian doctrines such as justification, sanctification, and the church and to questions such as the relationship between faith and reason. S. McDonald .

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251 Christianity and Religious Plurality(3). F and S.

An examination of the relationship of Christianity to the religions of the world. An attempt is made to understand the phenomenon of religion from a theological perspective by investigating how various biblical and Christian writers have viewed Christianity's place in the religious history of the world. Special emphasis is placed on twentieth century attempts to confront the reality of religious pluralism. R. Plantinga.

Advanced Theological Studies Courses:

331 Theology: Theory and Method (3). *F

An investigation of the nature, task, and method of the discipline of systematic theology. A review of the pre-modern history of the concept of theology serves as a prelude to the focus of the course: the status of systematic theology in the post-Enlightenment period. Issues discussed include the relationships of theology to church, academy, and society. Thinkers and approaches dealt with include Schleiermarcher, Barth, Tillich, Lonegan, Pannenberg, revisionism, and post-liberalism. Pre-requisite: 131 or an intermediate theological studies course. R. Plantinga.

332 Theological Ethics (3).*S

A study of Christian moral theory and its application to selected cases. This course examines how diverse understandings of God's relationship to the creation inform how Christians think about the moral life. Ethical issues such as war, human sexuality and reproduction, death and dying, and the environment are analyzed in light of theological commitments. Pre-requisite: Biblical and Theological Foundations Core or permission of the instructor. Staff.

333 Studies of Roman Catholic Theology: Contemporary Catholic Theology (3). *

A sympathetic study of Roman Catholic theology, with particular attention to developments since the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). Topics include scripture and tradition; grace and justification; church, liturgy, and sacraments; ethics and the church in the modern world; death and the afterlife; Marian devotion; ecumenism; ecclesiastical authority and papal infallibility; and the pontificate of John Paul II. Pre-requisite: 131 or an intermediate theological studies course. Not offered 2007-08.

341 Studies in Early and Medieval Theology: Augustine and the Augustinian Tradition (3). *

Augustine is one of the greatest figures in the history of Christian theology. This course studies several of his major works and the consensus which developed around his thought throughout the middle ages. The calss begins with an in depth look at Augustinine, then surveys key Augustinians throughout the middle ages, culminating with a deeper look at two of the great 13th century theologians, Bonaventure and Aquinas, each of whom appropriates Augustine in a distinctive way. Pre-requisite: 131 or an intermediate biblical studies course. Not offered 2007-08.

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343 Studies in Reformation Theology (3).*

A study of selected doctrinal topics and central figures of the sixteenth century Protestant Reformation. Pre-requisite: 131 or an intermediate theological studies course. Not offered 2007-08.

345 Studies in Contemporary Theology (3). *S

A study of selected figures, movements, and doctrinal topics in twentieth century theology. Pre-requisite: Biblical and Theological Foundations Core, or permission of the instructor. T. R. Thompson .

Religious Studies

250 Introduction to the Study of Religion (3).

A thematic introduction to the phenomenon of religion in comparative perspective. Issues examined include the dichotomy between the sacred and the profane, the nature of religious experience and its various expressions in life, the significance of myth and ritual, and differing analyses of human existence. Attention is also given to questions about the origin, nature, and function of religion in human life and society, and to issues pertaining to the study of religion in the humanities and social sciences. D. Obenchain.

255 World Religions (3).* F and S.

An historical investigation of the nature of religion by examining the chief theories and practices of some of the world's major non-Christian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Islam. Emphasis is placed on each tradition's analysis of the basic human problem and the solution that it offers to the problem. Some attention is also paid to new, emergent religious movements and their relationship to older established traditions. Pre-requisite: One religion department course. D. Obenchain.

352 Judaism. (3).*

A study of the major developments in Jewish history, thought, and practice beginning with the second temple era and extending to the contemporary period. Subjects studied will include rabbinic Judaism and its literature--the Mishnah and the Talmuds, medieval Jewish philosophy and mysticism, emancipation, Zionism, the Holocaust, and North American Judaism. The question of Jewish-Christian dialogue will also be considered. Pre-requisite: One religion department course. Not offered 2007-08..

353 Islam (3).*

A historical and comparative study of Islam in its diverse regional and
cultural settings, including the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the West. Topics will include the life and times of Prophet Muhammad, the Quran, the division between Sunni and Shia, and the formation of the traditions of Hadit and Shariah. Prerequisite: one religion department course and sophomore or higher status. Not offered 2007-08.

354 Hinduism (3). *F

This course introduces Hindu religious traditions by examining Hindu mythology, philosophy and society from it s beginning to the present. Topics will include the law of karma, class structure, dharma, yoga, devotional traditions, liberation, modern reform movements and Hindu mythology as presented in its sacred texts, including the Vedic hymns, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita. Prerequisite: one religion department course and sophomore or higher status. D. Obenchain.

355 Buddhism (3). *S

A historical and doctrinal study of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, focusing on Buddhist views of the human predicament and its solution, and different teachings and Buddhists practices in various regions of Asia and the West. Other topics include the historical Buddha’s sermons, Buddhist psychology, cosmology, meditation, bodhisattvas, Pure Land and Zen. Prerequisite: one religion department course and sophomore or higher status. D. Obenchain.

Other Courses and Seminars

252 Introduction to Mission (3). S.

A general introduction to Christian Mission in biblical and historical perspective. This course surveys the biblical and theological foundations for mission, and the church's interpretation and implementation of the task of spreading the gospel. The methods, challenges, successes, and failures of Christain missionary activity will be considered. Pre-requisite: Religion 121 or 131. D. Obenchain.

295 Christianity and Culture (3). *

This course is a critical survey of models by which God's people have defined their relationship to the world, from Biblical times to the present, with a particular emphasis on the Reformed tradition. Special attention is given to the contemporary relevance of this discussion, both in terms of ways which different models are visible in today's world and in terms of ways that the Reformed model can be applied to present concerns. Pre-requisite: Biblical and Theological Foundations Core.

357 Religion and Education Seminar(3). *

A seminar in perspectives, principles, and practices in the teaching of religion on the secondary level. This course addresses a wide range of pedagogical issues that confront the teacher of biblical, theological, and religious materials in secondary teaching and requires a major curriculum project. This course should be taken concurrently with Education 346. Before taking Religion 357, students must complete Education 302/303, and 307.

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379 Research Topics in Christian Worship (3). *

Participation in collaboarative research on the theology, history, and practice of Christian worship. Topics are chosen in conjunction with the scholarly initiatives of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Enrollment open to qualified juniors and seniors. Pre-requisite: Biblical and Theological Foundations and permission of the instructor. Not offered 2007-08.

396 Religion Seminar(3). S.

An advanced seminar for senior majors in Religion and other qualified students. This course considers significant issues in biblical, theological, and religious studies and requires a major research paper. Pre-requisite: three electives in religion and for non-majors, permission of the instructor. Staff

Graduate Courses

510 Theological and Philosophical Hermeneutics (3).

This course is an intensive study of the theory and methods of biblical interpretation developed in the context of modern theology and philosophy. Questions about language and events, experience and significance, and authority and community comprise the core of this course. Staff.

580 Perspectives, Programs, and Practices in Bible and Religion Curriculum (3).

A study of various approaches in the schools to curriculum and teaching in biblical studies, church history, Reformed thought, and world religions. Consideration is given to the way fundamental differences of perspective on biblical Christianity influence the selection and use of curriculum designs, materials, and teaching techniques. Course content is adapted to the various grade levels of particular interest to enrollees. Staff.

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590 Independent Study. F, I, S. Staff.

January 2008 Interim & May 2008 Interim

Tentative List - A catalog with the descriptions of all interim courses is available after October 2007.

January 2008 Interim:

REL W40 Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust (3) K. Pomykala.

REL W41 Urban Missions in New York City, Off-Campus (3) J. Kooreman .

REL W42 Learning to Pray Like Jesus (3) D. Crump.

REL W40 Traditions of Worship in Japan, Off-Campus. (3) D. Obenchain

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