BIB 500. Introduction to Graduate Studies. 3 hours. F., Sp.
The student is introduced to graduate level education with "hands-on" experience in the use of library resources and tools needed for effective research and writing including proper documentation of research projects. The student must take this course in the first or second regular semester of his enrollment.
BIB 507. Dead Sea Scrolls. 3 hours. F.
A study of the Dead Sea Scrolls in their historical, literary, and cultural context. Special attention will be given to Jewish sectarianism, biblical text, canon, and interpretation, and early Christian backgrounds.
BIB 508. Intertestamental Period. 3 hours. F.
This course seeks to present an introduction to the religious, social, economic, and political situation of the Biblical world during the period 400 BC-100 BC.
BIB 509. Prophets I: PreExilic. 3 hours. F.
A study of selections from the writings of the pre-exilic prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Jonah, and Nahum. Major prophetic themes are emphasized along with the study of the nature and work of the prophets. (Text course.)
BIB 510. Prophets II: Post-Exilic. 3 hours. Sp.
Studies in the text of the exilic and post-exilic prophets: Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Obadiah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. The cultural and theological impact of the exile is emphasized, along with the historical and theological backgrounds of the prophets. (Text course.)
BIB 511. Seminar in Genesis. 3 hours. Sp. Even years.
A preliminary to the Law of Moses, Genesis introduces the entire redemptive covenant message of Scripture. This Old Testament course probes the text and theology of this crucial book as foundational for understanding the life and thought of the ancient Hebrews. (Text course.)
BIB 512. Old Testament Wisdom Literature. 3 hours. F.
An overview of the themes and theology of the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon followed by exegesis of select passages from each book. Special attention is given to the poetic nature of this literature, as well as to its relationship to cognate literature from the ancient Near East. (Text course.)
BIB 514. Seminar in Job. 3 hours. Sp. Odd years.
This Old Testament text study probes the historical significance and the practical relevance of the book of Job. Special emphasis is given to the sovereignty of God and to the problem of suffering. (Text course.)
BIB 515. The Synoptic Gospels. 3 hours. Sp. Even years.
A systematic study of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In addition to exploring the purpose, life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus; attention will be given to source theories and authorship, issues related to similarities and discrepancies between the accounts, the unique purpose of each account, and application to the story of Jesus to the 21st century world and church. (Text course.)
BIB 516. Seminar in Gospel of John. 3 hours. F. Even years.
The major introductory questions to the Gospel of John will be discussed. The seminar will focus on an in-depth study of key passages. Applications for the 21st century minister will be emphasized. (Text course.)
BIB 517. I-II Thessalonians and Philippians. 3 hours. Sp. Even years.
Study will be given to the background of the epistles and then verse-by-verse exegesis will be done with special attention to problems like the second coming of Christ. (Text course.)
BIB 518. I-II Peter and Jude. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
Emphasis will be placed on the authorship and the background of the epistles and then a verse-by-verse exegesis will be done with attention to the "false teachers" and other such problems mentioned in the epistles. (Text course.)
BIB 519. The Corinthian Correspondence. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
Study will be given to the background of the epistles and then a verse-by-verse exegesis will be done with special attention to problems like the Lord's Supper, the woman's veil, the resurrection, etc. (Text course.)
BIB 520. Life of Paul. 3 hours. Su.
The course will examine the life, thought, work and influence of Paul of Tarsus through a study of primary literature (his own letters) and secondary literature (letters about him; i.e., Acts of the Apostles). It will especially be concerned with placing Paul, the communities he addressed, and the literature by or related to him within their religious social-historical contexts in the Greco-Roman world. (Text course.)
BIB 521. Romans. 3 hours. Sp. Odd years.
Introductory matters, including questions of chronology, destination, audience, and occasion will be treated. The student will be led through an exegesis of selected passages, consideration of difficult texts, and attention to the teaching of the Gospel, salvation, and man's responsibility to God as presented in this epistle. (Text course.)
BIB 522. Seminar in Acts. 3 hours. Su. Even years.
An exegetical seminar in Acts of the Apostles. Students will be introduced to the major historical, literary, and theological issues related to the contemporary study of Acts. Students will research, write, and discuss exegetical projects applying contemporary scholarship in the interpretation of the text. (Text course.)
BIB 523. Hebrews. 3 hours.
A verse-by-verse exegesis of the letter to the Hebrews. Attention is given to the superiority of Christ, the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, and the need to serve God faithfully. (Text Course)
BIB 524. Revelation. 3 hours. F.
A thorough study of the closing book of the New Testament. Special attention is given to the first-century background, to modern interpretive approaches, and to a careful reading of the book’s text. (Text course.)
BIB 525. Communication in Ministry. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
An examination of communication as it is employed in ministry. Attention will be given to interpersonal and group dynamics, written correspondence and publications, use of media, and use of technology in church settings.
BIB 526. Introduction to Homiletics. 3 hours. Sp. Even years.
The preparation and presentation of topical, textual, and expository sermons in the context of local preaching. Training will include preparation for weddings, funerals, and speaking for special occasions.
BIB 527. New Testament Theology. 3 hours. Sp. Even years.
The origin, background, authorship, theology, and design of New Testament books with some special attention to Biblical criticism.
BIB 528. New Testament World. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
Politics, society, culture, philosophies, and religions of the Greco-Roman world of the time of Christ. Attention is given to backgrounds of early Christianity, history, and archeology from the 2nd century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D.
BIB 529. Expository Preaching. 3 hours. Sp.
Study is made of the expository method; emphasis is placed on preaching from the Bible text; opportunity is given for practice, evaluation, and correction. Same as BIB 435.
BIB 530. Inductive Preaching. 3 hours. F.
A study of the structure and flow of inductive preaching. Attention will be given to developing and presenting lessons which lead audiences to discovery, including narrative, and other plot-oriented structures.
BIB 531. Elementary Greek I. 3 hours. F.
This course includes a study of forms, vocabulary, elementary syntax and it also includes reading/translation of some of the less difficult books of the New Testament.
BIB 532. Elementary Greek II. 3 hours. Sp.
A continuation of BIB 531. Prerequisite: BIB 531 Elementary Greek I.
BIB 533A. Greek Readings/John. 3 hours. F.
Readings in selected books of the New Testament (A=John; B=Paul). Different New Testament books will be rotated each semester so that the student may take the course a second time as an elective. Emphasis is on vocabulary and grammar and development of facility of reading. Prerequisite: BIB 531 and 532 Elementary Greek I and II.
BIB 533B. Greek Readings/Paul. 3 hours. F.
Readings in selected books of the New Testament (A=John; B=Paul). Different New Testament books will be rotated each semester so that the student may take the course a second time as an elective. Emphasis is on vocabulary and grammar and development of facility of reading. Prerequisite: BIB 531 and 532 Elementary Greek I and II.
BIB 534. Greek Exegesis. 3 hours. Sp.
Work on exegeting even more difficult passages of the New Testament by emphasis on history, methods, and tools of New Testament exegesis. Prerequisites: BIB 531 Elementary Greek I, BIB 532 Elementary Greek II, and BIB 533 Greek Readings.
BIB 535. Family Ministry. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
The development of family enrichment programs with a view to ministering to the needs of each family. It will also teach the student how to get each family involved in the life and activity of the congregation.
BIB 536. Pastoral Counseling. 3 hours. Sp. Even years.
Current theories and practices in pastoral counseling are needed by ministers and clergypersons,
church leaders, and Christian counselors. Topics that have special application to a church or faith-based clinical setting will be pursued, e.g., pastoral diagnosis and assessment, basic pastoral
counseling skills, marital and family counseling (including abuse, infidelity, and divorce), counseling in the hospital, anger and conflict management, crisis counseling, spiritual disorders, pastoral therapy ethics, and referral procedures. Pastoral counseling role-plays will be facilitated to practice and develop stronger pastoral therapy skills. Same as COU536
BIB 537. Old Testament Theology. 3 hours. F.
The origin, background, authorship, theology, and design of Old Testament books with special attention to problems of Biblical criticism.
BIB 541. Elementary Hebrew I. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
An introduction to the fundamentals of Biblical Hebrew. Focuses on basic vocabulary, elementary grammar, and rudimentary translation. Same as BIB 263.
BIB 542. Elementary Hebrew II. 3 hours. Sp. Even years.
An introduction to the fundamentals of Biblical Hebrew. Focuses on basic vocabulary, elementary grammar, and rudimentary translation. After completing this course, students should be prepared to read the narrative portions of the Hebrew Bible. Same as BIB 264.
BIB 543. Hebrew Readings. 3 hours. Offered On Sufficient Demand.
A study in the translation and exegesis of select narrative and poetic passages from the Hebrew Bible. Special attention is given to advanced Hebrew syntax and its application to Old Testament interpretation. Prerequisites: BIB 541 and 542 Elementary Hebrew I and II.
BIB 544. Hebrew Exegesis. 3 hours. Offered On Sufficient Demand.
Work on exegeting even more difficult passages of the Old Testament by emphasis on history, methods, and tools of Old Testament exegesis. Prerequisites: BIB 541 and 542 Elementary Hebrew I and II, and BIB 543 Hebrew Readings.
BIB 545. Spiritual Leadership. 3 hours. Su. Odd years.
Leadership principles from the business world and from Scripture applied to the church, qualifications of effective spiritual leaders and methods of developing them, and consideration of the urgency of developing leaders.
BIB 546. Education Program of the Church. 3 hours. Sp. Odd years.
Attention to the principles used to develop and strengthen the education program of the church. Goals, organization, curriculum, facilities, and teachers are major units of study that are included.
BIB 547. Missions and Church Growth. 3 hours. F. Odd years.
The Biblical basis of missions, its practice in history, in Catholicism, in Protestantism, and in churches of Christ. The practical principles which need to be mastered to be effective in missions, and anthropological/cultural aspects of mission work.
BIB 548. Contextualization. 3 hours. Sp.
An examination of the critical issues involved in presenting and applying the Gospel in other cultural contexts. Particular emphasis will be given to balancing faithfulness to the Biblical text with meaningfulness within culture.
BIB 550. Missionary Anthropology. 3 hours.
An examination of basic anthropological insights with application to the missionary enterprise. Culture change and cross-cultural adaptation will be addressed, as well as world view, urbanization, modernization, and westernization of less developed cultures.
BIB 551. Religious Diversity in America. 3 hours. Sp.
A survey of the history and beliefs of the major world religions, with a special emphasis on their practice in an increasingly diverse American landscape. Special attention will also be given to missiological principles for more effective Christian evangelism.
BIB 555. Contemporary Ethics. 3 hours. F. Even years.
A study of contemporary theories in philosophical ethics with an emphasis on Biblical applications to current problems in values.
BIB 565A. Internship. 3 hours.
This course requires extensive time spent in practical "hands-on" work in a supervised program of some local church. The student may choose any internship for which the corresponding classroom course has already been completed. The particular church, program, and supervisor must be approved by the course instructor and the Director of the Graduate School of Theology. Approximately 40 hours of preparation, work, and evaluation, exclusive of travel, will be required for each hour of credit. Check with director for availability.
BIB 573. Critical Thinking. 3 hours. Sp.
To enable ministerial students to think critically. The focus is on equipping students with the logical tools to help them to identify and evaluate evidence that leads to conclusions that are proposed as being true, to use these same tools to identify logical fallacies, to aid them in communicating their beliefs clearly and accurately through critical thinking, and to aid in decision making that will glorify God and promote his kingdom.
BIB 575. Suffering and the Human Condition. 3 hours. F.
Human suffering is one of the most difficult experiences to understand and endure. Those in counseling and ministry are frequently faced with the psychological and physical problems of human suffering. This course explores how we deal with concerns in our own lives and the lives of others. It combines both theory and practice in an examination of the various elements of suffering. This course is an attempt to find value in suffering from a Christian perspective and help formulate a "theology of suffering" from Scripture that will result in successful interventions of the sufferer.
BIB 576. Advanced Apologetics. 3 hours. Sp.
Advanced apologetics: the study of evidences which prove the Christian faith is from God. Attention is given to systems of thought which oppose the Christian world view, and possible responses are considered. Classical and contemporary arguments for the existence of God, the inspiration of the Bible, and the deity of Christ are considered in detail.
BIB 577. Biblical Text Canon and Inspiration. 3 hours. Sp.
A study of the nature and origin of the Biblical text (including a brief consideration of textual criticism), the definition and extent of the canon, and the definition and nature of inspiration.
BIB 585. Thesis. 3 hours. Su., F., Sp.
The thesis for the M.A. (New Testament)/Master of Divinity is written under the guidance of a faculty mentor and allows the student to do deeper research on a topic in his/her area of interest.
BIB 590. Early Church Fathers. 3 hours. F. Even years.
A study of Christian theology from the period of the Apostolic Fathers (ca.100 E.E.) to the Council of Chalcedon (451 C.E.). The course will focus upon teh theological development of four primary Christian themes: ecclesiology, Christology and the Trinity, orthodoxy/heresy, and Tradition and Scripture. Attention also will be given to the intersection of these developments with social, political, and geographical elements.
BIB 591. History of Reformation Movement. 3 hours. Sp.
The events, teachings, and leading figures of the Reformation Movement from its beginning to 1800. Particular attention is given to separation from Catholicism, the development of various denominations, and the rise of the restoration plea.
BIB 592. History of Restoration Movement. 3 hours.
The events, teachings, and leading figures of the Restoration Movement from its beginning until the present. Focus is made on the origins, geographical spread of the movement, and various departures.
BIB 593. History of the English Bible. 3 hours.
A study of the history of the Bible's development with emphasis on its translation into the English language. Modern English translations will be surveyed and evaluated within the context of their stated goals and methodologies.
BIB 594. Systematic Theology I. 3 hours. F.
An introduction to systematic theology, including its necessity, method, and nature. The nature of God, revelation, and humanity are studied with an emphasis on the Biblical foundation of each.
BIB 595. Systematic Theology II. 3 hours. F. Even years.
The nature of Christ, the church, salvation, and last things are studied with an emphasis on the Biblical foundations of each.
BIB 596. Hermeneutics. 3 hours. Su.
This course studies the general principles requisite for proper Biblical interpretation. It also examines special principles necessary for properly interpreting different types of literary genre. Attention is given to examples of legitimate interpretation and opportunity is given for application of principles by students.
BIB 598. Independent Study. 3 hours. Su., F., Sp.
The graduate student undertakes a research project of a practical nature under the direct supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. The number of hours credit will be determined by the length of the study and the extent of the student's involvement in the study.
BIB 700. Methodology of Doctoral Resrch & Writing. (W) 3 hours. F.
A required orientation to the D.Min. program, this course introduces students to the scholarship of ministry. Structured readings and writing assignments guide the student through the qualitative and quantitative research methods that will be utilized throughout the program of study. This course includes a significant writing component. The student must take this course in the first semester of enrollment.
BIB 705. Spiritual Formation for Ministry . 3 hours. F.
An orientation to the principles and practices of religious spiritual formation. Insights are drawn from biblical, historical, psychological, and religious traditions of practicing the spiritual disciplines, and of living a balanced and healthy spiritual life.
BIB 710. Theological Foundations of Ministry. 3 hours. Sp.
An introduction to ministry as service to God. Biblical and historical principles of ministry are discussed to aid students in shaping their personal philosphy of ministry, leading to a more effective practice of the discipline.
BIB 715. Intercultural Engagement. 3 hours. Sp.
An examination of anthropological, biblical, and sociological methods to minister effectively in a world of increasing ethnic, racial, religious, and social diversity. Focus will fall on how the church can navigate cultural change while maintaining the transcendent authority of scripture.
BIB 720. Ministerial Ethics. 3 hours. F.
An investigation of the ethical problems associated with the practice of ministry. Situational dilemmas will guide student exploration of appropriate behaviors, "border lines" for conduct, and virtuous practices to keep the minister's conduct beyond reproach.
BIB 725. Contextual Homiletics. 3 hours. F.
An examination of best practices for communication in diverse public speaking contexts. Emphasis will fall on how the speaker can most effectively "contextualize" the message to the greatest persuasive effect.
BIB 730. Multigenerational Ministry. 3 hours. Sp.
An investigation of the integrated ministry model. Emphasis will fall on small group responsibilities within the church to train successive generations, as well as methods to "de-silo' congregations in an effort to develop collaboration of diverse populations for the unity of the body.
BIB 735. Leadership Development. 3 hours. Sp.
An examination of the principles and practices of preparing spiritual leaders. Focus will fall on the church's pattern of leadership and how congregations can implement best practices to train future leaders.
BIB 740. Theories and Practices of Church Growth. 3 hours. F.
A biblical, cultural, and sociological investigation on teh church's work "outside the walls." Theories, principles, and best practices of benevolence, evangelism, and community engagement are discussed to help students make their churches a model of healthy, sustainable growth.
BIB 745. The Church and Social Justice. 3 hours. Sp.
An investigation of the church's responsibility to heal inequity by the power of the gospel. Biblical, cultural, and sociological considerations are discussed to introduce, assess, and develop biblically-grounded and God-honoring principles to help the church change the world by changing people.
BIB 790A. Dissertation Seminar I. 3 hours. F.
First semester of mentored research and writing of the doctoral dissertation. Included is an introduction, a comprehensive literature review, and a discussion of research methodology. Prior to the course, an accepted research prospectus must be submitted to the director of the Graduate School of Theology and approved by a dissertation approval group. This group will assign a mentor for the dissertation.
BIB 790B. Dissertation Seminar II. 3 hours. Sp.
Second semester of mentored research and writing of the doctoral dissertation. Included is a presentation and synthesis of research materials, a record of results and findings from the study, and an analysis of the data for the purpose of application in a congregational setting. Defense of the dissertation includes a successful oral presentation to an audience of FHU faculty, administrators, and student colleagues.