DIVISION OF THEOLOGY
Religion Greek Hebrew
RELIGION
REL 100 THE BIBLE is an overview of the Bible intended to acquaint the student with its background, content and messages as superior Christian literature. The student is expected to read specified sections of the Old and New Testaments and become acquainted with their message. 3 credit hours.
REL 110 CHRISTIAN FAITH is an overview of Christian theology intended to acquaint the student with key theological concepts which surround us every day. An attempt to clearly understand theological thinking and talking about the Christian faith, with a view to appreciating how God has uniquely revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. 3 credit hours.
REL 200 PARISH OBSERVATION
Enables students to see a congregation in action and observe the entire scope of activity, including administration, evangelism, stewardship, youth ministry, church properties, social ministry, Christian education, and the role of the pastoral staff. Accent is placed not only on how many congregations operate but also on where changes and improvements could be made for greater effectiveness. Many observations must take place on evening and weekends. Parish observation is open to all students. 1 credit hour
REL 201 THE OLD TESTAMENT is an introduction to the Bible, its history, and basic principles to follow in interpreting it. Also covered are the Pentateuch and the other early historical books of the Old Testament with an emphasis on Israel's history from Adam through the time of the Exile. Prerequisite: REL 100 or equivalent. 3 credit hours.
REL 203 THE NEW TESTAMENT is an overview that places primary emphasis on the content of the various books of the New Testament against the background of the Graeco-Roman history. Prerequisite for non-church work students: REL 100 or consent of instructor. 3 credit hours.
REL 204 BIBLICAL THEOLOGY is a systematic study of major areas of Christian doctrine with an emphasis on what Scripture says, as well as how Lutheran doctrine reflects what Scripture teaches. 3 credit hours.
REL 210 THE GREAT COMMISSION presents an overview of the Biblical basis for evangelism and an in-depth study of the basic components of the message and technique of Christian witness. 3 credit hours.
REL 215 FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM develops the ability of the student to share the Gospel with a non-Christian in the context of a growing friendship. The course stresses the importance of being good news before sharing good news. Prior enrollment in REL 210 is recommended. 3 credit hours.
REL 221 LUTHERAN WORSHIP introduces the main terms and elements of traditional and contemporary worship. The student is exposed to a variety of art forms and ways in which they can be incorporated into the worship experience. Along with learning the principles involved in developing and leading a worship service, the student practices these skills in the community. This course prepares the student for REL 222 Worship Practicum. 3 credit hours.
REL 222 WORSHIP PRACTICUM provides students with the opportunity to apply the main concepts and elements of traditional and contemporary worship. The student will demonstrate an ability to utilize these elements into the worship experience in a congregation setting. Prerequisite: REL 221 Lutheran Worship. 1-3 credit hours.
REL 227 YOUTH MINISTRY I equips the student with the understandings, attitudes and skills needed to develop a ministry to, with, and for youth in a congregation. Students also examine Scriptural and theoretical principles of youth ministry. Involvement in youth ministry activities outside the classroom is expected. 3 credit hours
REL 229 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OF YOUTH AND ADULTS equips the students with practical methods, skills, and resources to teach religion to youth and adults in a parish setting. Provides students with opportunities to strengthen their ability to communicate the Gospel more effectively. Religious education elective. 3 credit hours.
REL 231 CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP presents an in-depth look at the Biblical principles of Christian stewardship and an examination of a variety of stewardship programs. 1 credit hour
REL 233 COMMUNICATING BIBLE MESSAGES helps the student acquire greater skill in communicating meaningful Bible messages, by learning the theory and practice of analyzing a text of Scripture, writing a message for a specific audience based on that text, and delivering the message. Religious education elective. Prerequisite: REL 100, or 210 & 203; REL 110 or 204. 3 credit hours.
REL 245 MINISTRY PRACTICUM Is intended for any student interested in practical experience in one or two particular areas of church work. Forty hours for each credit hour earned will be spent in a parish or institution with actual involvement in such activities as youth ministry, worship, visitation, rural ministry, administration, Spanish work, etc. Wile the major emphasis will be on the fieldwork experience, some time will be devoted to readings and discussion sessions. 1-3 credit hours
REL 246 LAY MINISTRY EXTENSION PRACTICUM
Consists of directed readings and supervised experiences in various areas of parish ministry. This is ordinarily open only through correspondence to lay ministry extension students and parallels the REL 245 class of resident students. 1-3 credit hours
REL 285 CARING AND KEEPING
Introduces the student to methods for assimilating new numbers into the congregation, developing small group Bible studies, administering a spiritual gift program, and calling on inactive members. Winterim. 3 credit hours
REL 298 FAITH AND CULTURE explores the role of religion in defining our way of life and self-understanding and how culture, in turn, may shape spiritually. Special attention will be given to Christianity in this interrelationship of faith and culture. 3 credit hours.
REL 303 BIBLICAL FAITH AND PEOPLE OF COLOR studies selections from both the Old and New Testaments to familiarize the students with the historical background. Content, purpose, message and distinctive characteristics of slavery and intolerance in the past and present. 3 credit hours.
REL 310 RELIGION IN AMERICA TODAY gives the student an overview of the religious life of people in our country. Such topics as the mainline Christian denominations, the rise of sects and cults, the ecumenical movement, the relation of church and state to each other and humanism and democracy as religious are discussed. Prerequisite: REL 100. 3 credit hours.
REL 311 CHURCH IN MISSION studies the mission of the Church with a vision toward contemporary ministry and outreach. Emphasis will be given to friendship and cross-cultural evangelism methods. 3 credit hours
REL 312 OFFICE OF THE PROFESSIONAL CHURCH WORKER
Studies the vocation of the laity in the ministry of the church in the world. Emphasis will be given to the theology and practice of Christian Care Giving in church and community. 3 credit hours
REL 315 PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION
Introduces the history, principles and techniques of Biblical interpretation. Pertinent sections from both Old and New Testaments will be studied with special emphasis on principles derived from the Lutheran Reformation as well as on the need to see the whole of Scripture with Christ as the center. Bible elective (OT/NT). 3 credit hours
REL 316 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD MISSIONS
Explores the history and practice of Christian missionary work and provides students with some initial background in preparation for missionary service. Outreach elective (missions). 3 credit hours
REL 325 CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
Acquaints the students with effective methods of administration to carry out the mission and ministry of the Christian church. Attention will be given to theological reflection on administration, community building, process planning, management, and fiscal responsibility. 3 credit hours
REL 326 WORLD MISSIONS II provides additional background information for students considering missionary service, continuing the exploration of missions begun in REL 315 World Mission I. This course looks into the history of missions, contemporary issues of missions and the practice of missions. Outreach elective (missions). Prerequisite: REL 316. 3 credit hours.
REL 327 YOUTH MINISTRY II
Develops skills in youth ministry acquired in REL 227 an REL 228. Special attention is given in developing a strategic plan and learning to critique and adapt resources for use within a Lutheran setting. Prerequisites: REL 227 and REL 228 or instructors consent.3 credit hours
REL 333 WHAT IS TRUTH?
Selected readings (in English) from such writers as Justin Martyr, Martin Luther, Thomas Aquinas, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Wesley and John Calvin are studied in their historical settings. 3 credit hours
REL 340 LIFE OF CHRIST
Studies the life and teaching of Jesus as found in the Four Gospels with an overview of the opinions expressed in the apocryphal gospels and in modern historical criticism. Bible elective (NT). 3 credit hours
REL 342 DEAD SEA SCROLLS
Investigates how these 2,000-year old documents have changed the way people think and write about the Bible and provide a valuable window into the early history of Jews and Christians. Students will be challenged to discover answers to the continuing questions of modern biblical and historical scholarship as it relates to the Christian faith. Bible elective (OT/NT). 3 credit hours
REL 345 JOHANNINE LITERATURE
Studies the Epistles, Gospel, and Revelation of St. John. The student is led to discover for himself and to achieve clear understanding of the Johannine message concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ. Characteristic terms, themes, and doctrines are made the subject of special study. Bible elective (NT). 3 credit hours
REL 346 PAULINE LITERATURE
Studies selected writing of the Apostle Paul to familiarize the student with the historical background, content, purpose, message, and distinctive characteristics of seven of Paul’s epistles. Bible elective (NT). 3 credit hours
REL 347 LAW AND GOSPEL IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
Leads the student to see more clearly the real significance of these two major doctrines of the Christian religion as well as the correct relationship between them. Sections of Scripture, of the Lutheran Confessions and of current theological literature are analyzed in the light of these two major doctrines. 3 credit hours.
REL 350 WISDOM OF ISRAEL
Is an examination of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. The course studies Biblical poetry, devotional literature, and the major questions of life. Bible elective (OT). 3 credit hours
REL 379 RELIGION AND THE LAW
Examines the teachings of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions regarding civil law and government and the impact which civil government has on the Christian church. Topics included are the divine institution of civil government, the Christian’s responsibilities to the government, Mosaic law, freedom of religion in America, abortion, the death penalty, and lawsuits by Christians. 3 credit hours
REL 389 MONASTIC ROOTS
Investigates the history, theology, and practice of monasticism in the light of the Reformation. Readings from Augustine, Benedict, and other monastic writers will be supplemented with materials from the pen of Friar Martin Luther. 3 credit hours
REL 404 LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS
Is an overview of the historical background to the various Lutheran Confessions. The major thrust of the course is a discussion of the doctrines of the Augsburg Confession as these are also expounded in the other Confessions of the Lutheran Church.
REL 410 WORLD RELIGIONS
Surveys major contemporary, non-Christian religions in terms of worship, beliefs, values, history and their encounter with Christianity. Comparative religions electives. 3 credit hours
REL 420/421 LAY MINISTRY INTERNSHIP I, II
Puts theory into practice in a specialized setting unique to the individual study need. The student/intern is introduced to the congregational/institutional arena of professional church work. This presents the student/intern the opportunity to experience the vocational option of service as a lay minister. Normally taken over two semesters. 3 and 6 credit hours
REL 430 CHRIST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
Studies the Messianic teachings found in the OT-traces their thematic development, identifies their fulfillment in the New Testament, and explores scholarly controversies about their interpretation. Bible elective (OT). 3 credit hours
REL 432 THE PSALMS
Is a study of the hymnal of ancient Israel, with its interpreters, historical context, and enduring liturgical and theological value. Bible elective (OT).
3 credit hours
REL 445 THE LIFE AND THOUGHT OF LUTHER
Studies Luther, the man and the theologian, in relation to the world in which he lived. Students will be asked to read and analyze some of his major works.3 credit hours
REL 456 PASTORAL EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL
Surveys the letters of First and Second Timothy and Titus, relating Paul’s concerns for the burgeoning church of his day to such contemporary issues as women in the church, the office of the ministry, and twentieth century theological formulations. Bible elective (NT). 3 credit hours
REL 458 HEBREWS AND THE TWO LETTERS OF PETER
Studies the background and content of these three epistles of the New Testament. Students will be led to discover for themselves what these letters are saying and to apply their message to the Christian Church today. Bible elective (NT). 3 credit hours
REL 476 HOLY LAND
Offers students the opportunity to experience the land of Israel in person. Students will walk the streets of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, sail on the Sea of Galilee, and taste the brackish waters of the Dead Sea. Guided sightseeing will be supplemented by on-site lectures by noted Bible scholars, museum visitations in Jerusalem, and background readings. Winterim. Bible elective (OT/NT). 3 credit hours
REL 490 SENIOR SEMINAR I
Provides students with an opportunity to develop their skills and understand the necessary research requirements to do a research project in some specific area of theology. 3 credit hours
REL 491 SENIOR SEMINAR II
Provides students with an opportunity to complete a research project in some specific area of theology for public presentation. 3 credit hours.
GREEK
GRK 201 BEGINNING GREEK II is a continuation of vocabulary, morphology, and syntax with a reading of simple Greek Prose. 3 credit hours.
GRK 303 NEW TESTAMENT GREEK is a formal review and inductive study of basic vocabulary, morphology, and syntax in conjunction with cursory readings in Greek prose. 3 credit hours.
GRK 304 LITERARY STYLE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT allows the student to study various sections of the New Testament in the original Greek. Following the study of the original, further exercises would include exegetical research, work studies, and cross-references culminating in an outline of the text for Bible class study of devotional presentations. Prerequisite: GRK 303. 3 credit hours.
GRK 401 LUKE AND THE SEPTUAGINT I studies selected readings from the Old Testament. 3 credit hours.
GRK 402 NEW TESTAMENT AND THE SEPTUAGINT II studies selected readings from the Apocrypha. 3 credit hours.
GRK 414 EPIC POETRY focuses on readings in the Odyssey with a study of the Homeric dialect and epic conventions. 3 credit hours.
HEBREW
HEB 301 BEGINNING HEBREW I aims to acquaint the student with the language, literature, and culture of the Old Testament period. 3 credit hours.
HEB 302 BEGINNING HEBREW II is a continuation of HEB 301 and designed to complete the student's knowledge of Biblical Hebrew Grammar. Prerequisite: HEB 301 or equivalent of one semester of college Biblical Hebrew. 3 credit hours.
HEB 401 INTERMEDIATE HEBREW I covers selected readings from the Hebrew Old Testament, based in part of the ILCW Old Testament pericopal system. Both prose and poetry from various periods of Israelite history are read, and some collateral reading in Hebrew linguistics is done. Prerequisites: HEB 301 and 302. 3 credit hours.
HEB 402 INTERMEDIATE HEBREW II covers additional readings from the Hebrew Old Testament, based in part on the ILCW Old Testament pericopal system. Prerequisites: HEB 301, 302, and 401. 3 credit hours. Go to Top of Page
