Theological Studies, Bi-Vocational Track (THSBV.BS)

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Theology

Description Test Religion

Degree Checklist

For a check list of all the requirements for this degree, and a suggested four-year sequence of study, please click on the link below:

General Education Requirements - Total Hours: 53-58

For a list of the general education core requirements, please click on the link below:

Students in this major are required to take PHIL-241 Introduction to Philosophy as one of their Humanities courses, and to take GREK-111 Introduction to Biblical Greek in lieu of LING-201.

General Education Core

Religion Core for this program

BIBL 101 - Old Testament Survey Credit Hours: 3

A study of the Old Testament, its translations and historical background giving the student a survey of each book as a unit. This course is primarily a survey of Old Testament history and literature.

Prerequisites

None
BIBL 102 - New Testament Survey Credit Hours: 3

A study of the intertestamental period and the development of the Gospels with attention given to the life and teachings of Christ continuing with Acts through Revelation. Special attention is given to the early development of the church.

Prerequisites

None
THEO 250 - Systematic Theology I Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of doctrines in Christian theology with focus on theological vocabulary, methods of reading and research, and analyzing and evaluation of theological arguments.  Doctrines considered are philosophical/theological prolegomena, the revelation of God, the nature of Scripture, the Trinity, the doctrine of humankind, and personal/social dimensions of sin.  This study of theology addresses the practical application of doctrines for the life of the church and also individual believers.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 and BIBL-102 (or BIBL-110/111)
THEO 231 - Introduction to Christian Ethics Credit Hours: 3

A study of values and their influence on social and individual behavior. Special emphasis is placed on the development of Christian values congruent with the teachings of Christ and the application of these values to everyday living.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110 and BIBL-111, and THEO-230 or THEO-250.
RELG 495 - School of Religion Senior Capstone Credit Hours: 1

This is a required course for all School of Religion majors in the senior year of their respective degree programs. The course focuses upon helping students critically examine and succinctly express an integrated account of their Christian faith and vocation in relation to the core values of Lee University.

Prerequisites

Students must be at the senior-level of their SOR degree program.

Biblical Studies 12 hours

BIBL 301 - Deuteronomy Credit Hours: 3

A detailed study of Deuteronomy. Special emphasis will be given to the place of the book in the Pentateuch, the use of it by Jesus and the early Church, and the Jewish rabbinic interpretations of the book.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110.
BIBL 303 - Wisdom Literature Credit Hours: 3

A study of the Old Testament texts generally recognized as wisdom books: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job. Consideration will be given to the relation of these books to the Old Testament as a whole as well as their individual theological and ethical thrusts.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110.DAL additional prerequisites:  BIBL-261 and THEO-230/THEO-250.  
BIBL 307 - Psalms and Song of Solomon Credit Hours: 3

A study of the Old Testament books of Psalms and Song of Solomon. Special attention is given to poetic genre, literary forms, principles of interpretation and theological content. The study will consider both historical and contemporary traditions of interpretation. The course will explore select ways in which these books inform Christian discipleship and worship.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110.
BIBL 309 - Historical Books of the Old Testament Credit Hours: 3

A study of the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings in their cultural, historical, and literary setting.  Special attention will be given to how these texts present the authors' theological motivations in order to explain Israel's history in light of the exile.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110
BIBL 311 - The Prophets Credit Hours: 3

A study of the life and times of the prophets. An outline study is made of each book, with some attention given to present-day and homiletic use.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL- 102 or BIBL-110.
BIBL 398 - Historical Geography and Archaeology of the Bible Credit Hours: 6

A travel-study program in Israel designed to provide the student with an on-the-scene study opportunity to correlate biblical and historical materials with Palestinian sites. Lectures, on campus and on-site, presume a working knowledge of the biblical text. Priority will be given to graduating seniors in the School of Religion, but the travel program in Israel is open to other students, faculty and friends of the university as space allows.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110.
BIBL 401 - Intertestamental Period Credit Hours: 3

A study of the history and literature of the intertestamental period leading up to the first advent of Christ. In addition to the apocryphal books, the Qumran scrolls will be read and discussed and their significance for the New Testament period considered.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110
BIBL 421 - Pentateuch Credit Hours: 3

A detailed study of the first five books of the Old Testament with special attention to their social and theological contexts and composition. The course will also consider the questions of legal and cultic authority and the figure of Moses in the portrayal of that authority.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110
BIBL 483 - Special Topics in Biblical Studies Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an intensive study of selected topics in biblical studies. Topics will vary by semester.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110
BIBL 302 - Prison Epistles Credit Hours: 3

An expository study of the epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippians. Date, authorship, and the occasion are briefly considered for each book. The major part of the course is devoted to the interpretation and relevance of the Pauline Epistles.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110.Additional DAL prerequisites: BIBL-261 and THEO-230/THEO-250.
BIBL 312 - Synoptic Gospels Credit Hours: 3

A course designed to look at the interrelatedness of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke with a special emphasis on their presentation of Christ.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110. DAL additional prerequisites: BIBL-261 and BIBL-230 
BIBL 314 - Luke-Acts Credit Hours: 3

This course will study the books of Luke and Acts as a two-part narrative. Attention will be given to Luke's use of Christian traditions, to the literary character and structure of the work, and to theological and socio-cultural themes in the Lukan narrative.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110.
BIBL 316 - Johannine Literature Credit Hours: 3

This course concerns an investigation of the Gospel of John in terms of authorship, date, logistics and introduction to critical problems. Respecting the Fourth Gospel it also concerns theology of the prologue, exposition of the miracle narrative/discourse sequencing comprising the larger part of the book, and appropriate comparisons to the Synoptic Gospels. It includes, furthermore, a thematic study of the Letters of John, focusing on Christian community, false teaching and church order, urgent concerns in the late apostolic period. The course does not consider the Book of Revelation.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110.
BIBL 402 - Romans and Galatians Credit Hours: 3

A comparative, expository and theological study of the Epistles to the Romans and Galatians with emphasis on the cardinal Christian doctrines as formulated in these documents. The course includes a study of the influences of both Judaism and Hellenism on the cultural and religious scene in the first century A.D.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110DAL additional prerequisites:  BIBL-261, and junior status. 
BIBL 404 - I and II Corinthians Credit Hours: 3

An expository and theological study of I and II Corinthians. Special attention is given to the doctrinal and practical issues faced in the early Christian community in the Hellenistic world, taking into account the cultural and religious environments of the day.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110DAL additional prerequisites:  BIBL-261 and junior status.
BIBL 410 - Revelation Credit Hours: 3

A study of the book of Revelation with appropriate consideration of Early Jewish literature, the New Testament, and other apocalyptic passages. Special attention is given to the language and symbolism of the book.

Prerequisites

BIBL-101 or BIBL-111, and BIBL-102 or BIBL-110

Theological Studies 12 hours

THEO 251 - Systematic Theology II Credit Hours: 3

This course continues the survey of Christian doctrines begun in THEO-250 by focusing on the person and work of Christ and the Holy Spirit, the doctrines of salvation and sanctification, the work of the Holy Spirit in Pentecostal perspective, ecclesiology and eschatology.  Students will build upon the theological skills of evaluation and assessment of theological arguments begun in the previous course.

Prerequisites

THEO-250
THEO 334 - Doctrine of Christ Credit Hours: 3

A historical and systematic study of the doctrine of the person and work of Jesus Christ. This course surveys the primitive Christologies of the New Testament and the Christological controversies of the early church and continues by examining the various reconstructions of Christologies in the modern era. The centrality of Christ for other doctrines and for Christian proclamation will also be stressed.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250
THEO 335 - Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Credit Hours: 3

A study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit with emphasis upon the Spirit's relationship to Christ. The work of the Holy Spirit in relation to other fundamental doctrines will also be considered (e.g. creation, salvation, ecclesiology, eschatology, etc.). Special attention will be focused on the distinct work of the Holy Spirit within the economy of salvation, specifically dealing with things such as regeneration, sanctification, and mission.  Some attention will be given to the meaning of "living in the Spirit" and spiritual gifts.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250Additional DAL prerequisites: BIBL-101, BIBL-102 and THEO-231.
THEO 336 - Doctrine of the Church Credit Hours: 3

This course will examine the various models of the Church proposed by the New Testament and later throughout the history of Christianity. Special attention will be given to these areas of ecclesiology: governmental structures and leadership; the nature and mission of the church; sacraments; and the church empowered by the Spirit. Relating these studies to the contemporary Body of Christ will always be a central goal.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250.
THEO 425 - Theology and Benevolence Credit Hours: 3

This course offers students a theologically informed understanding of benevolence, highlighting the integral relationship between Christian faith and Christian service.  Particular attention is given to the ways in which the biblical texts, Christian tradition, and theology inform one's understanding and implementation of benevolence.

Prerequisites

LEEU-102B, and either THEO-230 or THEO-250.
THEO 435 - Contemporary Protestant Theology Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to Protestant theology from 1800 to the present. Particular attention will be given to major figures and movements within their modern and late modern contexts as well as to the similarities and differences between the official teachings of Protestant denominations and the views of select academic Protestant theologians.  

Prerequisites

THEO- 230 or THEO-250Additional DAL prerequisites: BIBL-101 and BIBL-102.
THEO 436 - Contemporary Catholic Theology Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to Roman Catholic theology from the First Vatican Council to the present.  Particular attention will be given to major figures and movements within their modern and late modern contexts as well as to the similarities and differences between the official teaching of the Catholic Church and the views of select academic Catholic theologians.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250
THEO 440 - Recent Pentecostal and Charismatic Theology Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to the most recent theological expressions of the first, second, and third "waves" of pentecostalism.  Topics to be covered include Roman Catholic perspectives on baptism in the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts among evangelicals, indigenous pentecostal traditions outside the United States, the rise of academic theology in pentecostal denominations, theological method, and pentecostals and ecumenism.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250.
THEO 474 - Feminist Theology Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the historical roots, key ideas and trajectories of feminist theology and philosophy, the passions and contradictions of these disciplines, and their effects on various social practices and religious institutions.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250
THEO 483 - Special Topics in Theology Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an intensive study of selected topics in theology.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250

Historical Studies 6 hours

CHIS 323 - History of Christianity I Credit Hours: 3

An historical study of the Christian Church from the apostolic period to the Great Schism of the eleventh century.  Special emphasis is placed on historical contextualization within the Greco-Roman era and Late Second Temple Judaism; the development of the Christian Church in terms of missionary expansion, regional distinctives, organization, worship, and the doctrinal formulations of various key ecclesial figures; the interaction between the Church and empires; and the creedal developments out of the seven ecumenical councils.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250
CHIS 324 - History of Christianity II Credit Hours: 3

A historical study of the Church's interaction with Islam, the relationship between the Eastern and Western Churches, the development of scholaticism, the Protestant reaction to the sixteenth century European church and the formation of reformation movements, the Council of Trent, Protestant Orthodoxy, the Great Awakenings, the American religious experience, and the global presence of Christianity.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250

Philosophical Studies 3 hours

PHIL 331 - Symbolic Logic Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to formal systems of deductive logic, with emphasis on specifying principles and methods that can be used to analyze arguments and theories expressed in natural languages.

Prerequisites

none
PHIL 341 - Major Thinkers in Ancient Philosophy Credit Hours: 3

This course offers an in-depth treatment of selected major philosophers of ancient Western philosophy.

Prerequisites

PHIL-241 
PHIL 342 - Major Thinkers in Modern Philosophy Credit Hours: 3

This course offers an in-depth treatment of selected major philosophers of modern Western philosophy.

Prerequisites

PHIL-241.
PHIL 351 - Philosophy of Human Nature Credit Hours: 3

This course offers an intensive study of prominent theories of human nature and related philosophical problems, such as the mind-body problem; the unity, purpose and dignity of human nature; the emotions and their interplay with intelligence and volition; the origin and nature of human evil; and the human person in and with/against society.

Prerequisites

PHIL-241.
PHIL 361 - Philosophy of Religion Credit Hours: 3

This course undertakes a critical analysis and evaluation of reasoning about God. Topics covered include a philosophical analysis of the concept of God, arguments for God's existence, the relation between faith and reason, the problem of evil, and God's relation to morality and the meaning of life.

Prerequisites

PHIL-241.
PHIL 371 - Philosophical Ethics Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the philosophical study of morality through the analysis of major ethical works in the history of Western philosophy and leading paradigms in contemporary moral philosophy.

Prerequisites

PHIL-241.
PHIL 411 - Epistemology Credit Hours: 3

This course offers a survey of contemporary work on major problems in the theory of knowledge, including problems such as responding to the challenge of skepticism, the nature and structure of epistemic justification, the definition of knowledge, the connection between virtue and knowledge, and theories of epistemic value.

Prerequisites

PHIL-241
PHIL 423 - Family Values: Ethical Issues Concerning Love, Marriage, and Parenthood

PHIL 483 - Special Topics in Philosophy Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an intensive study of selected topics in philosophy.

Prerequisites

PHIL-241

Religious Studies 3 hours

RELG 332 - Religion and Culture Credit Hours: 3

This course offers a theological engagement of the complex relationship between Christian religion and Western culture.  It includes an interdisciplinary overview of various relevant themes and contributors within the field of contemporary theology of culture and highlights the influence of Christian spirituality on American popular culture and civil religion as well as the conflicts between them.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250Additional DAL prerequisites: BIBL-101, BIBL-102, SOCI-200 and THEO-231.
RELG 333 - The Ethics of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam Credit Hours: 3

This course facilitates a comparative study in the ethics of the three Abrahamic monotheisms - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  It surveys the theological and ethical stands of the three religions regarding relevant socio-political issues in light of their sacred texts, distinct traditions, prominent thinkers, and faith-practices.

Prerequisites

THEO-231
RELG 350 - Ethics of Forgiveness and Reconciliation Credit Hours: 3

This course facilitates a constructive exploration within the field of religious studies in forgiveness and reconciliation. It introduces the field's core themes while surveying the works of prominent contributors whose thought has shaped its theologico-ethical visions and their implementation in the practice of conflict transformation.

Prerequisites

THEO-231
RELG 444 - Postmodernism and Christianity Credit Hours: 3

This course facilitates a constructive engagement between Christian theology and postmodern philosophical thought.  It introduces the core themes of postmodernism while surveying the works of various prominent thinkers who have contributed toward shaping postmodernity's ideological and ethical visions with their cultural and socio-political distinctives.

Prerequisites

THEO-230 or THEO-250
RELG 450 - Directed Study in Religious Studies Credit Hours: 1 to 4

An exploration of an approved aspect of religious studies in which the student contracts with the director of the study concerning course requirements, evaluation procedure, and course credit. 

Prerequisites

Junior or senior status.  
RELG 483 - Special Topics in Religious Studies Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an intensive exploration of selected topics in religious studies.  Repeatable for credit.

Prerequisites

To be determined by the instructor.