Department of Theological Studies

This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://catalog.liberty.edu.

Purpose

The Department of Biblical and Theological Studies aims to provide a thorough, biblically-based, cognitive, and spiritual foundation for students who desire to pursue further academic training at the graduate level or who want to be better prepared for Christian life and service. In the current academic climate, there is a need for individuals who are educated and equipped to speak to foundational doctrinal issues for both academic professionals and lay people from an orthodox, biblically-informed evangelical position. These programs will lay the foundation for students who have an interest in further pursuing development in this area.

Apologetics Courses

APOL 120 Apologetics 3 Credit Hour(s)

A survey of the evidences for the central truths of Christianity: the existence of God, the deity and resurrection of Christ, and the authority and truth of the Bible.

Note: Willmington School of the Bible course

Offered: Online

APOL 201 Apologetics and Cultural Engagement 3 Credit Hour(s)

Prerequisite: (BWVW 101 and BWVW 102) or BWVW102 Exempt with a score of 5 or RLGN 105

Building upon the BWVW 101 and 102, this course equips students to use apologetics to engage with the culture using the various current issues of the day as entry points to the Gospel. Students will be trained to think critically from a biblical worldview and engage winsomely on such issues as evil in the world, critical claims about Jesus in the popular culture, new atheism, race issues, and sexuality.

Offered: Resident

APOL 220 Introduction to Apologetics 3 Credit Hour(s)

This course equips students with a foundational understanding of, and skills within, the field of apologetics. Students will explore the major apologetic issues that arise today and will learn both the critical thinking skills and theological principles in order to respond persuasively.

Offered: Online

APOL 310 Apologetics in a Secular Age 3 Credit Hour(s)

Online Prerequisite: APOL 220

This course develops an apologetic approach which takes into account the values and plausibility structures of the late modern, secular age. Particular emphasis will be given to understanding current cultural movements and values and constructing a person-centered approach to the apologetic task.

Offered: Online

APOL 311 Foundational Issues in Apologetics 3 Credit Hour(s)

Prerequisite: APOL 201

Surveys the various approaches to Christian apologetics with the aim at understanding the theology that drives each approach. The course will critically engage with the works of leading proponents of the approaches in order for students to develop their own approach and method in apologetics. Furthermore, core areas of Christian doctrine, such as Theology Proper, Christology, and Bibliology, will be explored and defended.

Offered: Resident

APOL 320 Apologetics and the Gospel 3 Credit Hour(s)

Online Prerequisite: APOL 220

This course examines key questions related to the identity and ministry of Jesus, particularly as it relates to the historicity of the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus. Primary attention is given to examining historical evidence related to Jesus' existence, his ministry, miracles, deity, death, and resurrection as well as understanding Jesus as a part of the larger biblical story.

Offered: Online

APOL 325 Christianity and the Cults 3 Credit Hour(s)

This course examines the history and beliefs of those systems that claim to be Christian yet deny fundamental Christian doctrines such as the sole sufficiency of the Bible, the Trinity, the deity of Christ, salvation by faith in Christ alone without works, the eternal punishment of the wicked, and other pertinent doctrines. Groups discussed include Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, Seventh-day Adventism, Christian Science and others.

Offered: Resident

APOL 330 C.S. Lewis and the Apologetic Imagination 3 Credit Hour(s)

Online Prerequisite: APOL 220

This course examines the apologetic writings of C. S. Lewis. Particular focus is given to understanding Lewis within his context as well as drawing from various aspects of his apologetic approach for the current cultural moment.

Offered: Online

APOL 431 Introduction to Islam 3 Credit Hour(s)

This course explores the historic rise and expansion of Islam as well as basic Muslim beliefs and practices. Attention is also given to the diversity within the world of Islam. (Crosslisted with GLST 431)

Offered: Resident

APOL 480 Biblical Studies and Apologetics 3 Credit Hour(s)

Prerequisite: APOL 201

Exposes students to the best biblical scholarship being used in apologetics. Students will engage with such areas as Textual Criticism, Old Testament studies, New Testament studies, and Archaeology.

Offered: Resident

APOL 497 Special Topics in Apologetics 1,3 Credit Hour(s)

Offered: Resident

Theology Courses

THEO 104 Introduction to Theology Survey 4 Credit Hour(s)

This course is an introduction to the basic tenets of Christianity.

Offered: Resident and Online

THEO 107 Theological Survey I 3 Credit Hour(s)

This is the first of three courses in a general survey of Bible doctrine designed to introduce the student to the major areas of systematic theology. This course presents the following areas of doctrine: Prolegomena, doctrine of the Trinity, doctrine of the Father, doctrine of the Bible (bibliology), and the doctrine of Prophecy (eschatology). The theology survey is continued in THEO 108.

Note: Willmington School of the Bible course

Offered: Online

THEO 108 Theological Survey II 3 Credit Hour(s)

This is the second of three courses in a general survey of Bible doctrine designed to synthesize and outline the following major areas of systematic theology: doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology), doctrine of Man (Anthropology), doctrine of Sin (Hamartiology), doctrine of Angels (Angelology), and doctrine of Satan (Satanology).

Note: Willmington School of the Bible course

Offered: Online

THEO 109 Theological Survey III 3 Credit Hour(s)

This course is a continuation of the doctrinal studies begun in Theological Survey 107 and 108. The student will examine the remaining Biblical doctrines of Salvation (Soteriology), the Church (Ecclesiology), and Christ (Christology).

Note: Willmington School of the Bible course

Offered: Online

THEO 201 Theology Survey I 2 Credit Hour(s)

This is a general survey of Bible doctrine designed to synthesize and outline each of ten major areas of systematic theology, including prolegomena, bibliology, theology proper, Christology, angelology, and pneumatology.

Offered: Resident and Online

THEO 202 Theology Survey II 2 Credit Hour(s)

This is a continuation of general survey of Bible doctrine designed to synthesize and outline each of the ten major areas of systematic theology. Survey II includes anthropology, hamartiology, soteriology, ecclesiology and eschatology.

Offered: Resident and Online

THEO 311 Revelation, Authority and Reason 3 Credit Hour(s)

This course is designed to acquaint the student with fundamental issues in theological prolegomena, i.e., introductory questions concerning the Word as revealed in apologetics, hermeneutics and dogmatics, and the sources of authority (the Bible, the Church, the World, etc.).

Offered: Resident

THEO 313 The Person and Work of Christ 3 Credit Hour(s)

A study of the Person and work of Christ as revealed through Messianic prophecy, the Incarnation and His ministry as Prophet, Priest, and King. Special attention is given to the contributions of John and Paul to a full understanding of this doctrine.

Offered: Online

THEO 324 A Theology of Suffering and Disability 3 Credit Hour(s)

Prerequisite: (BIBL 105 or BIBL 205) and (BIBL 110 or BIBL 210) and THEO 201 and THEO 202 and ENGL 101 and ENGL 102

This course explores the theological understanding of the image of God, the problem of evil, as well as suffering as it relates to a biblical understanding of physical and mental disability. Students will incorporate this understanding into a theology of inclusion for the Church and Christian Ministry. Thus, the student will be equipped to evaluate various methods and strategies for disability ministry.

Offered: Resident

THEO 330 Theology of the Family 3 Credit Hour(s)

Prerequisite: (THEO 201 and THEO 202) or THEO 104

This course is designed to equip students with an understanding of God's original design for the home, the primary purposes of family life, and a biblical method for facilitating transformation. Students will establish the ground work for fostering healthy family relationships and strong generational legacy. This study begins with a "big picture" view of the home, clarifies doctrinal misunderstandings of the family role, outlines a history of the modern family, and offers a scriptural vision for long-term family blessing.

Offered: Resident and Online

THEO 340 Theology and Politics 3 Credit Hour(s)

This course is designed to relate Christian thought to societal ethics and responsibility through the auspices of important theological mentors and movements. The relation between the church and state will also be studied in scripture, as well as in church history. Specific ethical issues of ecclesiastical and societal concerns (abortion, capital punishment, nuclear war, etc.) will be addressed.

Offered: Resident

THEO 345 Theology of Race and Culture 3 Credit Hour(s)

This course provides a theological and biblical framework for understanding critical issues related to race, ethnicity, and culture in an increasingly multi-ethnic and multi-cultural world. Consideration is given to such issues as contemporary race tension, individualism verses collectivism, socio-economic and class struggles, and ethnocentrism, in light of the responsibility of the church and the gospel.

Offered: Resident

THEO 350 Fundamental Theological Issues 3 Credit Hour(s)

Prerequisite: (THEO 201 and THEO 202) or THEO 104

A study of the major theological questions which arise in the defense of biblical inerrancy, scriptural separation, creationism and dispensationalism. It also deals with such contemporary issues as the charismatic movement, feminism, situation ethics and other vital concerns to the fundamentalist in today's world. (Formerly THEO 250).

Offered: Resident and Online

THEO 360 Theological Interpretation of Scripture 3 Credit Hour(s)

Online Prerequisite: (RLGN 301 and BIBL 360 and BIBL 105 and BIBL 110) or (RLGN 301 and BIBL 360 and BIBL 205 and BIBL 210) or (RLGN 301 and BIBL 360 and BIBL 110 and BIBL 205) or (RLGN 301 and BIBL 360 and BIBL 105 and BIBL 210) or (RLGN 301 and BIBL 360 and BIBL 104)

This course is a survey of biblical theology with specific attention given to the primary theological themes of the Old and New Testament. It explores how each testament informs the redemptive storyline of the Bible. Various soteriological themes and theological systems such as dispensationalism and covenant theology are addressed. This is to lay a foundation for understanding the relationship between biblical theology and current theological issues.

Offered: Online

THEO 362 Historical Theology 3 Credit Hour(s)

Prerequisite: THEO 201 and THEO 202

A study of doctrinal development within the history of the Christian church. An emphasis is placed on the identification, analysis, and evaluation of significant theological methodologies and systems, which have affected the doctrinal perspectives of evangelicals. The theological methods and systems to be evaluated and compared include but are not limited to the following: biblical theology, natural theology, covenant theology, dispensationalism, and philosophical theology.

Offered: Resident and Online

THEO 412 The Church: Its Mission and Hope 3 Credit Hour(s)

Prerequisite: THEO 201 and THEO 202

An examination of the New Testament Church with particular concern given to its origin, its distinctive nature, its mission, its function, its government, its offices, its ordinances and its destiny.

Offered: Resident and Online

THEO 415 Examining and Applying Biblical and Theological Concepts 3 Credit Hour(s)

Online Prerequisite: THEO 201 and THEO 202

This course is designed to allow the student to better understand and put into practice key theological ideas. A wide range of biblical and theological concepts are presented, and the student is challenged to apply these concepts in real world situations and to understand wide-ranging viewpoints. This course builds upon basic theological coursework, encouraging students to deepen their understanding, while at the same time, gaining experience by living out biblical truths in ministry settings.

Offered: Online

THEO 430 Modern and Contemporary Theology 3 Credit Hour(s)

This course will analyze and interpret the theology of major thinkers in the 19th and 20th centuries. In light of past enlightenment trends in Western religious thought, study will be done of the background of such theological trends both for understanding and critical assessment. Representatives of classical liberalism, neo-orthodoxy, existentialism and post-existential schools will be stressed.

Offered: Resident

THEO 450 Middle East Conflict in Biblical Perspective 3 Credit Hour(s)

Prerequisite: (BIBL 105 or BIBL 205) and (BIBL 110 or BIBL 210)

This course traces the causes, development, consequences and outcome of the Middle East conflict from a biblical and Christian Zionist perspective. The relevant historical and biblical texts will be examined with respect to Israel's conflict with nations past, present and future and the contemporary interpretation of the conflict within Christianity. (Crosslisted with GOVT 450)

Offered: Resident

THEO 495 Directed Research 1-3 Credit Hour(s)

THEO 495 - Directed Research (1 to 3 hours)

Offered: Resident

THEO 497 Special Topics in Theology 3 Credit Hour(s)

Offered: Resident