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THEL 209 Introduction to Christianity (3, F, S)
An introductory survey of the main beliefs and practices that constitute the Christian tradition. Christianity will be approached in a way that overcomes the traditional division between doctrine and practice. The Biblical, theological, historical, ethical, and spiritually formative aspects of Christian faith will be explored. The course aims to enable the student to develop a personal theology and life perspective that is informed by Christian faith and Christian spirituality. Liberal Arts Foundation - Christian Theology.
Prerequisite: BIBL 101.

THEL 214 The Cults and New Age (3, May)
Definition and classification of Christian cults and the New Age Movement, including the Occult. Origins and doctrines of, plus practices and trends in, some of the current Christian cults and New Age groups (e.g. Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Transcendental Meditation).

THEL 215 Christian Apologetics (3, S06 and alternate years)
The course seeks to “give reason for the faith that is written within us” by making theological reply to those questions raised when Christian faith collides with contemporary situations. Classical and contemporary questions and methodologies will be considered.

THEL 300 Christianity and Postmodernism (3, F)
(See course description in Off-Campus Programs — Houghton in Australia.)

THEL 313 Systematic Theology (3, F05 and alternate years)
Survey of the main tenets of the Christian faith. Doctrines examined in light of Biblical basis and constructive formulations. Introduces the student to Christian theology and equips the student to develop a personal theology.

THEL 315 Wesleyan Tradition (3, F)
Study of the Wesleyan movement from the Wesleys to the present. Emphases on the history of The Wesleyan Church and the doctrine of holiness.

THEL 320 Spiritual Formation (3, F)
Examines the nature and process of spiritual growth and maturation in the life of the Christian. As an academic course of study, this class arises out of ascetical theology and thus emphasizes the writings of early, medieval, and later Christians. Primary emphasis is given to the role of the classical spiritual disciplines in the formation of character.
Prerequisites: THEL 209

THEL 321 World Religions (3, S)
Background, major teachings of Eastern religious and philosophical thought. Emphases on understanding and evaluating non-Western ideas, practices.

THEL 333 Major Figures in Theology (3, OD)
In-depth study of one or more figures in Christian theology, with an emphasis upon primary source material for examining the theologians in the context of their lives and times.

THEL 334 Studies in Theology (3, OD)
Topics of current theological interest. Specific schools of theology, doctrines, or theological trends will be considered.

THEL 337 Theological Foundations of the Family (3, OD)
Study of major conceptual designs for family. Will emphasize a comparative analysis of religious models and the relationships between these influential systems and family practices. Introduces students to the role of the family in ethical value formation.

THEL 351, 352 Biblical Theology (3/3, F06/S07 and alternate years)
Examination of the teaching of the Old and New Testaments, developed from the distinctive perspective of Biblical theology. Major themes and methods of inquiry. Fall: Old Testament; spring: New Testament.

THEL 368 The Reformation (3, OD)
(Alternative number for history major credit: HIST 368) A survey of the continental, English, and Roman Catholic reformation of the sixteenth century.

THEL 453, 454 History of Christianity (3/3, F/S)
Ancient, medieval, modern development of Christianity in historical context; doctrines, prominent lives, institutions of each era. Fall: ancient to medieval; spring: reformation through modern. (Integrative Studies credit)

THEL 191, -2; 291, -2; 391, -2; 491, -2 Independent Study (1, 2 or 3 hours)

THEL 496 Honors in Theology (3, S)