Systematic, Constructive and Historical Theology
THEO 501 The Christian Confession (3) A
THEO 501-CL The Christian Confession (3)
THEO 501-SL The Christian Confession (3)
The introduction to the theology curriculum. This course is a robust exploration of the significance of the Nicene Creed for the ancient church and contemporary faithfulness.
THEO 610 Creation, Fall and Redemption (3) A
THEO 610-CL Creation, Fall and Redemption (3)
THEO 610-SL Creation, Fall and Redemption (3)
An in-depth examination of the Christian doctrines of creation, fall, and redemption as articulated over history and across cultures. Issues considered include image of God, the infinite and the finite, conceptions of the fall, the existence of suffering, and the meaning of atonement and redemption.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
THEO 611 The Church and Its Witness (3) B
THEO 611-CL The Church and Its Witness (3) B
THEO 611-SL The Church and Its Witness (3) B
A continuation of the exploration of the core doctrine of the Christian church. This course focuses on the second and third articles of the historic creeds. Close attention is paid to the work of Jesus Christ, the atonement, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, sanctification, the marks of the Church, the sacraments, and the end of history.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
THEO 615-CL History and Theology of the Chinese Church (3)
The course is a study of the Christian teaching about the Church in its constitution, characteristics, and destiny. Topics include images of the Church in the Bible, its mission and ministries, and its place in the revelation of the Last Things. The treatment of the subject is biblical, historical, and theological. Beyond the Church, the course also considers the implications of the revelation of the Last Things for Israel, the church, and the nations.
Prerequisite: THEO 501 or THEO 610
THEO 621 Apologetics (3) O
THEO 621-OL Apologetics (3)
THEO 621-SL Apologetics (3)
This course is a survey and examination of the history of, and rationale for Christian apologetics. This includes an introduction to and exploration of the key questions and arguments that have risen in both the traditional and the contemporary context. The course also focuses on the relation between faith and reason, revelation and knowledge, belief and unbelief, and church and culture – all with the intent of more deeply learning what it means to be a faithful and thoughtful Christian witness.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
THEO 622 Christianity and Culture (3) A
THEO622-CL Christianity and Culture (3)
THEO 622-SL Christianity and Culture (3)
The course is a critical examination of different attitudes toward culture adopted by the Church throughout history. The texts of representative theorists of culture such as Paul Tillich, Richard Niebuhr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Stanley Hauerwas, and Jacques Ellul are assessed in light of biblical patterns and the requirements of a postmodern paradigm. Practical questions such as the relationship between the sacred and the secular, the role of art, the place of work and leisure, and the significance of political engagement receive particular attention. The course also seeks to develop an integrated model of God, humanity and culture focusing on current debates and their bearing on Christian mission.
Prerequisite: THEO 501 or THEO 610
THEO 623 Christian Ethics (3) O
THEO 623-CL Christian Ethics (3)
THEO 623-SL Christian Ethics (3)
A study of influential ethical models current in contemporary moral philosophy. An evaluation of these models provides material for the construction of a Christian ethic based on the Scriptures and the moral teaching of the Church.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
THEO 624 Theology and the Church Response to Residential Schools (3) B
This course looks at the particular history of residential schools in Canada as lens through which to constructively examine Christian belief and practice. We will use church responses to Canadian residential schools (before, during, and after the residential school era) to foster a critical engagement with the way sources of knowledge (such as scripture, tradition, culture and history) inform theology. Theologians throughout history have observed that our values and beliefs translate into how we act and how we construct our societies. Theologians have also considered challenges to the church as crucial to the life of faith. Students will develop their own theological voice to contribute to the possibilities for transformation of church and world. This course utilizes off-site current events, archives, news, art, film, literature, guests, and traditional lecture format as pedagogy.
Prerequisite: THEO 501 or permission of department
THEO 627 All Things Now Living: Theology and Earth in Conversation (3) B
THEO 627-SL All Things Now Living: Theology and Earth in Conversation (3)
An exploration of human relations to the natural world from a Christian theological perspective. Through the examination of texts and place-based experiences, students will critically engage issues in ecology, creation care, land justice, and anthropocentrism.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
THEO 630 Theology of Mission (3) O
THEO 630-SL Theology of Mission (3)
A comprehensive biblical study of the centrality of mission in the heart of God, as this theme progressively unfolds in the Old and New Testament Scriptures. The course focuses on the significance of mission for the church today.
Prerequisite: THEO 501 and MI 503
THEO 640 Alliance History and Thought (3) A
THEO 640-CL Alliance History and Thought (3)
This course is a survey of the origins of The Alliance Canada movement in its social/cultural context. The continuities and changes are then traced historically as The Alliance Canada developed to the present. In this, an evaluation of Alliance “distinctives” will form a central theme.
Prerequisite: CH 501 or THEO 610. Prerequisite will be waived for students who are in a denominational credentialing process.
Note: This course is cross-listed as CH 610 and is cross-leveled at the undergraduate level as HI 362/REL 362.
Online course has a class limit of 20 students and preference is given to those living outside of Calgary.
THEO 641 History and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene (3) A
This course traces the formative influences that led to the American Holiness movement and the Church of the Nazarene. The polity of the Church, as well as her major figures and events, are explored. Attention will be given to the themes of holiness theology in the context of the growth of the Church of the Nazarene.
Note: This course is cross-leveled at the undergraduate level as REL 358.
Note: This course is taught as a hybrid course.
THEO 645 Special Topics in Theology (3) O
THEO 645-CL Special Topics in Theology (3)
THEO 645-SL Special Topics in Theology (3)
A course in theological studies on a topic of current interest or specialized study. Course may be repeated for credit as topics change.
THEO 650 Contemplative Theologians (3) B
THEO 650-SL Contemplative Theologians (3)
A study of the writings of particular theological figures in Christianity who have emphasized the radical possibilities of contemplative practices for both church and world. These thinkers understand the correlation between belief and society with the result that their writing challenges the social and religious values of their day.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
THEO 651 Trauma and Theology (3) A
THEO 651-SL Trauma and Theology (3)
An interdisciplinary study of trauma and theology. The course addresses the unique challenges that the phenomenon of trauma poses to classical and contemporary Christian theology, and the insights of particular Canadian experiences of and research on trauma. These studies will deepen the student’s ability, as a theologian, to respond to the complex challenges confronting traumatized persons and communities.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
THEO 663 Theology in the Modern Era (3) B
THEO 663-CL Theology in the Modern Era (3)
THEO 663-SL Theology in the Modern Era (3)
A study of those late-nineteenth and twentieth century theological movements and thinkers who have significantly shaped contemporary theological trends and discussions.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
THEO 667 Theologies from the Margins (3) B
THEO 667-SL Theologies from the Margins (3)
A study of theological work that has come from groups on the social and historical sidelines, focusing on their historical developments and biblical/theology arguments. The course will centre on Latin American Liberation, Feminist, Indigenous, and Black theologies, but may also include Minjung, Dalit, and Woman theologies, as well as the exploration of theologies of sex and gender.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
Note: This course is cross-leveled at the undergraduate level as REL 367.
THEO 669 Trajectories in Reformation Theology (3) O
THEO 669-SL Trajectories in Reformation Theology (3)
A comparative analysis of continental Magisterial Protestant, Catholic, and Radical Reformations within the context of early modern European society. A broad spectrum of subjects will be covered including soteriological and ecclesiological themes, church/state relations, political/socioeconomic theories, structures of family life, and the relationship between the Reformation and Renaissance.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
Note: This course is cross-leveled at the undergraduate level as REL 369.
THEO 674 Theology of Holiness (3) B
THEO 674-SL Theology of Holiness (3)
This course consists of a study of the doctrine of Christian holiness, stressing its biblical basis and surveying the breadth of its historical interpretations. Particular attention will be given to the late nineteenth-century Holiness Movement, its context, participants, theological offspring and classic texts. The formative, experiential, and ethical aspects of this doctrine will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: THEO 501 or THEO 610
THEO 675 Theological Research Seminar (3) A
THEO 675-SL Theological Research Seminar (3)
An introduction to research tools and the efficient use of theological resources. Practical application is emphasized with attention to information access, information literacy, basic research (concepts, planning, and resources), and critical analysis and thinking. An introduction to the relationship between different theological disciplines and exploration of the vocation of a theologian within the Church. Functions as the basis for the development of a MTS thesis proposal. This course may not be used as an advanced substitute in Theology and Christian Thought. This course is restricted to MTS students.
Note: This course is taught as a directed study by the MTS student’s thesis supervisor.
THEO 681 The Theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (3) O
THEO 681-SL The Theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (3)
A study of the life and thought of twentieth century theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Through lectures and text discussions students will learn from his historical context, ecclesial activism, and theological ethics.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
Note: This course is cross-leveled as REL 381.
THEO 700 Advanced Hermeneutics (3) B
THEO 700-CL Advanced Hermeneutics (3)
THEO 700-SL Advanced Hermeneutics (3)
This course provides an orientation to key issues in theological hermeneutics essential to the interpretation of the Bible and the study of theology. The course will describe ancient and contemporary reflection on hermeneutics as well as provide an opportunity for students to develop a hermeneutic appropriate for the study of Bible and theology within a confessional context.
Prerequisite: One of the following: NT 502, OT 502, THEO 501
Note: This course is cross-listed as BT 700.
THEO 702 Trinitarian Theology (3) O
THEO 702-SL Trinitarian Theology (3)
The uniqueness of Christian faith is that it worships God as one in three persons. The course, which is predicated on the conviction that the Trinity is a highly practical doctrine, investigates its origin and development. On the one hand, the inquiry, which is exegetical, historical, and philosophical, examines the particular contribution of Church councils such as Nicea and Constantinople as well as the particular contribution of individuals such as Augustine, the Cappadocian Fathers, and Thomas Aquinas in the formulation of Christian doctrine of the Trinity. On the other hand, the course critically examines the more recent proposals of Trinitarian theologies. A particular effort is made to demonstrate the implications of the Trinitarian faith for Christian worship and praxis.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
THEO 704 Narrative Theology (3) O
THEO 704-SL Narrative Theology (3)
The course is designed to develop an understanding and appreciation of the category of “story” for theological reflection. From a historical perspective, the course examines the rise of narrative theology, its division in two schools (Yale and Chicago), and the efforts presently underway to unify the two schools. Beyond the current historical interest, the course seeks to identify the weaknesses and the strengths of the narrative approach to the practice of theology in a postmodern context. Some suggestions will also be made as to how the positive insights of narrative theology can be applied to evangelical preaching.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
THEO 705 Advanced Reading: Cognate Field Comprehensive Examination (1.5) A
THEO 705-SL Advanced Reading: Cognate Field Comprehensive Examination (1.5)
Study in Theology as a cognate field is required for those concentrating in Old Testament or New Testament in the Master of Theological Studies program. This course involves a preliminary study of enduring and recent issues in the study of Theology.
Note: This course is a supervised study and culminates in a final examination which is the Theology Cognate comprehension examination.
Prerequisite: Restricted to MTS students. This course is conducted as an individual Directed Study, requiring permission of the Registrar, Dean and instructor.
Note: PASS/FAIL – not included in GPA.
THEO 708 Postcolonial Theologies (3) O
THEO 708-SL Postcolonial Theologies (3)
This course seeks to achieve two objectives. First, it seeks to investigate the theologies emergent from the postmodern critique of modernity. Second, by focusing on postcolonial theologies, it seeks to pay attention to theological expressions from the global South. This course takes the colonial phenomenon as a foil to identify trends and strategies in these theologies that are at the same time theologies of identity and theologies of otherness.
Prerequisite: THEO 501
THEO 710 Readings in Postmodern Theologies (3) O
THEO 710-SL Readings in Postmodern Theologies (3)
An in-depth study of selected currents and/ or selected individual theologians who have made a significant contribution to the development of theology in recent years. These currents and/or individuals are considered within the context of the postmodern epistemological approaches to theology.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
THEO 720 Advanced Reading: Specialization Comprehensive Examination (3) A
THEO 720-SL Advanced Reading: Specialization Comprehensive Examination (3)
A comprehensive study of enduring and recent issues in the study of theology and mastery of a set of primary texts in theology. This course is a supervised study and prepares students for the Theology specialization comprehensive exam in the Master of Theological Studies program. Note: This course is conducted as an individual Directed Study, requiring permission of the Registrar, Dean and instructor.
Prerequisite: Restricted to MTS students
Note: PASS/FAIL – not included in GPA.
THEO 745 Theological Studies Seminar (3) B
THEO 745-SL Theological Studies Seminar (3)
An advanced seminar addressing a particular theme, group of themes, figure of interest, or critical issue prominent in theology and Christian thought. Participants will be expected to conduct research and present their findings to the class. May be repeated for credit as topics change.
Prerequisite: THEO 501 and 3 credits in THEO at the 600 level
THEO 750 Theology Independent Study (3) O
THEO 750-SL Theology Independent Study (3)
An opportunity for the advanced (at least one-half through their program) student to research, write, and report on an aspect of theology of particular interest and significance. Under the guidance of the instructor, the student is expected to exercise the requisite skills and initiative in bringing the project to completion.
THEO 790a Thesis (6) A
THEO 790a-SL Thesis (6)
Designed for students pursuing programs that require a thesis. Students will write a research thesis in the area of specialization under the supervision of appropriate faculty member(s). After the thesis proposal is approved, the thesis is registered during the final semester of the degree program. Credit is granted when the thesis is defended successfully in a public meeting and approved by program faculty.
Prerequisite: CGPA of 3.0 for course work in the program. This course is restricted to students in the MTS Program.
Note: PASS/FAIL – not included in GPA.
THEO 790b Thesis (6) A
THEO 790b-SL Thesis (6)
Designed for students pursuing programs that require a thesis. Students will write a research thesis in the area of specialization under the supervision of appropriate faculty member(s). After the thesis proposal is approved, the thesis is registered during the final semester of the degree program. Credit is granted when the thesis is defended successfully in a public meeting and approved by program faculty.
Prerequisite: CGPA of 3.0 for course work in the program. This course is restricted to students in the MTS Program.
Note: PASS/FAIL – not included in GPA.