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FALL 2013
American Religious History HS 103-O, Stephen Angell
This introductory course studies the roles of major churches in the development of American culture and society, their roots both in this continent and on others, and links to the frontier, the Civil War, industrialism, and urbanization; Religion and gender in American religion; evolving Native American religion since contact with Europeans; also an examination of persons and books from such movements as the Awakenings, Revival Movement, liberalism, fundamentalism, the Social Gospel, and current standpoints. 3 semester hours.
Introduction to the Old Testament BS 101-O, Nancy Bowen
This course introduces students to the diversity of literary and theological traditions in the Old Testament.
Attention will be given to the formation and role of these traditions in the context of the life and history of the people of Israel and to their function in contemporary life and faith. 3 semester hours.
Introduction to Theological Reflection TS 101-O, David Johns
This course introduces students to the history and practice of reflecting on faith, on the Church’s theological symbols, and the way in which particular doctrines give shape to our experience. This course and Constructive Theology form two parts of students’ exposure to the expansive and diverse Christian theological tradition. Students will read and discuss texts, ancient, contemporary, and from a variety of cultural settings, concerning the themes of revelation and Holy Spirit, God, Christ, and salvation. 3 semester hours.
Leadership Formation LS 365-O, Jay Marshall
This course examines the discipline of leadership studies as a context for considering models of religious leadership, and especially Quaker ideas of identity formation in relationship to organizational leadership. Attention will be given to creating a philosophy of leadership appropriate to the student’s theological, spiritual, and personal understandings of God, self, and ministry. 3 semester hours.
Prerequisite: LS 101-O
Writing as Ministry WR 101-O, TBA
An introduction to the concept, aspects, and challenges of writing as public ministry both by reading those who have studied the field and by examining works of literature. Topics to be explored may include the power of story to convey truth, story theology, the links between literary arts and religion, the relationship of creativity and spirituality, and the ethical ramifications of placing beauty in service of truth. 3 semester hours.
History of Christianity II H 102-O, Ken Rodgers
The course continues the overview of the history of Christianity from the Reformation to the present. Topics of study include the Magisterial Reformation, the Radical Reformation, Roman Catholic reform, Protestant Orthodoxy, Pietism,and the Evangelical Awakening, the impact of Enlightenment rationalism, missionary expansion, Protestant liberalism and fundamentalism, the ecumenical movement, Christianity in developing countries and the Christian decline in the industrialized West. 3 semester hours.
History of the Church of the Brethren H 201-O, Denise Kettering
This course investigates the history of the Brethren from their beginning as a movement amidst German Pietism to their transplantation and spread in America, major divisions, mission work, and interactions with wider Christianity and surrounding cultures, attending to their development from a rather homogeneous to a somewhat more ethnically diverse group. Along with theological concerns, the course will investigate social historical contexts for the Brethren story. 3 semester hours.
NEW Ecclesiology T 3xx-O, Malinda Berry and Denise Kettering
Course description coming soon!
SPRING 2014
Pastoral Spirituality PM 150-O, Phil Baisley
This course emphasizes the personal side of pastoring, including the importance of caring for one’s physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health. Students will become familiar with the joys and pitfalls of being part of a pastoral family and begin to develop a personal philosophy of pastoral ministry. 3 semester hours.
Psalms BS 340-O, Nancy Bowen
Course Description Coming Soon!
Seminar in Biblical Studies: Hebrews BS 390-O, Tim Seid
Reading and research on selected topics from the Bible, including both book studies from different parts of the Old and New Testaments and topical studies, e.g., Images of God in the Old Testament; Women in the Old Testament; Apocalyptic Literature; Old Testament Theology; Psalms; Philippians; James. Different topics are considered in subsequent offerings; therefore this seminar may be taken for credit more than once. 3
semester hours.
Prerequisite: BS 101/101-O or B 102/102-O
Introduction to Peace and Justice Studies PJ 101-O, Lonnie Valentine
This foundational course in the Peace and Justice program explores contemporary conflict by applying each of ESR’s four core areas of religious studies: Bible, Theology, Church History, and Spirituality. This course serves as the introduction to the three core courses in the Peace and Justice program. 3 semester hours.
History of Christianity I H 101-O, Ken Rodgers
This course gives an overview of the history of Christianity from the apostolic period to the eve of the Reformation. Topics addressed include theoretical issues in studying the history of Christianity, early Christianity, the Constantinian shift, Augustine’s influence, asceticism, the Middle Ages, Medieval lay piety and dissent, monastic orders, the papacy and the beginnings of the Renaissance. 3 semester hours.
Introduction to the New Testament B 102-O, Dan Ulrich
This course offers a survey of the 27 writings that compose the New Testament canon. We will study each of these writings with attention to their literary form and content, their origins in the life of early Christian communities, and their meanings for readers today. 3 semester hours.
Course listings are subject to change. Please be sure to check the Registrar's current course schedule
on the Seminary Academic Services website [1] for possible additional courses or corrections.
on the Seminary Academic Services website [1] for possible additional courses or corrections.