Ministry Distinctive

Systematic Theology Emphasis:

Description: Students in this concentration will be equipped, through systematic study of the sources of the evangelical Christian faith, to constructively engage the issues and implications of theology in various ministerial settings. (Source (p.76))

Artifact Approval Form

Required & Elective Courses

Required:

ST5295 Systematic Theology Colloquium

A seminar for advanced students on the scope, structure, and issues of systematic theology, focusing on a published volume of systematic theology. Prerequisites: ST5101– ST5106. Required of students in the Systematic Theology concentration. (3 hours.)

ST5620 History of Philosophy

A study of the history of philosophy, with attention to the antecedents of modern philosophy and the relationship of philosophy to Christian doctrine. Designed as a broad overview for those who have not had a course in the history of philosophy. Prerequisite: ST5101 Theological Method and Bibliology. (3 hours)

Electives:

ST6510 God and Evil

An examination of objections to the Christian concept of God in view of the fact of evil and suffering. Prerequisite: ST5101 Theological Method and Bibliology. (3 hours.)

ST5535 Introduction to Political Theology

An introduction to various approaches to political theology, with particular attention to the development of Augustinian, Thomistic, neo-Augustinian, and Anabaptist perspectives; views on the church’s relationship and responsibility to the State; the role of faith in public life; and how religious convictions inform Christian approaches to public discourse. Prerequisite: ST5101 Theological Method and Bibliology. (3 hours)

Completed SP 2022:

RS5102 - Summative Research Project to be completed Spring 2022

ST5625 Philosophy of Religion to be completed Spring 2022

A survey of philosophical issues, including the problems of God, evil, religious language, and religious experience, as they relate to theological issues. Prerequisite: ST5101 Theological Method and Bibliology. (3 hours)

Reflective Statements:

Learning Reflection:

These courses were some of my absolute favorite during my tenure at DTS. Because they were electives, they were all things that I found to be very interesting and was passionate about. I think they provided me with a good framework of how to think through issues in culture in a theologically sound manner.

Lifelong Development:

Some of those issues may be why there is evil or how to respond when someone is hurting and asking why God would allow them to go through something hard, or suffer. Other things are how to engage in the culture and political system in a healthy manner as a Christian. And both of these issues are things that Christians should be doing. Learning the lessons from theses courses has set me up to be able to engage culture in a God honoring method moving forward.