Seminary Courses

Study Areas

• Biblical Studies
• Christian Ministry
• Communications
• Counselling
• Greek
• Hebrew
• History
• Leadership and Management
• Psychology
• Research and Experiential Integration
• Sociology
• Theology
• Worship Arts
• Youth Ministry

Theology

• THEO 601 Christian Theology Overview

  A basic overview of the central doctrines of the Christian faith, designed for those who have no previous, formal training in Christian theology, or for those who need a refresher. Students develop a basic understanding of the method and content of systematic theology as presented in the Apostles' Creed and the classical evangelical tradition. For MATS and MABLE students, this course may be used in the core by permission of the program coordinator.

• THEO 621 Theology of Mission and Evangelism

  An exploration of some recent thinking about both the centrality and the nature of mission in the teaching of the Scriptures, and an opportunity to reflect on the relevance of a biblically faithful theology of mission for the church's obedience to Christ in our contemporary world. Cross-listed: CM 621 Theology of Mission and Evangelism

• THEO 641 Theology of Christian Worship

  This course explores a theological understanding of worship as it relates to Christian practice over the past two millennia. Current worship trends in North American churches will be evaluated in light of this theological and historical perspective. Cross-listed: CM 641 Theology of Christian Worship

• THEO 650 Theology of God and Creation

  This foundational course introduces the task and importance of systematic theology for Christian teaching and ministry. Special focus is given to outlining, biblically and historically, the doctrine of the Trinity, the doctrine of God as Creator and Lord of Creation, and the doctrine of humanity.

• THEO 653 Theology of Christ and Reconciliation

  This course examines the person and work of Jesus Christ as the centre of Christian life, faith, and experience. In conversation with historic and current theological literature, the course will outline how the biblical pattern of Christ's birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus Christ reconciles fallen sinners with the Father in the Spirit. Special attention may be given to one or more doctrines such as election, adoption, regeneration, atonement, justification, sanctification, or glorification.

• THEO 654 Theology of the Holy Spirit and Redemption

  This course examines the identity and redeeming work of the Holy Spirit. Special focus is given to understanding the nature of the Holy Spirit; his relationship to the Father and Son; his roles in sustaining creation, in inspiring and canonizing Scripture, in calling, sanctifying and gifting the Church, and in the resurrection. Contemporary issues in pneumatology will also be examined.

• THEO 655 Following Christ: An Introduction to Theological Ethics

  This course explores philosophical and biblical-theological foundations for ethics, the role of Jesus' example in ethical formulation, and major ethical issues facing today's church and society.

• THEO 751 Life in the Mess: A Theology of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

  This course will evaluate contemporary models of forgiveness and reconciliation from both a theological and counseling perspective. A Gospel-centered model of forgiveness and reconciliation will be presented out of which practices of forgiveness and reconciliation can be explored. Issues to be considered may include, but are not be limited to: the semantics of forgiveness and reconciliation; systemic and corporate dynamics of forgiveness and reconciliation; the problem of unrepentance; forgiveness and memory; forgiveness and reconciliation in non-ecclesial/non-Christian contexts; and the role of the local church in fostering forgiveness and reconciliation. Note: May count as a Counselling elective.

• THEO 752 The Trinity in History, Theology, and Discipleship

  This seminar explores biblical, patristic, and select historical Trinitarian literature of both Western and Eastern theological traditions. Specific attention will be given both to ancient and recent debates within the doctrine of the Trinity proper, as well as the use of Trinitarian doctrine in theology and discipleship. Note: Students with credit for THEO 752 These Three Are One may not take this course for credit.

• THEO 753 Thy Kingdom Come: The Church, Politics and Eschatology

  After his resurrection, Jesus ascended to the right hand of God the Father. As King, the ascended Christ calls into question the ultimate authority of all political and social structures without completely doing away with them. This course attempts to grapple with the complex problem of Christian political engagement, particularly within a Canadian context. Themes such as the prophetic authority of the church in her proclamation of the kingdom and the eschatological shape of human political relations are explored.

• THEO 754 Shepherd the Flock: Theology of Preaching, Pastoral Care, Baptism, and Lord's Supper

  This seminar will dialogue with Scripture, theological texts, and peers on four critical aspects of a theology of ministry: preaching, pastoral care, baptism, and the Lord's Supper. Special attention will be given to establishing a theology of ministry founded upon a doctrine of the Church's union with God. Note: Students with credit for THEO 754 Shepherd the Flock: Pastoral Theology of Church, Sacraments, Mission, and Preaching may not take this course for credit.

• THEO 756 Marriage, Singleness and Human Sexuality in Theological Perspective

  A seminar that explores the rich legacy of theological and moral reflection on marriage, singleness and sexuality. Students will examine influential texts from the breadth of the Christian tradition and give special consideration to how these texts might inform nuanced reflection on contemporary issues in sexual ethics. Note: This course may count as a Counselling elective.

• THEO 759 Theology Specialty

  This study focuses on a particular emphasis of theological studies. The focus of this course varies from year to year.

• THEO 761 The Patristic Fathers

  Luke, the New Testament historian, sought to write an orderly account of the early church so that he might instruct Theophilus in the historical reliability of the Christian faith. This course begins where Luke left off and provides an introduction to some of the key issues, events, and personalities of the early church up to the Council of Chalcedon (451 CE), including formative issues in biblical interpretation, the development of an orthodox faith, church-state relations, and the seminal work of the early church fathers.

• THEO 805 Scripture and Theological Interpretation

  This course examines what it means to confess that scripture is the Word of God and is authoritative in all matters of faith and life. Through advanced study in the doctrine of scripture and its theological interpretation, students are exposed to the most influential schools of thought in contemporary theology.
  
  Cross-listed: BLST 805 Scripture and Theological Interpretation

• THEO 827 Kingdom and Resurrection: Themes in Eschatology

  This course will provide an overview of the history of Christian eschatology from the early church to the present, an examination of debates on the kingdom in the twentieth century, and a particular focus upon two primary theological concepts: "the kingdom of God" and "the resurrection of the body." These concepts will guide exploration of issues such as death, the intermediate state, the return of Christ, the destiny of the cosmos, the Millennium, the judgment of the nations, and the eternal state.

• THEO 859 Advanced Seminar in Theology

  This seminar guides students in extensive reading and discussion within a selected topic, field, or personality of historical, systematic, or pastoral theology. The topic of study is selected in accordance with the expertise of the faculty member and/or interests of the students.
  
  Note: This course may be taken more than once as the focus of this course varies from year to year.

• THEO 891 MATS Comprehensive Exam

  The oral comprehensive exam serves as a culminating interview for all MATS students. The exam is an analysis and synthesis of the greater portion of the student's seminary work and demonstrates competency in communicating and applying the results of their study. A student who has completed THEO 891 will receive a "P" (pass) on their transcript.