Christianity (CHRI) Course Descriptions

• CHRI 1301 Introduction to the Bible

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  A survey of the Bible designed to introduce the student to the Old and New Testaments, their main themes, and backgrounds.

• CHRI 1333 The Good Life and Happiness

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.
  Fee(s): None.

  A course that explores the foundations and practices of a good life and happiness. The course engages ancient visions of human flourishing addressed by biblical and philosophical sources and integrates this with modern conceptions of flourishing by means of contemporary psychology. Going beyond the study of ideas, participants will engage practices that are the basis of a good and happy life.

• CHRI 2373 Christian Theology and Tradition

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  A course designed to introduce the student to Christian beliefs on the Old Testament and the New Testament. Beliefs of scholars who have had a significant impact on Christian thought will also be considered. This course is a required course in the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum.

• CHRI 3101 Spiritual Formation: Meditation and Simplicity

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  A practical course cultivating a holistic relationship with God, learning to love God with one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, focusing especially on the traditional spiritual disciplines of meditation and simplicity.

• CHRI 3102 Spiritual Formation: Prayer and Solitude

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  A practical course cultivating a holistic relationship with God, learning to love God with one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, focusing especially on the traditional spiritual disciplines of prayer and solitude.

• CHRI 3115 Theology Seminar

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or ENGL 13131710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  Students will be exposed to contemporary movements in theological research from faculty and other scholars by participation in the School of Christian Thought Theology Seminar. They will learn the process of charitable and critical analysis.

• CHRI 3190 Spiritual Formation

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.
  Fee(s): None.

  A practical course cultivating a holistic relationship with God, learning to love God with one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, focusing especially on traditional spiritual disciplines such as solitude, silence, spiritual reading, contemplative prayer, etc. The course may be taken multiple times for credit.

• CHRI 3300 Introduction to Bible and Theology

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.

  A course designed to engage students in introductory students in Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian Doctrine. The intent of this course is to allow the student to understand the basic story of Scripture and foundational Christian beliefs.

• CHRI 3301 Old Testament Theology

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  A course designed to investigate the theology of the Old Testament and to survey selected secondary literature on Old Testament themes.

• CHRI 3302 New Testament Theology

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  A course designed to investigate the theology of the New Testament and to survey selected secondary literature on New Testament themes.

• CHRI 3311 Hermeneutics

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  A course designed to introduce students to the basic issues, methods, and history of Biblical interpretation. The course will also explore the application of hermeneutical principles to a selected contemporary topic.

• CHRI 3314 History of Christianity

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  A course designed to introduce Christianity in its historical development.

• CHRI 3325 The Christian Vocation

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  This course includes a study of the occupational field of church vocations with emphasis upon the church vocation worker’s personal and ministerial identity, ministerial ethics, Baptist denominational history and polity, and the development of basic skills common to ministry. It incorporates the use of professional ministers from a variety of specialization areas who serve as resource personnel and role models for the aspiring church vocation student.

• CHRI 3333 Jesus and His Teachings

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  An intensive study of the life and teachings of Jesus.

• CHRI 3344 Paul and His Letters

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  A study of the apostle Paul and his contribution to the progress of early Christianity based upon the book of Acts and the epistles attributed to Paul.

• CHRI 4293 Senior Seminar

  Prerequisite(s): (Completion of 80 semester hours–15 of which must be in the major) and an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher.

  Directed studies in selected areas of the student’s special interests, including opportunities for independent research.

• CHRI 4335 Systematic Theology

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  A course designed to study the historical, biblical, and systematic approaches to Christian theology.

• CHRI 4343 Old Testament Prophets

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  A study of the prophetic movement in Israel and the writings of the canonical prophets.

• CHRI 4345 Christian Ethics

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  This course provides a comprehensive study of Christian ethics including biblical and theological foundations, historical developments, and contemporary issues of moral concern. The central role of faith communities in moral development and the importance of church engagement with culture will be emphasized.

• CHRI 4346 The Epistle to the Hebrews

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  A study of the historical setting, literary features, and theological themes of the letter to the Hebrews.

• CHRI 4351 Apostolic Fathers

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  This course is designed to introduce students to the corpus of early Christian texts commonly called the Apostolic Fathers; to guide them towards an appreciative understanding of the material, cultural, social, and theological context of the Roman world within which these texts were written; and to situate the Apostolic Fathers in the wider life and literature of early Christianity.

• CHRI 4355 Trinitarianism

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  This course addresses the importance of the Trinity for Christian theology. Aspects explored will be the revelation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the development of this doctrine; and the relevance and influence this theology has on the life and worship of the church.

• CHRI 4356 Luther, Calvin, and the Reformation

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  This course explores the theological, historical, and social impact of the Protestant Reformation in the life of the Church. A particular focus will be the writings and influence of key figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin.

• CHRI 4375 Christology

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  This course studies the development of Christological beliefs at different stages in church history. Students will study key texts that shaped the church’s understanding of Jesus.

• CHRI 4381 Special Topics

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included. This course may be repeated for credit.

• CHRI 4382 Special Topics

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included. This course may be repeated for credit.

• CHRI 4383 Baptist History

  Prerequisite(s): (CHRI 1301 and CHRI 2373) or HNRS 1710 or (CHRI 3300 for students transferring in with 45 or more credit hours).

  A study of Baptist history and polity with particular emphasis given to Baptist origins, developments, distinctive theological positions, leaders, and current trends. Special attention will be given to Baptist life in America.

• CHRI 5101 Spiritual Formation: Meditation and Simplicity

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  A practical course cultivating a holistic relationship with God, learning to love God with one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, focusing especially on the traditional spiritual disciplines of meditation and simplicity.

• CHRI 5102 Spiritual Formation: Prayer and Solitude

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  A practical course cultivating a holistic relationship with God, learning to love God with one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, focusing especially on the traditional spiritual disciplines of prayer and solitude.

• CHRI 5110 Internship I

  Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor.

  An internship in pastoral ministry with field experience in a church. HBU faculty will provide oversight and mentorship. Can be taken multiple times for credit.

• CHRI 5115 Theology Seminar

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  Students will be exposed to contemporary movements in theological research from faculty and other scholars by participation in the School of Christian Thought Theology Seminar. They will learn the process of charitable and critical analysis.

• CHRI 5190 Spiritual Formation

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.

  A practical course cultivating a holistic relationship with God, learning to love God with one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, focusing especially on traditional spiritual disciplines such as solitude, silence, spiritual reading, contemplative prayer, etc. This course may be taken multiple times for credit.

• CHRI 5210 Internship II

  Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor.

  An internship in pastoral ministry with field experience in a church. HBU faculty will provide oversight and mentorship. Can be taken multiple times for credit.

• CHRI 5300 Introduction to Biblical Texts and Doctrines

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  A course designed to engage students in introductory studies in Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian Doctrine.

• CHRI 5305 Theological Inquiry

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  A class to prepare students for theological reading and writing at the graduate level The class will focus on Biblical exegesis.

• CHRI 5310 Pentateuch

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  Major issues of Old Testament background and interpretation. The area of study is the Pentateuch. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.

• CHRI 5311 Hermeneutics

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  A course designed to introduce a student to the basic issues, methods, and history of biblical interpretation.

• CHRI 5315 Christian Scriptures II

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  The focus of this course of study is on New Testament background and interpretation. The areas of study are the Gospels and Acts. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.

• CHRI 5330 History of Christianity

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  In this course, the student will study the history of Christianity in the ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Although the primary focus will be on the development of Western (Latin) Christianity, some consideration will be given to Byzantine (Eastern) Christendom as well as the spread of Christianity throughout the third world. In addition to the basic content of the history of Christianity, attention will be given to the application of a critical historiography in the interpretation of events and movements.

• CHRI 5340 Systematic Theology

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  The course will focus on twelve areas of doctrinal study. The student will be assigned doctrines to examine from a biblical perspective and from a comparative study of various theologies on the doctrines assigned.

• CHRI 5350 The Theology of the New Testament

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  The study concentrates on the theological message of the New Testament as communicated by the various New Testament witnesses.

• CHRI 5360 Old Testament Theology

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  The study concentrates on the theological message of the Old Testament as communicated by the various Old Testament documents and literature in the discipline of Old Testament studies.

• CHRI 5370 Second Temple Judaism

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  This course focuses on the history of Judaism from roughly 300 B.C. through 200 A.D., including discussion of changes in the political scene and the development of theological themes in Jewish literature of this period.

• CHRI 5380 Christianity After the Apostles

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  This course focuses on the development of Christianity from the end of the apostolic era through the early patristic era. It explores the parting of the ways between Jews and Christians; the social, political, and religious situation of post-apostolic Christianity; and the development of church institutional structures, orthodox theology, and a canon of scripture.

• CHRI 6309 Homiletics

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.

  A basic course to introduce the student to principles of preaching and other ministerial speaking. Attention is given to various types of sermons and their preparation and delivery.

• CHRI 6312 Church Ministry

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  Students will study church ministry, pastoral care, and spiritual formation in this course. Church ministry will include areas such as evangelism, church growth, and administration. Pastoral care with practical aspects of the pastoral role in caring for people. Spiritual formation will relate the spiritual life to the tasks of ministry. Students also will conduct interviews with local and state church and denominational leaders for practical aspects of ministry, available resources, and programming helps.

• CHRI 6313 Pastoral Care and Spiritual Formation

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  This course examines the integration of the life of prayer and the caring tasks of ministry. Classic writings in the area of pastoral care will be used with particular reference to the functions of ministry and the role of the devotional life in the performance of various ministerial duties. The course may also focus on the relationship between the cura animarum of classic pastoral care and the therapeutic approaches of contemporary pastoral counseling.

• CHRI 6314 Missions and Evangelism

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  This course of study will include the history of missions and the history of great awakenings. Also included would be studies in the church growth movement. Practical applications of evangelistic missions or church growth activities will be part of the requirements for this course.

• CHRI 6315 Christian Scriptures III

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  This course continues the study of Old Testament background and interpretation. The areas of study are the major and minor prophets. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.

• CHRI 6320 The Pauline Letters

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  This course continues the study of New Testament background and interpretation. The area of study is Paul’s letters. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.

• CHRI 6333 Historical and Moral Theology

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  The subject of this course is the historical development of Christian theology and ethics from the second century to the present. Directed study will focus on the theological and moral ideas in the writings of significant figures of ancient, medieval, and modern Christianity. The student will be required to study each writer as a person of his or her own age by means of a critical analysis of the influences, context, and content of his or her own writings. Additionally, consideration will be given to the matter of how the theology and ethics of the Christian past offer insight into contemporary issues and problems.

• CHRI 6340 Christian Readings

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  Involves selected primary and secondary readings within specific areas as designated by the professor and according to the student’s educational needs in their fields of study. Limited to one enrollment.

• CHRI 6345 Readings in NT

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.

  Students will study primary and secondary readings in New Testament literature within specific areas as designated by the professor and student needs.

• CHRI 6350 Christian Readings

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  Involves selected primary and secondary readings within specific areas as designated by the professor and according to the student’s educational needs in their fields of study. Limited to one enrollment.

• CHRI 6375 Christology

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  This course studies the development of Christological beliefs at different stages in church history. Students will study key texts that shaped the church’s understanding of Jesus.

• CHRI 6378 Ecclesiology: Doctrine of the Church

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  This course studies the development of the doctrine of the church from the New Testament to the contemporary period. Students will explore the different understandings of the church and the practices of the church.

• CHRI 6392 Thesis

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  The thesis component is in lieu of the last six hours in the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) program. The thesis proposed by the student must be selected under the guidance and approval of the department, and the rendering of the thesis must be in a minimum of 75 pages.

• CHRI 7199 Project Continuation

  Prerequisite(s): CHRI 7212.

  This course is designed for students in the Doctor of Ministry program who have not completed their dissertation after finishing their course work. This course may be repeated.

• CHRI 7201 Research Seminar

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Fee(s): DMin Supervisor Fee.

  This course consists of two primary elements. Students will participate a research symposium in which research presentations will be delivered by faculty, advanced students, and invited guests. The course will also focus on the skills and methods of doctoral level research, including preparation of the student’s individual project. This course may be repeated for credit.

• CHRI 7212 DMin Research Project

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Fee(s): DMin Supervisor Fee.

  Students will produce a project which demonstrates applied consideration of theology and ministry. Students may choose 1) to prepare a traditional DMin research dissertation, or 2) a substantial project based on discussion with and pre-approval by the department and the supervisor. This course may be repeated for credit.

• CHRI 7301 Kingdom Theology

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.

  This course explores the biblical and theological foundation undergirding the holistic mission and ministry of the church as part of God’s Kingdom purposes for the world. In particular, the course will focus on the climactic story that unites the Christian Scriptures.

• CHRI 7302 Kingdom Ministry

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.

  This course explores the nature of Christian leaders’ roles in the Kingdom and the characteristics of a ministry that accords with Kingdom purposes.

• CHRI 7303 Theology and Culture

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.

  This course focuses on analysis of the cultural forces impacting the church today (disenchantment, pluralism, anxiety, etc.) and explores theological resources to address these forces for ministry within a setting shaped by them.

• CHRI 7309 Study Abroad

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  Students will learn about the history and culture of the places and people in the history of Christianity. The specific locations and topics will vary. The course may be repeated.

• CHRI 7320 Pastoral Ministry

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.

  Students will study church ministry, pastoral care, and spiritual formation in this course. It will include practical ministry such as leadership, church growth, and administration, as well as strategies in caring for a congregation and its members.

• CHRI 7332 Studies in Pauline Letters

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.

  This course on New Testament background and interpretation focuses on the topic of Paul’s letters. The study will involve specific literature as well as historical, theological, sociological, canonical, and critical issues of the biblical text.

• CHRI 7333 New Testament Perspectives on Pastoral Ministry

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.

  This course examines the relationship between the teachings of the New Testament as they relate to pastoral ministry and their modern-day practice, especially in the context of the local Church. The course primarily looks at pastoral theology and praxis as it developed in the earliest stages of the Christian community.

• CHRI 7335 Studies in New Testament

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  New Testament topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour of credit must be included. This course may be repeated for credit.

• CHRI 7342 Theology & the Imagination

  Prerequisite(s): None.
  Corequisite(s): None.

  This course is an exploration of the use of literature and art in theology and pastoral ministry, focusing on the theory and practice of imagination as a mode of knowing and communicating truth. Theoretical perspectives will include those of C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Other materials will include a range of classic and contemporary texts that explore theological themes in both fictional and non-fictional modes.

• CHRI 7345 Studies in Faith and Culture

  Prerequisite(s): None.

  Faith and culture topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour of credit must be included. This course may be repeated for credit.

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