Biblical and Theological Studies
Gordon ZerbeProgram Advisor: Gordon Zerbe, Ph.D. (web page)
Biblical and Theological Studies invites students to disciplined, thoughtful reflection on the Bible, on the theological traditions and history of the church, and on the experiences and practices of Christian communities around the world. Through this program, you will develop skills to apply biblical and theological wisdom to contemporary personal and social issues. You will also discover ways in which you can be transformed as you reflect on how Christian faith and practice can be of service to God and the world.

CMU seeks to foster dialogue between this field of inquiry and other academic disciplines, between the Anabaptist/Mennonite tradition and the diversity of Christian traditions, and between Christian thought and the variety of worldviews. Biblical and Theological Studies will prepare you to live as a Christian in the world—whatever career you choose—and for various ministries within the Church, or with church-related organizations.

All degree programs require the completion of at least 18 credit hours of Biblical and Theological Studies. Students who wish to concentrate on Biblical and Theological Studies may choose from the following program options:

Read more information about the requirements of this program

Read more information about the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program.
Read more information about the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program.

For specific questions about this program, contact the Program Advisor.

Meet the Biblical and Theological Studies faculty.

Find below a list of all the courses CMU offers in the field of Biblical and Theological Studies. The introductory courses are offered each year. Other courses are offered in a rotation so that students will have opportunity to take all the courses required by their majors or minors over the years of their studies at CMU.

Courses

The following section contains a complete list of courses approved by the CMU Senate for its curriculum. For current course listings please see the Course Description section of our website.

thematic biblical and theological studies

Introductory Biblical and Theological Studies Courses

CMU’s first year curriculum requires six credit hours of introductory courses in Biblical and Theological Studies including BTS- 1110/3 Introduction to Biblical Literature and Themes and one of: BTS-s000/3 Introduction to Christianity, BTS-2420 Exploring Christian Spirituality, BTS-2550 History of Christianity OR BTS-2720 Third World Theology.

BTS-1110/3 Introduction to Biblical Literature and Themes: The course offers students an overview of the Bible by focusing on the story, literary characteristics, and theological themes of major blocks of biblical literature (Pentateuch, historical books, Psalms, prophets, wisdom, gospels, epistles, and apocalyptic literature). The course explores unity and diversity as well as continuity and change within the Bible.

Students in class BTS-2000/3 Introduction to Christianity: This course will survey the history, thought, and practice of Christianity, from the period of the early church to the present.

Bible Courses

BTS-2100/3 Old Testament Book Study: A study of an Old Testament book, focusing on its theological, historical, and contemporary meaning.

BTS-2110/3 New Testament Book Study: A study of a New Testament book, focusing on its theological, historical, and contemporary meaning.

BTS-2120/3 Reading Scripture—Exploring Method: The course is concerned with the act of reading Scripture. It explores what constitutes “Scripture,” who the readers are, and what makes for a competent reading of the biblical texts. The course will include a sketch of biblical interpretation through the ages, and will focus on contemporary ways of reading and interpreting the Bible.

BTS-2160/3 The Psalms: This course seeks to explore the art of biblical poetry, the theological and moral vision of the Psalms, and the function of these poems in the context of life and worship, both in ancient Israel and in contemporary spirituality.

BTS-2170/3 Wisdom Literature: A study of the books Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and other wisdom writings, with a focus on the nature of wisdom in ancient Israel, and the theological and ethical concerns of the biblical wisdom tradition.

BTS-2180/3 The Synoptic Gospels: This course involves a study of the three Synoptic Gospels— Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It includes a treatment of their origins and inter-relationships, as well as an examination of their literary character and their distinctive theological presentations of Jesus.

BTS-2190/3 Luke-Acts: Luke is distinctive among the four Gospels in that it is the first volume of a two-part composition: Luke-Acts. The course investigates the literary character, social context, and theology of this two-volume composition that tells the story of the emerging church from the beginning of the ministry of Jesus in Galilee to the imprisonment of Paul in Rome.

BTS-2230/3 Biblical Perspectives on Peace and Justice: The biblical writings are rich with images of peace and justice. This course seeks a deeper understanding of these biblical themes in light of the prevalence of violence and conflict in the ancient world and today.

BTS-2240/3 Encounter and Transformation—Exploring Biblical Spiritualities: The course explores the lived experience of faith and life as that is reflected in the rich diversity of biblical texts. The course focuses on the way knowing, experiencing and responding to the presence of God is exemplified in and mediated by the Bible. Building on the varieties of spirituality in the Bible, the course also attends to the ways in which the Bible has nurtured the spiritualities of those who have read, studied, and prayed the scriptures.

BTS-2250/3 Creation, Environment, and the Bible: This course will explore the themes of creation and land as they are developed in the Bible, and in the context of contemporary environmental issues and approaches to ecology. The course will include a survey of ways in which readings of the Bible have contributed either to environmental degradation or to the emergence of ecotheology.

BTS-2260/3 Discipleship in the New Testament: A central emphasis in the New Testament writings is discipleship, that is, “following Jesus” Gospels) or living a new life “in Christ” (Paul). This course explores the various perspectives on discipleship in the New Testament, to understand those perspectives in their historical and literary contexts, and to draw out their implications for followers of Jesus today.

BTS-3110/3 Prophets of Israel: The course explores how the Israelite prophets responded to political, social, and religious crises by offering critical and constructive analysis, by announcing alternative visions of the future, and by calling for a just social order rooted in faithfulness to one God. The course includes reflection on: social scientific perspectives on prophecy; specific prophetic books; stories of individual prophets; and the theological significance of the prophetic literature. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

Class lectureBTS-3130/3 Beginnings—Genesis to Deuteronomy: A study of the first five books of the Bible which tell the foundational stories of ancient Israel, and whose narratives and laws shape the identity and mission of the people of God. The course will focus on the content, background, style, and theological vision of the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3150/3 Jesus Through His Parables: This course involves an intensive study of the parables of Jesus in relation to his actions as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. The intention is to reach a clearer understanding of Jesus’ vision of the kingdom of God within the context of first-century Palestine. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3170/3 Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles: The course investigates the principal writings of Paul in the New Testament to discover how his thought guided the communities formed by his mission to the Gentiles. Attention will be given to Paul’s sense of call, his central convictions, method of argument, opponents, approach to cultural diversity, and view of the Jewish law. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3220/3 Apocalypse—Then and Now: With its ten-horned beasts, evil empires, angelic hosts, and disintegrating cosmos, apocalyptic literature has inspired movements throughout history that proclaim the End is near. This course explores the origins, worldview, and content of apocalyptic texts like Daniel, Revelation, Ezekiel 38-39, Mark 13, and selected non-canonical writings. The course also engages apocalyptic-inspired writers, movies, and movements and explores continuities and discontinuities between “apocalypse then and now”. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3230/3 Biblical Interpretation Across Cultures: This course explores the practices of biblical interpretation within a variety of cultural and religious contexts around the world. It will examine the diverse factors that shape reader interests, inform reading strategies, and nurture the identities of interpretive communities. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3240/3 New Testament Economics: A study of the economic structures, practices, and thinking during the New Testament period, focusing on such themes as wealth, poverty, labour, and possessions. A review of contemporary economic theory and Christian practice will be considered in the light of the historical and biblical exploration. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3250/3 The Problem of Evil in Biblical Perspective: The reality of evil and range of human freewill represent a formidable challenge to reason, faith and human experience. Beginning with reflection on the Jewish Holocaust and other genocides, the course introduces some of the major responses to moral, amoral and metaphysical evil offered in various religious and philosophical traditions, and focuses the issue from the perspective of biblical theology. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS/POLS-3260/3 Plato’s Republic and Paul’s Romans in Dialogue: Plato’s Republic and Paul’s Romans are both discourses on the concept of “justice,” encompassing the body politic, the just individual within it, and the entire cosmos. Following an overview of Platonism and Paulinism within their respective Greek and Judeo-Christian traditions, this course will consist of a close reading consecutively of the Republic and Romans, and will conclude with a comparison and dialogue between these two classics and the traditions they represent. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3270/3 The Bible and Ethics: This course explores a variety of perspectives on questions like the following: What is the role of the Bible in shaping Christian ethics? How do individual passages, and how does the Bible as a whole, shape Christian character, guide Christian decision-making, and stimulate imagination about how life ought to be lived? Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3290/3 Jesus in John: This course is a study of the literature and theology of the Gospel and Letters of John. It will examine the distinctive portrayal of Jesus in the Johannine writings and the implications of that understanding of Jesus for ancient and contemporary readers. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

Sheila Klassen-Wiebe with studentBTS-3295/3 Topics in Biblical Studies: This course will examine one or more biblical themes or topics such as: kingdom of God, worship, law, economics, work and rest, gender, the family, apocalyptic, spirituality, leadership, images of God and humanity, divine sovereignty and human freedom, the people of God and the nations. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4100/3 Biblical Theology: This course explores a variety of topics and trends in biblical theology. The focus could be the whole Bible, the Old Testament, or the New Testament. Topics could include: the central themes that characterize the unity and the diversity of the Bible; a survey of approaches to biblical theology; the relationship of Old Testament and New Testament; the authority of the Bible; exploring recent work in either Old Testament or New Testament theology; and the influence of contemporary intellectual trends on the discipline of biblical theology. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4110/3 Independent Study in Bible: Reading and research in the field of a student’s interest, carried out under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4120/3 Readings in Biblical Hebrew: Translation and interpretation of selected Old Testament Hebrew passages. Increasing competence in vocabulary and grammar will be emphasized. Prerequisite: LANG-2320/3; 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4140/3 Readings in Biblical Greek: Translation and interpretation of selected New Testament Greek passages. Increasing competence in vocabulary and grammar will be emphasized. Prerequisite: LANG-2420/3; 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4150/3 Jesus—Historical and Theological Investigations: A study of Jesus and the Gospel sources in light of modern historical study, and a review of theological interpretations of Jesus and his ministry throughout history and in the present. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4160/3 Old Testament Topics: A study of selected writings and/or themes from the Old Testament. The course might focus on topics like creation and re-creation, covenant and community, freedom and responsibility, law and justice, land and economics, worship and holiness, politics and power, exile and hope, images of God and humanity, etc. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4170/3 New Testament Topics: A study of selected writing and/or themes from the New Testament. The course might focus on one of the following topics: Christology, discipleship, the theology of Paul, worship, views of the church etc. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4180/3 Jews and Christians in Greco-Roman Society: This course will study the development of Jewish and Christian self-definition during the formative years of the new community of Christians in the Greco- Roman world. The investigation will focus on Jewish religious and social life in the second temple period, the pre-Pauline Jewish Christian community, Paul and the launching of the Gentile world mission, the development of Christologies in the new communities, and the forces that separated the Christian and Jewish communities. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

Practical Theology

Students in the libraryBTS-2300/3 Principles and Paradigms in Youth Ministry: Students will evaluate commonly used youth ministry strategies and identify a paradigm for congregational youth and family ministry that is biblically based, historically informed, developmentally appropriate, and consists of purposefully designed programs that will meet the needs and interests of today’s youth.

BTS-2310/3 Issues in Youth Ministry: The post-modern world creates challenges and opportunities for the church’s ministry to youth. Pressures and crises that put youth at risk will be identified and the issues with which many struggle will be explored with a goal of finding ministry responses that can lead to healthy growth and development.

BTS-2320/3 Foundations of Children’s Ministry: How is faith nurtured in children through Christian education? This course will explore ministry to children by examining the nature of children’s relationship with God and how that relationship can be nurtured in the home and congregation through a variety of ways.

BTS-2330/3 Marriage and Family in Christian Perspective: A study of the institutions of marriage and family as found in biblical and contemporary contexts. This course will explore the church’s ministry to families and include issues of singleness, pre-marriage relationships, gender roles, and family functioning including special dynamics created by adoption, childlessness, divorce, and remarriage.

BTS-2340/3 Camping Ministry: This course will develop leadership skills useful in roles ranging from senior counselor to summer program director. Topics will include foundations (history, theology, philosophy) of camping ministry, psycho-logy and sociology of children, counselling skills, staff training, community building, faith nurture, and programming relating to creation/ environment.

BTS-2350/3 The Church in Urban Mission: This course is divided into three sections: 1) a study of sociocultural realities of the modern urban phenomenon in North America and the world, 2) understanding the city and making sense of the church in its neighbourhood, and 3) developing models of action in the urban context. The course will particularly focus on the specific challenges and opportunities of the City of Winnipeg’s urban context.

BTS-2360/3 Studying and Teaching the Bible: Various approaches to Bible study, from inductive to imaginative, will be examined in this course. Issues of hermeneutics, group process and structure, leadership styles, and varying approaches for different age groups will be addressed.

BTS-2370/3 The Art of Worship: The course explores the meaning of worship through an examination of its practice. It will reflect on the role of preaching, music, prayer, and the dramatic and visual arts in worship. It will introduce the principles and practices of vital worship leadership, and it will provide opportunity to develop basic skills in worship leading and public communication. A lab fee will be assessed.

BTS-2390/3 Theology and Practice of Evangelism: This course will study the historical and theological roots, as well as the biblical understanding and practice of evangelism, and will explore the challenges of communicating the Good News of the Christian faith in contemporary North American society. It will reflect on the nature of the church and its calling to be a witnessing and reconciling community in our secular Western society. As an element of practical exposure, some visits to nearby service and evangelism projects will be a part of the course.

BTS-2400/3 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: An introductory studyof the World Christian Movement, focusing on four perspectives: (a) Biblical (the rationale and imperative for world evangelization), (b) historical (the expansion of the Christian movement across the world from the time of Christ to the present, and the task yet to be accomplished), (c) cultural (the unique challenges and required skill involved in communicating the gospel cross-culturally), and (d) strategic (the basic components necessary for strategic and intelligent planning in the missionary task of the church).

BTS-2410/3 Principles of Christian Education: This course will examine the church’s role in the teaching ministry. It will do so through an examination of how education functions within the congregation, and how to create practices which serve and suit the congregational context. It will also look at issues related to choosing curriculum.

BTS-2420/3 Exploring Christian Spirituality: An introductory survey of various traditions and disciplines of Christian spirituality in the context of their historical development and contemporary expression. Students will be challenged to expand the scope of their understanding and practice of Christian spirituality as they engage and process the course material from within the context of their own religious traditions.

BTS-2495/3 Topics in Practical Theology The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors.

BTS-3300/3 Advanced Youth Ministry: his course will normally be taught by a visiting professor and will deal with specialized themes and current emphases in youth ministry. Normally it will be offered as a one-week intensive course during the spring or summer session and will require advance reading and follow-up assignments. Prerequisite: BTS-2300/3.

BTS-3330/3 Nurturing Faith in Youth: The process of personalizing faith, a main developmental task for youth, will be discussed. Students will learn about and experience ways that faith can be nurtured during the years of youth through spiritual disciplines with an emphasis on assisting youth in their journey to a more mature faith. Prerequisite: BTS-2300/3.

BTS-3340/3 Ministry Seminar: In this seminar students will engage in theological reflection on the nature of the church's ministry (a broad understanding of the church's ministry will be assumed, from pastoral ministry to missions and outreach ministry to music ministry, etc). It will explore concepts and characteristics of the ministry of the church and examine related issues such as leadership and authority, gender, ethics, etc. The seminar will provide opportunity for students to engage in discernment of vocational calling as well as aptitudes and gifts. Prerequisites: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours of Biblical and Theological Studies.

Relaxing in the libraryBTS-3370/3 Pastoral Care and Counselling: A theoretical and practical examination of the critical areas of pastoral care and counselling for ministry to persons in transition and crisis. Resources, methods, and approaches will give insight into the issues of pastoral care and counselling from a biblical and theological understanding of God and human experience. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours of Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3380/3 Practicing Theology: A theoretical course on practical theology focusing particularly on the correlation of theology and practice. It will include a study of such approaches as “action-reflection” and contextual theology. It will involve students in the practice of theological reflection through student-led seminars. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours of Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3420/3 Liturgical Arts in Worship: This course will explore the use of litanies, drama, story telling, music, Scripture, and other oral and visual arts in worship. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours of Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3440/3 Christian Spiritual Formation: A course designed to help students deepen their spiritual formation in the context of their own Christian tradition. To this end students will conduct primary research into their own tradition of Christian spirituality in dialogue with other traditions. Participation in selected spiritual practices and a weekend retreat are expected. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university level studies, including BTS-2420/3, or permission of the instructor.

BTS-3450/3 Theologies of Power: The course will begin with an historical survey of the understanding of power in the church and society including biblical perspectives on power. Also this course will reflect on contemporary views of power and powerlessness. It will include a reflection on how power, authority, and accountability function in the church, specifically in leadership. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level study, 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3495/3 Topics in Practical Theology: The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours of Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4400/3 Preaching: This course will explore the nature and purpose of preaching, basic techniques of effective oral communication, creative sermon forms, how to move from biblical text to sermon, the power of stories and illustrations, and effective sermon delivery. Students will preach and listen to practice sermons in class. May not be held for credit together with the former BTS-3400. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4410/3 Independent Study in Practical Theology: A study in a specific area of practical theology under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours of Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4420/3 Christian Worship: This course will include a biblical, historical, and theological examination of worship, as well as focus on issues related to the contemporary practice of worship, including worship in the Anabaptist-Mennonite experience. Practical implications of worship will also be explored such as worship planning, worship leading, and the visual arts in worship. May not be held for credit together with the former BTS-3410. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours of Biblical and Theological Studies. 


BTS-4495/3 Topics in Practical Theology: A course in a particular area of practical theology. The content of this course will vary and will be announced in time for student registration. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours of Biblical and Theological Studies.

The following courses qualify as Church Music courses. In programs other that the Bachelor of Music or the Bachelor of
Music Therapy, students may choose one of them to count as a practical theology course.
MUSC-2300/3 Music Ministry and Resources
MUSC-2310/3 Hymnology
MUSC-2320/3 Liturgy and Artistic Expression
MUSC-2330/3 Leading Music and Worship
MUSC-3310/3 Church Renewal and Music in the Twentieth Century

History of ChristianityStudent in class

.BTS-2500/3 Christianity to 1500: A study of the history, theology and significance of Christianity as it developed in Asia, Africa and Europe.

BTS-2510/3 Reformation and Modern Christianity since 1500: A study of the history, theology, and significance of Christianity within its worldwide context since 1500.

BTS-2540/3 Mennonite Experience in Global Context: An examination of the development of Mennonite faith and life in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The diversification of Mennonite faith and practice by factors such as immigration, missionary activity, and social assimilation will be discussed with implications for Mennonite identity and mission.

BTS-2550/3 History of Christianity: A survey of the historical developments in Christianity from the early church to the present. Attention will be paid to the manner in which Christianity was influenced by its social setting and at the same time stimulated change in its host culture.

BTS-2560/3 Anabaptist Beginnings: A study of the history, beliefs, and significance of the sixteenth-century Anabaptist movements.

BTS-2570/3 Peace and War in Historical Context: An historical study of how society and the Church have understood and responded to issues of peace and war. The relationship of church and state, the development of the just war theology, non-violent alternatives, as well as the rise of peace movements will be studied.

BTS-2695/3 Topics in History of Christianity: The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors.

BTS-3510/3 Anabaptism, Pietism, and Evangelicalism: A study of Anabaptism, Pietism, and Evangelicalism and their influence on each other. Attention will also be given to understanding the distinctive and common elements of these movements. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3520/3 Sixteenth-Century Reformations: A study of the Reformations of the sixteenth century, including the Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Anabaptist, and Roman Catholic reforms within their social and political contexts. Special attention will be given to the key texts of the various movements. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3530/3 Christian Expansion in Global Context: This course traces the growth of the Christian Church from its beginnings among Palestinian Jews to its present extent as a global community embracing diverse peoples and cultures. The history of church growth is examined in terms of its enabling and limiting factors, with specific reference to changes in the theologies and strategies of Christian mission. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3540/3 Christian Movements of Reform and Renewal: A study of the Christian tradition of reform and renewal from the early church to the present. Examples of such movements include the response of monasticism to the Constantinian church, the reaction of the Waldensians to the medieval church, Pietism, the evangelical revival in eighteenth-century England, and the twentiethcentury charismatic movement. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3595/3 Topics in History of Christianity: The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4500/3 Topics in Mennonite Studies: A topic will be selected for special study. The topic may be defined chronologically, (e.g., Mennonites and economics from sixteenth century to the present), geographically (e.g., Mennonites in Canada, the United States, or Poland and Prussia), or by subject matter (e.g., Anabaptist- Mennonite confessions of faith). Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4520/3 Independent Study in the History of Christianity: Reading and research under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

Harry Huebner with studentBTS-4595/3 Topics in the History of Christianity: A study of a selected topic in the History of Christianity. The topic may be defined chronologically, geographically, or by subject matter, and is chosen for its potential to illuminate contemporary developments in the Christian Church from an historical perspective in the context of relevant primary documents and recent historiography. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

Theology

BTS-2720/3 Third World Theology: A study of Christian writers whose orientation is non-Western. Theological works from Asia, Africa, and Latin America will be studied.

BTS-2730/3 Feminist Theology: A study of the major issues and themes in feminist theological literature, giving attention to both Western and non-Western perspectives.

BTS-2750/3 Introduction to Christian Ethics: A historical survey of Christian ethics from Greek thought to the present. Contemporary themes like liberation theology, peace theology, and feminism will be included.

BTS-2780/3 Political Theology: A study of different approaches to political theology, including medieval and modern political theologies and the newpolitical theology, as exemplified by the theologians Metz, Soelle, and Moltmann. It will also engage those approaches from the standpoint of the radical reformation tradition.

BTS-2800/3 Theology of Peace and Justice: The course explores selected literature on peace and justice, focusing on responses to conflict, violence and war from the perspectives of Christian Pacifism and the Just War tradition.

BTS-2895/3 Topics in Theology: The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors.

BTS-3450/3 Theologies of Power: The course will begin with an historical survey of the understanding of power in the church and society including biblical perspectives on power. Also this course will reflect on contemporary views of power and powerlessness. It will include a reflection on how power, authority, and accountability function in the church, specifically in leadership. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level study, 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3710/3 Theology of Mission: A critical survey of the history of Christian mission throughout the world to provide a framework for an understanding of recent developments in the theology of mission. Mennonite contributions to this discourse will receive significant attention. The course will conclude with a consideration of the nature of missionary witness to secular Western society. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3740/3 Social Issues in Christian Perspective: An examination of how the Christian imagination informs and addresses several social issues in today’s world. Students will choose a specific social issue from areas such as medical ethics, business ethics, political ethics, and sexuality. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3760/3 Christianity and Contemporary Culture: A study of the relevance of the Christian faith in a secular and pluralistic society, giving attention to contemporary pop culture. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3770/3 Anabaptist-Mennonite Theology: A study of several central beliefs of the Anabaptist-Mennonite faith tradition. Examples are churchworld, baptism, pacifism, biblical authority, and discipleship. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3790/3 Christian Theology in Ecumenical Perspective: This course will explore the historical roots of church division, as well as the origins and developments of the modern ecumenical movement. Key writings focusing on biblical, historical and theological foundations for dialogue, reconciliation and Christian unity will be examined. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of universitylevel studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-3895/3 Topics in Theology: The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: 30 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4700/3 Contemporary Theologians: An examination of one or more movements or theologians that have shaped twentieth-century theology. For example, Ernst Troeltsch and Karl Barth, Richard and Reinhold Niebuhr, nineteenth- and twentieth-century existentialism through the writings of Søren Kierkegaard and Paul Tillich. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4710/3 Independent Study in Theology: Readings under the direction of a faculty member in theology. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4720/3 Contemporary Theological Themes: A seminar in which topics like the following are considered: discipleship, post-modern approaches to theology, ecclesiology, etc. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4740/3 Systematic Theology: This course gives attention to the major themes of Christian belief such as revelation and the authority of scripture, God and creation, the nature of humanity, the person and work of Jesus Christ, sin and salvation, the nature of the church and its practices, the Christian life, and eschatology. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 9 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.

BTS-4895/3 Topics in Theology: The content of this course will vary from year to year, depending on the needs of students and the interests and availability of instructors. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours of university-level studies, including 6 credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies.


Thematic Biblical and Theological Studies Courses

BTS-2920/3 Women and Men: An exploration and discussion of relationships between females and males in society and church. Biblical and traditional church images and their implications for today will be investigated. Modern questions of gender, role, interrelatedness, social influences, etc., will be explored.

BTS-2930/3 Biblical and Theological Studies Tour: A study tour that takes students to international settings to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the Christian church. The course consists of (a) requisite readings, lectures and research, (b) excursions and presentations led by qualified resource people while touring the study location for about three weeks, and (c) a summative assignment upon return. Prerequisite: six credit hours in Biblical and Theological Studies or any combination of thirty credit hours in other disciplines and permission of the instructor.
For more information, please see the Study Tour website.

BTS-4000/3 Honours Thesis: This course is restricted to students completing an honours program in BTS. Eligible students should request a document outlining the procedures and requirements for this project from the program advisor.