This course defines the idea of theology and theologies. It focuses on the “incarnational nature” of God’’s revelation to man in a variety of cultural settings. It highlights the cultural and conceptual diversity that is present in our world. It shows how God’s revealed Word has been and should continue to be legitimately and systematically organized in a number of different patterns. It also shows ways for effective Gospel communication (oral model, written model, visual model, propositional model, story model, etc.) in those varying conceptual, linguistic and cultural contexts.

Click to hide description

Study of the local congregation as the home of mission activity. Areas of study will include: the example of the Early Church, the role of mission societies, various means for orienting the congregation to mission work.

Click to hide description

The healing ministry of the Church has been a long neglected topic in theological discourse despite Jesus’ charge to His disciples to “cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons” (Matt. 10:7-8) and despite the emphasis on Christ, the physician—Christus medicus—by theologians of the Early Church. While faith-healing remained a never vanishing popular phenomenon and while individual charismatic healers appeared throughout the centuries, it was only during the 20th century that healing received a new and heightened attention in theological reflection. This was prompted, in part, by the emergence of medical missions in the middle of the 19th century, which was linked to the Revival movements and developments in medicine. But the revived interest in the healing ministry of the Church was also prompted in part by the faith healing movement and the emerging Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions in the early 20th century and, later, by the ecumenical encounter of Christian churches in the global age, especially with churches in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Yet, how to deal with the demanding questions raised by healing in the context of the proclamation of the Gospel remained an open challenge. How to reconcile salvation and healing, dogmatics and lived experience?

Click to hide description

This course underlines the fact that, in some points, all cultures in the world are different and effective in terms of scriptural standards. It shows how the biblical Christian message can best confront (serve as an apologetic) for necessary correction in a variety of different cultures. Specific examples will be given and concrete suggestions for relevant apologetics will be shared.

Click to hide description

Thiis course focuses on how to defend Christian truth claims against both modern and postmodern critiques. It offers up-to-date information about the case for the Bible, the case for God, the case for Christ and the case for man as a being made in the image of God. In the process, we will see the deep connections between the nature of human beings and the nature of God. While considering the strengths of alternative views, we will develop the advantages of a distinctively Lutheran, Christocentric approach.

Click to hide description

This course will explore the relationship between basic Christian teachings and the missionary enterprise of the Church. Topics for consideration will include the three ecumenical creeds, the seven ecumenical councils, Luther’s Catechism, the related history of Christian missions and the challenges that face the missionary task today.

Click to hide description

A clear understanding, like the Apostle Paul’s, of the relationship between the believer’s justification and sanctification and of the basic motivation and power for victorious God-glorifying living and witnessing is essential in missiology. This course will emphasize the integrated nature of justification, sanctification and mission.

Click to hide description

On the basis of relevant biblical, historical and systematic texts, the Church and its Sacraments will be studied both in their apostolic dimension, as instruments by which mission is accomplished, and in their doxological, catholic dimension, as the goal and purpose of mission. The trinitarian and christological character of Church and Sacraments as missiology will be emphasized.

Click to hide description

This course will trace the growth and indicate the significance of relativistic thought in the modern world from the time of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. The theological dilemma and challenge of relativism for the Christian religion will be examined. Cultural, epistemological, religious, ethical and physical relativism will be explored through readings and discussions.

Click to hide description

This course focuses on the main Lutheran missiological principles and approaches. The student will be acquainted with these through readings and class discussions to promote growth in his or her ability to comprehend and evaluate current trends in missiology.

Click to hide description

Many mission theologians and religionists differ over which article of the Apostles’ Creed should be taken as a point of entry to other religions. This course will examine their arguments from a biblical, confessional and practical point of view.

Click to hide description

The Minor Prophets, Hosea through Malachi, are chock-full of missional texts. From Obadiah’s oracle about Edom to Nahum’s concern with Nineveh, the Book of the Twelve pulsates with God’s claim upon all people. This course will study these books within the larger narrative of Israel’s history while focusing primarily upon the missional thrusts in Amos and Jonah. Participants will be inspired by these Hebrew prophets and learn text how to teach and preach from these books in a contemporary context.

Click to hide description

When students wish to fulfill a special need, they may request an independent study course through the director of the Doctor of Philosophy in Missiology Program.

Click to hide description

Directed readings may be from one to three quarter hours. They are to be arranged with the director of the Doctor of Philosophy in Missiology Program.

Click to hide description