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ΘΕΟΛΟΓΙΚΟ ΣΕΜΙΝΑΡΙΟ
Cultural Studies
Cultural Studies
In CS101 Biblical Worldview and Critical Thinking, esteemed Christian theologian and philosopher John Frame explores what it means to think like a Christian. He introduces philosophy, discusses reason and how to become a better thinker, and describes what goes into a worldview. Throughout the course, Dr. Frame emphasizes that “philosophy is a form of spiritual warfare,” stressing the importance of thinking about the world in a way that reflects God.
How do we live together well? How do we culturally engage in the manner that’s best for everyone, considering the diversity that we live in the midst of? Dr. Darrell Bock guides you through cultural engagement and Scripture and asks Christians to analyze the cultures that they live in and the ways they structure their lives. Bock explores the rules of the game of life, what makes people produce what we produce, the ways they work the earth, the ways we generate companies, the way they produce objects, the institutions that we form, the religions that we have, the kinds of governments that we build, the businesses that function, and all the things that make for the running of life. Delve into our world that is full of cultures and distinct settings and examine the cross-cultural realities and the pluralism that we all live with as human beings.
Philosophy of History (CS151) establishes a theory of history and then applies it to a historical investigation of the resurrection of Jesus. It provides an extensive and detailed consideration of the many issues related to historical investigation—including the uncertainty of historical knowledge, the influence of one’s worldview in historiography, the historian’s right to investigate miracle claims, burden of proof, and arguments to the best explanation.
The course then walks through this strictly-controlled historical method to investigate the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus. You’ll learn the relevant biblical and non-biblical sources which are identified and evaluated according to their historical reliability. Finally, the course weighs two prominent hypotheses that account for the historical bedrock according to the historical method set forth above. The bodily resurrection of Jesus is shown to be a near-certain historical probability, and thus, a solid basis for one’s faith in God—a faith that produces an eternal hope in the resurrection life.
Survey over 1,200 years of western civilization with Dr. Bryan Litfin—theologian, historian, and acclaimed author. Hear about the trials and triumphs of the church throughout the most pivotal stages of western civilization, from the spread of Hellenism, to the fall of Rome and the rise of Europe. Find out how the church established the canon of scripture and developed the early creeds. Gain insight into why the church met in councils and how they defined doctrines like the nature of Jesus Christ and the Trinity. Discover how Christianity influenced western culture, as well as how western culture influenced Christianity—in politics, art and architecture, and education. Finally, learn about the role of the papacy in religious reform and how the crusades related to the emergence of Islam.
Dr. Litfin combines his research in the early church, cultural studies, and historical doctrine into this unique eight-hour course, designed for Mobile Ed.
In CS211 History of Philosophy, John Frame presents a brief survey of philosophy. Beginning with the garden of Eden, Dr. Frame describes the development of thought and worldview, and he explores how different philosophies have reflected or influenced theology. This course will help you to understand the assumptions present in a range of worldviews and to be better equipped to interact with different ways of thinking.
Carl Ellis is uniquely qualified to teach about Christianity in an African-American context and his depth of experience makes him an ideal guide for relating how theology developed over time within the African-American church. For thousands of years, God has mightily used many Africans to advance his kingdom. In this course, Ellis delves into Scripture and Church history, describes important movements—like African American missions during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and the civil rights movement—and analyzes important events happening today.
Study a rich heritage of culturally and ethnically African models of faith for modern believers. This course draws on Old Testament examples, like Ebed-Melech from Jeremiah chapter 38, New Testament Christians like Simon the Cyrene, initial African believers in Acts chapter two, and the church in Antioch where Paul based his ministry. Furthermore, many of the early Church Fathers, like Augustine, were themselves African. Viewers will better understand parallels between initial Greek Christians and modern day African-American Christians in, two populations that Ellis refers to as similarly sub-dominant.
As application, Ellis advocates for a modern-day reformation among African-American Christians instead of revival, citing the present need for a radical reassessment and revitalization of modern faith. Reframing the concept of righteousness into a covenantal setting, he emphasizes relationship between God and the individual Christian. The task of modern believers is to display the gospel by emphasizing social justice and social Godliness, personal justice, and personal Godliness in all aspects of life. The Bible has much to say about social justice and this course equips Christians to recognize societal, systemic examples of injustice and to address them via a God-honoring model for the African-American church. African-American believers should readily express their faith beyond merely personal Godliness, bringing to bear ethical and relational values of God's kingdom in every modern setting.
In Christian Marriage: The Beautiful Order for Christian Marriage, Dr. David Ayers provides an in-depth look at Christian marriage, beginning with its definition and design by God. Dr. Ayers explores God’s purposes for marriage, unpacking them historically, theologically, and biblically. He also looks at what social science research and data says about the purpose of marriage and how much this affirms what the Bible expects us to see in terms of how marriage works and what happens when marriage doesn’t work. Dr. Ayers includes some practical teaching on choosing a spouse and dealing with the premarital part of life, and examines some of the causes and issues surrounding divorce. The course concludes with guidance for building strong marriages including some strategies for churches to help build stronger marriages.
Join Dr. Chip Bennett and Dr. Warren Gage as they explore Plato’s Republic. Beginning with an introduction to Greek philosophy and literature, they lay a strong foundation for ideas and categories that will help you better read the works of Plato. They then examine Plato’s Republic, introducing each of its ten books and tracing the ideas and themes found within them. Dr. Bennett and Dr. Gage conclude with a discussion of various Christian principles that you can extract from reading the Republic and apply when reading the New Testament.
Join Dr. Jerry Root in this unique course that explores the writings that influenced C.S. Lewis. Filmed at the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College, this course offers you a look at books owned by Lewis, including the notes and comments that he wrote in them. Dr. Root, who has been studying Lewis for over forty years, unpacks these works and explains why they were important in Lewis’ life and how they influenced his writings. You’ll come away from the course with a better understanding of C.S. Lewis and of some of the classic literature that inspired him.
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