Evaluates contemporary models of forgiveness and reconciliation from biblical, theological and pastoral perspectives. 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 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.

Focuses on the recurring phenomenon of renewal in the Church as a key aspect of a biblical and contemporary ecclesiology. Church renewal will be explored through an examination of a variety of renewal movements and an engagement with the theological and missional questions raised by the persistent presence of such movements in Church history. Implications will be drawn for Church life and mission today. Same as MISS 0623.

An examination of the life and thought of John Wesley, and of early Methodism as a movement of evangelism, renewal and mission within the larger Christian Church. Students will explore major aspects of Wesley’s theology and the dynamics of early Methodism as a movement, with attention to how Wesley’s theology can help inform a holistic understanding of Christian life and mission in the contemporary context.

A seminar in systematic theology in which one major Christian doctrine, such as the doctrine of the Trinity, Christ, salvation, etc., is studied. Prerequisite: THEO 0531.

Examines closely Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. Topics such as the knowledge of God, Trinity, Scriptures, providence, the three-fold office of Christ, justification, faith sanctification, predestination, church, sacraments and the Christian life are addressed. Prerequisite: THEO 0531.

Examines the work of the most significant theologian since the Reformation. Attention is directed to expositions of major doctrines; e.g. Word of God, Trinity, Perfections of God, Election, Creation and Covenant, Evil Justification and Sanctification. Barth’s theology is compared to that of his predecessors and his contemporaries. Prerequisite: THEO 0531.

Acquaints students with the theology of the human person. It focuses on biblical and doctrinal issues that bear upon such questions as, “What does it mean to be a human being?”, “What is meant by the ‘image of God’?” and, “How is the Person of God related to the personhood of human being?” Prerequisite: THEO 0531.

Studies the theology of salvation, particularly as it relates to the place of the created order in God’s redemptive plan and the meaning of “the restoration of all things” in the new creation by the Spirit through the work of Jesus Christ. Draws on biblical, historical and systematic theology to construct a theological approach to creation stewardship as an aspect of Christian mission.

An exploration of the Christian calling to be holy as God is holy. Examines holiness through engagement with some of the most important sources from theological tradition (e.g., Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, John Wesley), as well as lesser-known voices, past and present. Focuses on the development of a theologically-grounded understanding of holiness and on the integration of theology and spirituality in Christian life. Prerequisite: THEO 0531.

Same as MISS 0586.

Examination of specific topics in theology.

Same as MISS 0785.

See the Thesis Handbook for details.

Surveys the history, development and characteristics of the Chinese culture in comparison to the Christian faith (theology, anthropology and world view). Explores the possibility of a dialogue between the two traditions. Building on an interplay of diachronical (historical) and synchronical (thematic) approaches, explores the relationship and integration of Christianity and Chinese culture. Special emphasis is put on the application on apologetic evangelism, pastoral ministries, missiological considerations and theological contextualization. Offered in Mandarin.

An introduction to Christian ethics, including the biblical bases, the historical development, and the application of Christian ethics to different personal and social issues. Offered in Mandarin.

A systematic study of Christian doctrines according to the evangelical tradition. Topics covered include prolegomena, revelation and Holy Scripture, the doctrines of God, creation, humanity and sin. Special emphases are placed upon the application of these doctrines in evangelism, apologetics, pastoral ministries, missiological considerations and theological contextualization. Offered in Mandarin.

Continuation of Systematic Theology I. Topics covered include the person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, the doctrine of salvation, ecclesiology and eschatology. Special emphases are placed upon the application of these doctrines in evangelism, apologetics, pastoral ministries, missiological considerations and theological contextualization. Recommended prerequisite: THEO CM13. Offered in Mandarin.

Survey of the development of the Christian church in China, from the Nestorians to the present, with emphasis on the 19th and 20th century Chinese church development up to 1949. Issues in Chinese church history will be discussed in light of evangelical theology. This course will include a survey of the major religious ideas in traditional Chinese society (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Chinese animism and “neo-Confucianism”) as well as the impact of communism. Emphasis will be put on a critical examination of major theological developments and theologians emerging in the Chinese church in the 20th century, both within and outside the evangelical circle. Offered in Mandarin.

A theological reflection focused on the concept of community. It will examine the Christian doctrines of creation, fall, and redemption, identifying God’s community-creating purpose in the world. Other issues examined include evil and the fall in their spiritual and cosmic dimensions, ecology and the cultural mandate. The course will include understandings of the nature and origins of community as portrayed within Indigenous cosmologies and spiritual perspectives.

Helps students to develop an integrated understanding of God, humanity and culture focusing on current debates and their bearing on Christian mission and community. Practical issues such as the relationship between the sacred and the secular, the role of art, the place of work and leisure, and the significance of political engagement will receive particular attention in juxtaposition with Indigenous perspectives in each area. This course is normally taught by an Indigenous instructor.

An intercultural, contextual introduction to central issues in Christian ethics, with attention to the way in which moral reflection interacts with philosophy and culture. The course explores biblical-theological foundations for ethics, the role of scripture and Jesus’ example in ethical formulation, and deals with major contemporary topics including gender, sexuality, marriage, euthanasia, war, bioethics, wealth and poverty.

Jesus followers must be willing to interact and engage with an inquiring mind, in a knowledgeable way and in a Christ-like manner with peoples of other faiths. This course provides an overview of the major World Religions including the place of Christianity in the religious arena. It offers a foundation for understanding the classification of religions as well as the chronological development, adaptation, geographical distribution, worldviews, and cultural impact of world faiths. A summary of major religious innovators/figures, central doctrines/teachings, sacred myths and texts – including potential emerging world religions – will lead into a discussion concerning appropriate Christian responses to the world’s religions and their adherents. Indigenous values such as respecting others and story-telling are central to the approach utilized in this course.

Delves into unique Indigenous theological contributions to the meaning of Christian faith and life. Utilizing a thematic approach, the intersection of one’s experience with the Creator, the nature of the spiritual, the Gospel story, redemption and redeemer will be explored in contrasting views with Western theological method.

The center of Christian theology is Jesus Christ who unites Creator and creation. Therefore, this course will focus on the scriptural and ecclesiastical traditions concerning the person and work of Christ in transforming creation. This will provide the basis for a discussion about the implication of Christology for the transformation of creation community. Thus, the course will seek to engage the ideas represented by the councils, creeds of past theologians, and then move to examine the theological praxis that resulted in a colonial and post-colonial context.