Theology
The department of theology, philosophy, and classical languages, through the discipline of theology, seeks to strengthen and illumine programs in general education for all students, to provide major concentrations of study in theology, to provide academic background for those preparing for professional ministry in the church, to provide support and stimulus for the Christian and academic communities of the university, and to serve the broader community.
Acknowledging the various perspectives of faith within our own community and beyond, the department provides for the community a well-articulated expression of the Lutheran Christian tradition. This tradition, initiated nearly 500 years ago in a university setting, celebrates the liberating power of the Christian gospel of the grace of God, applied freely to all of life.
In support of the general education goals of Texas Lutheran University, the theological faculty works with other disciplines and with the Campus Ministry Program to assist students in developing and enhancing their understanding in the following areas:
- The nature of faith, religious language, and theology as an academic discipline.
- Biblical literature, its developmental processes and literary genres, and the critical approach to its interpretation.
- Other religions and one’s own religion in other cultures.
Major in Theology (pre-seminary concentration): 30 semester hours, including THEO 133, 331, 332, 333, 433 or 437, 434; and six hours from 238, 335, 336, 337, or 431; and six additional hours in theology.
Supporting courses for pre-seminary concentration: 18 semester hours, including successful completion of intermediate level in Greek, and six hours in philosophy.
Major in Theology (youth ministry concentration): 36 semester hours, including THEO 133, 234, 238, 331, 332, 333, 336, 370, 434, 439A, 439B and three hours from THEO 235, 372, 374, 431, or 437.
Supporting courses for youth ministry concentration: 24 semester hours, to be chosen in consultation with the academic advisor from COM 271, 273, 374 ED 332, ENG 278, GRK 131, 132, MUS 336, PHIL 131, 231, PSY 131, 234, 236, SOC 130, 232, 331, 373.
Major in Theology (liberal arts): 30 hours, including THEO 133; 332 or 333; 335, 336, or 337; 374 or 437; 331; 238, 334 or 373; 438; nine additional hours in theology
Supporting courses for Theology (liberal arts): 12 hours, including 6 hours chosen from PHIL 131, 335, 336, and 338; 6 hours in a modern or classical language
Minor in Theology: 18 semester hours in theology, including six hours upper division.
CHURCH RELATED OCCUPATIONS
The ecumenical theologies of the 20th century have recovered for our day the apostolic and reformation understanding of Christian vocation; the whole people of God are called to participate in a common life of worship, testimony, and service for the world. Within this context a wide variety of church-related occupations has developed.
Pastors serve as ministers of Word and Sacrament primarily in congregations, but also in specialized settings such as university and seminary campuses, hospitals, prisons, and synod and churchwide offices. Other rostered leaders, including ELCA deaconesses, diaconal ministers, and associates in ministry carry out ministries of Word and Service. Students interested in a professional career in the church are encouraged to plan their academic programs in consultation with their advisors. Students wishing to serve as ministers of Word and Sacrament will be well-prepared for seminary with a major in theology (pre-seminary concentration). Those wishing to serve the church in ministries of Word and Service are encouraged to earn a major in their field of service (education, music, business, psychology, etc.) and a minor or a major in theology. The requirements for the minor or the major in theology may be tailored to meet the educational requirements for the Associate in Ministry certification in the ELCA. Those who wish to earn a major in theology because of their interest in the subject as a venue through which to study and examine all aspects of life, but do not feel called to serve as ministers of Word and Sacrament, ministers of Word and Service, as youth ministers, etc. should complete the major in theology (liberal arts concentration).
THEOLOGY
THEO 133. Introduction to Theology (3:3:0)An examination of basic affirmations of the Christian faith. Attention is given to the origin and development of key theological concepts. Emphasis is placed upon the contemporary significance of theological reflection. Offered every fall and spring.
THEO 234. Foundations of Youth Ministry (3:3:X)A general introduction to congregation-based youth ministry through an examination of theology/philosophy of youth ministry, adolescent development, social trends and characteristics of the adolescent culture, an overview of “Asset Building” in youth, appropriate roles and recruiting/training techniques for adult sponsors, and holistic youth ministry program development. Prerequisite: six hours of theology or consent of instructor.
THEO 235. Faith Active in the World (3:3:0)This course is designed for non-majors and addresses current issues in the interface between Christian faith and contemporary culture. The focus topic will vary, but it will address issues basic to the mission of Texas Lutheran University such as living lives of faithfulness, faith and reason, faith and popular culture, faith and literature, and Christian faith and other faiths. Prerequisite: THEO 133 or consent of instructor.
THEO 238. Religion in America (3:3:0)A survey of religious traditions, attitudes and practices in the United States. Students experience worship with major religious groups and explore the historical roots and beliefs of those groups. Broad themes, such as religious freedom, civil religion, humanism and fundamentalism are also addressed, using current events and students’ own experiences as resources in addition to the textbook and other assigned readings. Prerequisite: THEO 133 or consent of instructor.
THEO 322. Youth Gathering and Service Learning Event Planning (2:X:X)A study of the global denominational histories, principles, applications, structural organization, methodologies, theologies, and biblical foundations involved in the planning and implementation of judicatory youth gatherings and congregation-based service learning opportunities. Includes 25 hours of practical field experience. Prerequisite: six hours in theology and consent of instructor.
THEO 331. Christian Ethics (3:3:0)An introduction to Christian ethics as a distinct discipline within theology. Special attention is given to the relationship between fundamental theological commitments and ethical judgement. Topics will be selected from the following: Love, or agape, as a basis for Christian ethics, the place of natural law reasoning in Christian ethics, the relationship between the doctrine of justification and virtue ethics, the relationship between Christology and social ethics, and problems of ecumenism.
THEO 332. Old Testament Studies (3:3:0)A general introduction to the Old Testament with special emphasis upon the historical setting, the literary forms, and the major theological concerns of the literature as a whole. Prerequisite: THEO 133 or consent of instructor.
THEO 333. New Testament Studies (3:3:0)A general introduction to the New Testament with special emphasis upon the historical setting, the literary forms, and the major theological concerns of the literature as a whole. Prerequisite: THEO 133 or consent of instructor.
THEO 334. History of Religions (3:3:0)An examination of the sacred as an element in the structure of consciousness in some representative cultures of the past and present, along with a study of the origins, development, doctrines, and practices of some of the most significant world religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Prerequisite: THEO 133 or consent of instructor.
THEO 335. Ancient and Medieval Christian History (3:3:0)A survey of the history of Christianity, with particular emphasis on the theological development of the Church, from the apostolic period to the eve of the sixteenth century Reformation. Prerequisite: THEO 133 or consent of instructor.
THEO 336. Reformation and Modern Christian History (3:3:0)A history of Christianity, in both its Old and New World manifestations, from the Reformation to the present. Prerequisite: THEO 133 or consent of instructor.
THEO 337. Life and Writings of Martin Luther (3:3:0)A study of the life, thought, and work of Martin Luther. Reading and discussion of Luther’s influential writings. Prerequisite: THEO 133 or consent of instructor.
THEO 370. Applications and Methodologies of Youth Ministry (3:3:X)A practical examination of methodological understandings, effective ministry among middle school youth, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, youth ministry and “the law,” active listening skills, personal leadership styles, leadership development within youth, job interview skills and contract negotiations, and print and media resource assessment and acquisition. Prerequisite: THEO 234 and consent of instructor.
THEO 372. Interpretation: The Bible in Contemporary Contexts (3:3:0)An examination of ways in which the Bible is interpreted in different settings, such as middle class America and various third world cultures, and an assessment of the impact of those interpretations on the church and on society. Required field trip to Texas/Mexico border region. Prerequisite: THEO 133 or consent of instructors.
THEO 373. Judaism (3:3:0)A study of historical, cultural, and theological developments within Judaism, with special emphasis on twentieth-century experiences of anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, the nation Israel, religious pluralism, and Jewish-Christian dialogue. Prerequisite: THEO 133 or consent of instructor.
THEO 374. Hispanic/Latino Theologies (3:3:0)This course provides an introduction to theologies that are being developed by Hispanic theologians in the United States. Authors from a variety of Christian theological perspectives will be read as they address issues of historical and contemporary context, theology, biblical interpretation and ministry. Prerequisite: THEO 133.
THEO 379. Special Topic (3:3:0)May be repeated for credit when the topics are changed. Offered on demand and subject to availability of staff. Prerequisite: THEO 133.
THEO 410, 420, 430. Independent Study (X:X:X)Designed for students wishing to pursue a special research topic in theology under departmental supervision. Subject to approval of instructor and department chairperson.
THEO 419, 429, 439. Internship in Religious Education, Social Ministry, Field Work (X:X:X)An individually designed practical experience course in the methods and problems of professional staff workers in the church. The course will usually be conducted as a laboratory course and will be primarily in-service training. The number of credit hours will be determined by the range and scope of the project, but could vary from one credit for a small project to three credits per semester for an internship. This course can be taken only after consultation with the chair of the department and submission of an acceptable project proposal. May be repeated for credit, up to a total of six semester hours.
THEO 431. Confessing the Faith: Then and Now (3:3:0)An historical and theological study of the three Ecumenical Creeds and the Lutheran Confessions, with a view to understanding them in their originating contexts and in today’s world. Prerequisite: six hours of theology or consent of instructor.
THEO 433. New Testament Theologies (3:3:0)An investigation of the message of the New Testament in the light of contemporary scholarship. Special attention is given to the Christological significance of the kerygma. Prerequisite: THEO 333 or consent of instructor.
THEO 434. Senior Seminar (3:X:0)The capstone course to help theology majors integrate and explore the vocational implications of what they have learned in theology through a course structured around the subdisciplines of biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, ethics, and practical theology. The class will culminate in a documented paper and presentation. Required of all seniors who plan to graduate with a major in theology. Offered every spring.
THEO 437. Contemporary Theologies (3:3:0)An introduction to current religious thought through a study of the nature of the theological task today, representative theologies, theologians and their historical roots. Since this course reflects current theological issues, specific content may vary from year to year. Prerequisite: six hours of theology.
THEO 439A, 439B. Internship in Youth Ministry (3:X:X)Full-time internship with stipend and with an experienced supervisor in a congregation, a church-affiliated camp, a judicatory office or a specialized youth ministry program. Will include reading assignments, a student journal, an 8-12 page evaluation of the learning experience by the student, and an evaluation by the supervisor. Prerequisite: THEO 234, 370 and consent of instructor.
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