Description of Courses

Biblical Studies

RB 211 The Biblical Jesus 3 hours - An introductory study of the person and work of Jesus Christ as depicted in Scripture. This course explores the messages and Christological perspectives of each Gospel using an exegetical approach. The messages of the Gospels are explored in light of their historical, literary, sociocultural, and theological contexts. The product of this exegetical analysis will be used to reflect on Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ. Sound methodological principles of Old Testament Christocentric interpretation will be employed, such as promise-fulfillment, typology, and redemptive-historical progression. The Christologies of the New Testament documents will be examined. Special attention will be given to the relevance of the person and work of Jesus Christ for ministerial practice and contemporary Christian living.

RB 311 New Testament I (W) 3 hours - An introductory survey of the Pauline Epistles, utilizing the book of Acts as a historical resource. Each letter is analyzed exegetically. Emphasis is given to Paul’s major themes, including God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and last day events, as well as the relevance of Paul’s message to ministerial practice and contemporary Christian living. Prerequisite: RL 314 or permission of instructor.

RB 312 New Testament II (W) 3 hours - An introductory survey of Hebrews, Revelation, and the General Epistles, which include James, 1 and 2 Peter, Jude, 1, 2, and 3 John. Each letter is analyzed exegetically. Emphasis is given to major themes, including God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, salvation, and last day events, as well as the relevance of each author’s message to ministerial practice and contemporary Christian living. Prerequisite: RB 311.

RB 411 Old Testament I (W) 3 hours - An introductory survey of the Old Testament books from Genesis to Esther. The messages of each book are explored in light of their historical, geographical, literary, and theological contexts. Special attention is given to issues of interpretation and methodological approaches, laying the groundwork for the Christological interpretation of the Old Testament. Prerequisite: RL 414 or permission of instructor.

RB 412 Old Testament II (W) 3 hours - An introductory survey of the Old Testament books from Job to Malachi. The messages of each book are explored in light of their historical, geographical, literary, and theological contexts. Special attention is given to the interpretation of poetry and wisdom. The Christological interpretation of the Old Testament will be further developed. Prerequisite: RB 411.

RB 413 Studies in Daniel and Revelation (W) 3 hours - An exegetical exploration of the messages of Daniel and Revelation in light of their historical, literary, and theological contexts. Emphasis is given to the interpretation and application of apocalyptic prophecy from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective. Prerequisites: RB 312, RB 411, RL 314, RL 414, and RT 221 or permission of instructor.

RB 490, 491 Research and Independent Study each 1-3 hours - A research project tailored to the student’s area of academic or professional interest. This course does not substitute for lecture courses. Prerequisites: senior standing, RT 221, a cumulative 3.00 GPA of all courses taken in this department, and permission of the instructor.

Biblical Languages

RL 211-212 Greek I, II 3-3 hours

RL 313-314 Greek III, IV 2-2 hours - This course uses the linguistic similarities between English and New Testament Greek grammars toward the mastery of the morphology and the syntax of New Testament Greek. Students develop a usable vocabulary and the ability to translate simple passages. It emphasizes the application of Greek grammar to the understanding of the biblical text. Students develop the ability to translate selected passages with the aid of reference tools. Special emphasis is given to the value of Greek in the practice of ministry. Laboratory work is required. Prerequisite for RL 313: RL 212.

RL 311-312 Hebrew I, II 3-3 hours

RL 413-414 Hebrew III, IV 2-2 hours - An introductory course in Biblical Hebrew, emphasizing mastery of basic grammar. Students develop a usable vocabulary and the ability to translate simple passages. It emphasizes the ability to translate selected passages with the aid of reference tools. Special emphasis is given to the value of Hebrew in the practice of ministry. Laboratory work is required. Prerequisite for RL 413: RL 312.

RL 411 Textual Criticism 2 hours - An introduction to the methods and practice of textual criticism. This course will trace the transmission of the biblical documents from their original composition, their preservation through copied manuscripts, and their translation into various ancient and modern languages (with an emphasis on the development of the English Bible). Students will learn how to evaluate the accuracy of the various readings in the biblical manuscripts and translations. Prerequisites: RL 314 and RL 414 or permission of instructor.

RL 490, 491 Research and Independent Study each 1-3 hours - A research project tailored to the student’s area of academic or professional interest. This course does not substitute for lecture courses. Prerequisites: senior standing, RT 221, a cumulative 3.00 GPA of all courses taken in this department, and permission of the instructor. Theological and Religious Studies

RT 221 Biblical Hermeneutics 2 hours - An introduction to the principles and methods of biblical interpretation with emphasis on Christocentric interpretation. Special consideration is given to Seventh-day Adventist interpretation and the relationship between interpretation and spirituality. Students develop the ability to assess various critical methodologies and apply interpretive principles responsibly.

RT 222 The Gift of Prophecy and Ellen White 2 hours - A study of the biblical teaching on the Gift of Prophecy with emphasis on the manifestation of the gift in the ministry of Ellen G. White. Special consideration is given to issues of interpretation: Ellen White’s relationship to the Bible and biblical prophecy; revelation, inspiration, and illumination; canon and authority; purpose of her writings; development of her thought; and relevance for modern believers. Attention is also given to Ellen White and her critics, Ellen White and the church, and the nature and role of the Ellen G. White Estate. Prerequisite: RT 221. This course does not meet the General Education requirement for non-majors.

RT 223 Philosophy and Christian Thought 2 hours - An introduction to the rigor of critical thinking in the context of human quest for truth and meaning. Through an historical approach, this course highlights the contributions of the major philosophers to the development of disciplines such as epistemology, ontology, metaphysics, empiricism, political philosophy, philosophy of religion, logic, and ethics. It is geared toward the understanding of pre-modernity, modernity, and post modernity. It evaluates philosophical postulates in the light of biblical verities and aims at establishing the relationship between faith and learning.

RT 321 Christian Ethics (W) 3 hours - An introductory survey of Christian ethics from biblical to present times. The course includes a systematic evaluation of various approaches to Christian ethics. Consideration is given to the relationship between the Bible and the quality and character of the Christian moral life, with special emphasis on Christ as the center of value and the moral life. Students investigate and critique major ethical systems and engage in values analysis, clarification, and criticism. Prerequisite: RT 221 or permission of instructor.

RT 322 World Religions 2 hours - A survey of the development, beliefs, worldviews, and practices of the religions of the world, including African and Caribbean traditions as well as modern religious movements. Special emphasis will be placed on their relationship with Christianity. Prerequisite: junior standing.

RT 421 Christian Theology I (W) 3 hours - An introductory survey of the development of Christian thought from A.D. 100 to 1300. Treatment is given to the task of theology, theological principles and methods, and biblical critique of theological ideas. Dogmatic categories include theology, Christology, pneumatology, anthropology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. Students explore the relevance of theological reflection for modern church and society. Prerequisite: RT 221.

RT 422 Christian Theology II (W) 2 hours - An introductory survey of the development of Christian thought from A.S. 1300 to the present. Treatment is given to the task of theology, theological principles and methods, and biblical critique of theological ideas. Dogmatic categories include theology, Christology, pneumatology, anthropology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. Attention is given to the historical development, principles, and methods of biblical theology. Students explore the relevance of theological reflection for modern church and society. Prerequisite: RT 421.

RT 423 Seventh-day Adventist Theology 3 hours - An exploration of the fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist church from a biblical and historical perspective. Emphasis is placed on landmark beliefs and apocalyptic heritage. Prerequisites: RT 221 and HI 314 or permission of the instructor.

RT 490, 491 Research and Independent Study each 1-3 hours - A research project tailored to the student’s area of academic or professional interest. This course does to substitute for lecture courses. Prerequisites: senior standing, RT 221, a cumulative 3.00 GPA of all courses taken in this department, and permission of the instructor.

Practical Studies

RP 131 Spiritual Formation for Ministry 2 hours - A biblical, theological, historical, and practical study of spiritual formation for Christian ministry. Students examine and engage in the spiritual disciplines foundational to a strong devotional life and Christian service. Emphasis is given to the relationship between personal, corporate, and social spirituality, particularly the role of a spiritual guide in the development of spiritual formation in others. Laboratory work is required.

RP 132 Introduction to Christian Ministry 2 hours - An introduction to Christian ministry as an extension of the ministry of Christ. Using scripture as a foundation, students reflect on the call and role of the minister and explore basic issues in spiritual formation. Students are exposed to the broad spectrum of professional roles in ministry, particularly church pastor, religion/theology teacher, and counselor/chaplain. Field education and personality/diagnostic testing are required. Prerequisite: RP 131.

RP 231 Personal Evangelism 2 hours - An introduction to Christian discipleship. With an emphasis on developing skills for practice, students examine biblical and theological foundations of discipleship as demonstrated in the ministry of Christ. Emphasis is given to the development of interpersonal skills for witnessing. Students learn to prepare and present Bible studies and train laity for discipleship. Field education is required. Prerequisite: RP 132 or permission of instructor.

RP 341 Biblical Preaching I 3 hours - An introduction to the biblical and theological foundations, principles, and methods of Christ centered preaching. Students review biblical hermeneutics for application to preaching. Attention is also given to personal preparation, sermon development and delivery, and biblical preaching in the Seventh-day Adventist and Black traditions. Special emphasis is placed on Christ as the content of biblical preaching. Prerequisites: RB 211, RL 212, and RT 221.

RP 342 Biblical Preaching II 3 hours - An application of homiletical theory, designed to build students’ basic skills in biblical preaching. As a continuation of RP 341, this course requires students to deliver sermons for peer and teacher evaluation. Prerequisite: RP 341.

RP 351 Introduction to Religious Education 3 hours - An introduction to biblical, theological, historical, and psychological foundations of religious education. Special attention is given to theoretical approaches and their critique and to religious education and practical procedures for implementing, maintaining, and evaluating religious learning in home, school, and church. Prerequisite: ED 250.

RP 361 Pastoral Care and Counseling I 3 hours - An introduction to the principles and practices of pastoral care and counseling. Students will examine systems in pastoral care and counseling from a biblical and theological perspective. The course will address visitation, ministering to the sick and their support system, and developmental family issues. Special attention is given to premarital, marital, divorce, and bereavement counseling. The pastor’s place in the mental health care network and appropriate circumstances for professional referral will also be considered. Prerequisite: PY 101.

RP 362 Pastoral Care and Counseling II 3 hours - An advanced course in pastoral care and counseling techniques. This course employs both in class preparation and clinical practice. Students apply pastoral care and counseling intervention techniques in a clinical setting. Attention is given to family dynamics, conflict management and resolution, and crisis management, with particular reference to pastoral care in the black community. Assessment and referral methods are reviewed. Field education is required. Prerequisite: RP 361.

RP 431 Christian Ministry I 3 hours - An examination of biblical, theological, and historical foundations of Christian ministry and their relevance to professional issues in ministry. The course is designed to lead students from critical reflection to informed practice. As a continuation of RP 132, this course utilizes a case study approach to develop the role of the minister as grounded in the ministry of Christ. Emphasis is placed on servant-leadership, ministerial ethics, life management, denominational polity, and strategic planning. Field education and personality testing are required. Prerequisites: RB 211, RP 132, and RT 221.

RP 441 Christian Worship and the Black Liturgical Experience 2 hours - An introduction to the biblical, theological, and historical foundations of Christian worship and the implications for black liturgical experience. With an emphasis on building skills for practice, the course explores selected liturgical elements, including the role of music and the centrality of the Word. Attention is given to the relationship between corporate worship and service. Students are required to complete observations in various worship settings. Prerequisites: RB 211 and RT 221.

RP 442 Public Evangelism and Church Growth 2 hours - An introduction to public evangelism and church growth. With an emphasis on developing skills for practice, students examine the biblical and theological foundations of public evangelism and church growth as demonstrated in the ministry of Christ. Traditional and non-traditional approaches are explored. Special emphasis is given to the role of the laity in successful public evangelism and church growth. Field education is required. Prerequisites: RB 211 and RP 231.

RP 443 Christian Ministry II 3 hours - An application of Christian ministry in the church setting, designed to build students’ basic skills in ministerial practice. As a continuation of RP 431, this course employs both in-class preparation and clinical participation in church administration, visitation, church finance, services of the church (e.g. baptism, wedding, funeral, communion, baby dedication), auxiliary ministries, and strategic planning. Attention is also given to resources for ministry, including technology. Field education is required. Prerequisite: RP 431.

RP 444 Pastoral/Evangelistic Practicum 1-3 hours - An advanced course designed to provide students with pastoral experience in a church and/or community setting (e.g. nursing home, campus residence hall, hospice, shelter, correctional facility). Students will engage in a specific area of ministry that will be supervised and assessed. This practicum is structured to allow students to test their ministry skills in a real-life setting. Prerequisite: RP 431.

RP 450 Teaching Religion/Theology Practicum 1-3 hours - A course designed to provide students with instructional experience in a classroom setting. Students are assigned to the Department of Religion and Theology, Oakwood Adventist Academy, and other educational settings. Students will actively participate in classroom instruction that will be supervised and assessed. This practicum is structured to allow students to test their teaching skills in a real-life setting. Prerequisite: RP 351 and ED 240.

RP 460 Pre-Counseling/Pre-Chaplaincy Practicum 1-3 hours - A course designed to provide students with pastoral care experience in hospitals and other clinical settings. Students will work as counselors and chaplains with families, patients, health care providers, and community organizations in diverse cultural and religious settings. A supervised group setting will provide opportunities for each student to reflect theologically about human crisis, personal illness, loss, and community conflicts. The experience will allow each student to reflect on her/his personal and pastoral identity in diverse pastoral care settings. Prerequisites: RP 362 and PY 421.

RP 470 Field School of Evangelism Practicum 1 hour - A practicum course designed to provide students with summer evangelistic experience in national or international field settings. Students will actively participate in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of evangelistic meetings that will be supervised and assessed. Emphasis is placed on developing Christ-centered evangelistic preaching. The practicum will include instruction in public evangelism and church growth and may be taken in conjunction with RP 442. Prerequisite: RP 342 and senior standing.

RP 490, 491 Research and Independent Study each 1-3 hours - A research project tailored to the student’s area of academic or professional interest. This course does not substitute for lecture courses. Prerequisites: senior standing, RT 221, a cumulative 3.00 GPA of all courses taken in this department, and permission of the instructor. General Religion Education

RG 101 Introduction to the Bible 3 hours - An introduction to the content, structure, and history of the Bible. The course provides students with a basic foundation for understanding and applying the message of the Bible. This course does not meet the requirements for majors, minors, and the certificate in the religion and theology program.

RG 102 Life and Teachings of Jesus 3 hours - A review of the life of the Master Teacher and a study of the principles and parabolic representations of Christian life and faith as revealed in the Gospels. Prerequisite: two years of high-school Bible or RG 101. This course does not meet the requirements for majors, minors, and the certificate in the religion and theology program.

RG 201 Dynamics of Christian Living 2 hours - An introductory course exploring the realm of a personal relationship with God and how to be a successful Christian witness. Classic spiritual disciplines such as confession, prayer, Bible study, fasting, meditation, simplicity, and service are studied to explain how to become a Christian and continue the process of spiritual growth. This course does not meet the requirements for majors, minors, and the certificate in the religion and theology program.

RG 202 Fundamentals of Seventh-day Adventist Beliefs 3 hours - An introductory course exploring selected fundamental Christian doctrines as believed and taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The teachings follow the traditional dogmatic categories: theology, Christology, pneumatology, anthropology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. The course explores these teachings from a Christ-centered perspective for individual spiritual formation using the Bible as the basis of authority. Prerequisite: two years of high-school Bible or RG 101. This course does not meet the requirements for majors, minors, and the certificate in the religion and theology program.

RG 301 The Gift of Prophecy 3 hours - A course of study tracing prophetic ministry in the Bible, and especially in the experience of Ellen G. White, while noting also its contributory role in the history and operation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church from the nineteenth century to the present. Prerequisite: RG 202. This course does not meet the requirements for majors, minors, and the certificate in the religion and theology program.

RG 390 Ethics in the Professions (W) 3 hours - This interdisciplinary course is designed to introduce students to professional responsibility through a consideration of Christian professional ethics. A survey of moral theories provides a foundation for critical moral reflection on complex social problems as well as issues common to the professions. The first part of the course is taught in a multidisciplinary setting, then students are provided the opportunity to explore disciplinary applications and special topics in a small group composed of their disciplinary fellows. The course culminates in a return to multidisciplinary setting to work on a group case study in professional ethics. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of the instructor.