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Religion: Theology Course Descriptions

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RELT 190 Ellen G. White and Adventist Theology (3)

A study of the key events in the life and ministry of Ellen G. White and her major theological influence on the Seventh-day Adventist history and theology.

RELT 220 Knowing and Sharing Christ (2-3)

Explores how Christians can both better understand their faith in Christ and comfortably, yet winsomely, share it in the context of today's busy, multi-faith society. The course will help students discover powerful motives and effective, easily implemented strategies that will enable them to communicate the gospel actively in ways that are compatible with their personality and abilities. (Offered through External Degree only)

RELT 235 Principles of Bible Instruction (3)

Designed for those who wish to become effective lay or professional Bible instructors on the level of the local church and community. Various methods, teaching styles, and approaches are discussed. Students are required to design a full-message series of bible studies and participate in videotaped practice sessions in which studies are orally presented. (Offered through External Degree only)

RELT 250 Principles of Christian Faith (3)

A study of the basic Christian teachings as derived from Scripture and understood within the Seventh-day Adventist faith. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

RELT 270 Adventist Heritage and Mission (3)

An investigation of Seventh-day Adventist church history with a preliminary review of backgrounds and foundations of the Advent message from apostolic times. Concentration on the church's beginnings in America; the 1844 experience; history, organization, and development of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination in America and in the world, with special attention being given to the writings of the prophets, particularly Ellen G. White. (Fall Semester)

RELT 280 Moral Issues in World Religions (3)

A general study of major world religions and contemporary expressions of faith. Special emphasis will be given to examining the various ways in which different religions react to moral dilemmas and how they implement their beliefs in a variety of worship styles and ethical lifestyles. The advantage of headquarters, worship places and educational institutions of major world religions in the Metropolitan Washington area will be utilized as much as possible for practical exposition to the world faiths studied in this course.

RELT 308 Biblical Preaching (3)

Prerequisite: COMM 105. An introduction to the principles governing sermon construction and the development of a theology of preaching. Careful attention is given to the structuring of various types of sermons as well as to the dynamics of delivery styles. Includes required videotape sessions and evaluation by the instructor and fellow students. Normally taken in the junior year. (Offered through External Degree only)

RELT 320 Religion and American Culture (3)

A study of the role of religion in American history and contemporary culture. The beliefs and structures of mainstream Protestant denominations as well as American Catholicism, selected sects and cults, American Judaism, and the role religion has played in American history and culture. Regular visits to local churches and synagogues provide firsthand experience of the various forms of worship, liturgy, and beliefs. Cross-listed as HIST 320. (Spring Semester)

RELT 335 Pauline Theology (3)

An investigation of Paul as a person, pastor and theologian will be the focus of this course. A comprehensive study of the Pauline corpus and Paul's theological influences on the development of early Christian theology will help students in their theological and missionary endeavors.

RELT 350 Faith Seeking Understanding: Christian Doctrines (3)

This course seeks to engage students in reflection on some of the central Christian theological topics according to the distinct emphasis of the Adventist tradition. An in-depth inquiry into the nature, function and practice of constructive theological activity as an essential component in the life and mission of the church. Anselm's phrase "faith seeking understanding" underscores the continual theological reflection: What- Why- How- of doing theology.

RELT 360 Christian Ministry (3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to theology and religion majors. An introduction to the gospel ministry. The class studies the nature and function of pastoral ministry with the intent of acquainting the prospective minister with the unique combination of roles and responsibilities carried by a pastor in a local congregation. Students will reflect on what it means to receive a "call" to ministry in the light of their experience, and will come to understand the sensitive skills and gifts that contribute to effective pastoral leadership. The course includes directed field experience that further provides an understanding of the dynamics of church life and organization. The course is enriched by visits of those specialists in selected areas of ministry. (Offered through External Degree only)

RELT 370 Public Evangelism (2)

Prerequisite: RELT 220 or concurrent registration. A study of the principles employed in conducting various types of public evangelistic outreach. The challenge of reaching the masses within today's context and understanding the dynamics of bringing people to Jesus Christ in larger groups. How to plan, develop, and conduct a public evangelistic program. Contemporary approaches and techniques. Involvement in an area evangelistic outreach is required. (Offered through External Degree only)

RELT 375 Philosophy of Religion (3)

Explores the philosophical questions surrounding religious belief, experience, and practice. Issues such as the meaning of religious language, the validity of religious experience, the certainty of religious knowledge, and the reality of God will be considered. (Fall Semester)

RELT 385 Christian Ethics and Modern Society (3)

The nature and principles of the Christian life as revealed in the New Testament and historically developed in the Christian community, with application to problems of personal conduct and to family and social institutions. (Spring Semester)

RELT 410 Biblical Theology (3)

Prerequisite: RELB 307 and/or RELB 345. As its title suggests, this course combines biblical studies and theology. Students first learn the essential interpretive skills for studying Scripture. They then determine theological themes found throughout the Old and New Testaments, followed by the opportunity to evaluate the convictions of various contemporary theologians. (Fall Semester)

RELT 460 Cross-Cultural Ministry (3)

This course is built on three foundational positions: (1) All communication is cross-cultural to some degree. (2) Culture is the way people organize their experiences to develop a worldview, values, beliefs, a social framework, and behavioral patterns. (3) Communication is the human part of proclamation and discipling. Course focuses on communication and mission, communication and culture, world-views, ways of thinking, behavioral patterns, and social structures as they relate to ministry in a multi-cultural context. (Offered through External Degree only)

RELT 491 Seminar in Contemporary Theology (3)

Prerequisite: RELT 410. Restricted to theology and religion majors. An analytical study through group discussion of subjects and topics current in theological circles today. (Spring Semester)

RELT 494 Topics in Theology (1-3)

Designed for students who wish a course not listed in the regular offerings. A selected topic in theology will be explored. (Offered as needed)

RELT 495 Independent Study in Theology (1-3)

Study on an independent basis in collaboration with the instructor on a topic in theology at the upper division level. (Offered as needed)

RELT 498 Thesis in Philosophy of Religion (4)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Thesis is open only to the final year students in the Philosophy and Religion major whose accumulative GPA is 3.00 and higher (students with accumulative GPA below 3.00 should do an independent study or an additional elective course instead of the thesis). It is intended to give students the opportunity to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth and sophistication than is possible in other modules. Quality of thought, coherence of argument and the competence and judgment shown in investigating the chosen topic are more important than the length or quantity of work, but the essay has a word limit of between 8,000 and 12,000 words.

RLGN 314 Science and Christian Belief (1)

Prerequisite: A course or knowledge of physical science. A detailed examination of the harmony between science and the Bible. Designed to help the student see the complementary relationships between the Word of God and natural law. (Offered through External Degree only)

RLGN 360 Prophetic Guidance (2)

A study of one of the principal means by which God communicates with people. The work of His prophets in Old Testament times is explained. The tests and functions of a true prophet are examined. The work and life of Ellen G. White and God's influence on His remnant church through her are stressed. A paper is required. (Offered through External Degree only)