Academic Catalog 2022-2023

THE - Theology

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://pointloma-public.courseleaf.com.

THE 2050  Introduction to Christian Theology  (3 Units)  

This course introduces students to the study of Christian theology and to the body of Christian doctrines. It approaches Christian theology from the perspective of the Wesleyan theological tradition.

Prerequisite(s): BIB 1001 or BIB 1002  
THE 3005  Christian Faith and the Natural Sciences (FE)  (3 Units)  

This course explores central Christian convictions, e.g., the doctrines of creation, providence, the incarnation and the resurrection of the body, in careful and respectful dialogue with the natural sciences, especially cosmology and biological evolution.

Prerequisite(s): BIB 1001 or BIB 1002   
THE 3006  The Life of Holiness  (3 Units)  

A study of the biblical foundations of the Holiness message, Wesleyan theological perspectives set in the context of the history of the Church, and the classic disciplines of spiritual formation.

Prerequisite(s): BIB 1001 or BIB 1002  
THE 3015  Christian and Religious Themes in Literature  (3 Units)  

This course explores theological themes, beliefs, and practices, as well as literary images of God, evil, and redemption in short stories, novels and poems.

Prerequisite(s): BIB 1001 or BIB 1002  
THE 3020  The World's Faith Traditions  (3 Units)  

This course introduces students to the convictions, writings, and practices of people in the Abrahamic (Jewish, Islamic, Sikh) and Asian (Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian) traditions from a Wesleyan theological perspective.

Prerequisite(s): BIB 1001 or BIB 1002  
THE 3025  The Human Person and Theology and Psychology  (3 Units)  

This course surveys views of human nature and personhood in the Christian tradition and also in leading psychological theories. It also examines the relationship between theological discourse and the discipline of psychology.

Prerequisite(s): BIB 1001 or BIB 1002  
THE 3030  Christ and the Church  (3 Units)  

This course will examine the relationship between the Church's teachings on the identity and ministry of Jesus Christ (Christology) and the ongoing life of Christ's community of disciples, including worship, evangelism, the sacraments, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and eschatology.

Prerequisite(s): BIB 1001, BIB 1002, and THE 2050  
THE 3035  Christian Ethics  (3 Units)  

This course studies major Christian ethical theories and views of the moral life. It also explores the Christian use of the leading philosophical theories of ethics. Finally, it examines contemporary moral issues such as justice, war and peace, work, and family.

Prerequisite(s): BIB 1001 or BIB 1002  
THE 3060  Christian Life as Vocation (FE)  (3 Units)  

A study of the theology and practice of vocation as they have developed in the biblical and Christian traditions. Students will be led to reflect on career and professional life in a Christian way. The course will also study Christian ethical ways of living in the world.

Prerequisite(s): BIB 1001 or BIB 1002   
THE 3070  Global Christianity (FE)  (3 Units)  

This survey course covers Christianity's two-thousand-year history looking at its origins and history in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The great expansion of Christianity into Europe and the West will be highlighted while the primary focus will be on more Christian movements and theology from the Global South.

Prerequisite(s): BIB 1001 or BIB 1002   
THE 4010  The Ministry and Sermons of John Wesley  (3 Units)  

This course introduces students to the life, ministry, and preaching of the co-founder of Methodism as a model for contemporary Christian formation, service, and theological reflection.

Prerequisite(s): BIB 1001, BIB 1002, and THE 2050  
THE 4015  Three Traditions of Protestant Theology  (3 Units)  

This course will study traditions of Protestant theology in their historical origins, classic expressions, and contemporary manifestations.

THE 4090  Special Studies in Theology  (1-3 Units)  

An examination of a topic in theology not otherwise studied in the curriculum.

May be repeated up to a total of nine (9) units.  
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry.   
THE 4095  Justice in the Church: Gender, Households, and Unity in the Body of Christ  (3 Units)  

The course will give special attention to the thought and practices of Christian righteousness in light of dynamics of inequity that have long faced Christian communities. Students will engage Christian tradition and contemporary life on the issues of the subjugation of women, economic alienation, slavery, racism and other structures of power. Approaches to these issues will be multi-disciplinary - underscoring the integration of biblical, theological, historical, and philosophical perspectives - and culminate in concrete practices of ministry.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of the dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry.