DOCTORATE OF THEOLOGY
Course Descriptions
This degree must be preceded by a master’s degree. There is flexibility regarding which courses students take. Each student has a goal for seeking this degree. The faculty and leadership of this university fully supports those goals.
Obtaining a doctoral degree in Theology requires 30 hours (10 three-hour courses), as well as the writing of a dissertation, which will count as the other 30 hours meeting the degree requirement, which is a total of 90 hours including the master’s degree.
STUDY OF THE BIBLE AND OTHER RELIGIONS
World Religions
In this course, students will define, critique and defend Apostolic beliefs based on the Bible. Because students will most likely encounter people from all walks of life who were reared in or converted to other religions, it is important to be aware and somewhat conversant with other major religions. Book: World Religions from an Apostolic Perspective by Dorsey L. Burk
Daniel & Revelation I
For a thorough study of the Bible and the languages in which it was written, students must study the contents, and languages in which the Bible was written: Hebrew and Greek. Other courses will delve into those languages, but the study of the prophecies of Daniel and the vision John saw in Revelation will underscore the study of the languages. One book from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament will support these. This course will count for 4 hours instead of the usual 3. Books: Daniel & Revelation, I & II by Ralph V. Reynolds
LANGUAGES OF THE BIBLE
Hebrew
To fully understand much of what is in the Bible, one must know about the languages in which it was written. In this course, students will parse books of the Old Testament, which was written in Hebrew and Aramaic. During the course, students will interpret passages they may never have understood to more thoroughly understand. Book: Hebrews by E. L. Holley
Greek
The New Testament was largely written in Greek because it was the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean region at the time, allowing the message of Christianity to reach the widest possible audience across different cultures and ethnicities following Alexander the Great’s conquests; essentially, Greek was the “lingua franca” of the region, making it the most accessible language for communication. Though the following book is the main textbook for this course, students are encouraged to gain knowledge and understanding further using other books if they wish. Book: The Message of Romans by David K. Bernard
Spiritual Warfare I
Spiritual warfare is something every Christian will fight. The enemy hates followers of Christ and His teachings, thus, His children will encounter multiple “tribulations”. The enemy is fighting intensely because he knows there is not much time. If you have reached the point where you are seeking this degree, you are aware of many of his tactics. In this study, though you already know and have experienced the enemy of darkness, this course will endeavor to better equip you so you will be able to equip other people. Book: Put on Your War Coat and Fight by Joy Haney
Spiritual Warfare II
This course will explore another tool of the enemy. Some students may be fighting this battle, have family members who are, or those in your congregation who are waging war in this area. You will not win every battle, but we must keep fighting. This is not among the acceptable Christian emotions; the one who is suffering is more aware than other people that it isn’t. Many are so ashamed; they will not seek help. People in every age group fight this battle or have. This is just another tool of the enemy. Book: Light in a Dark Place: Encountering Depression by Carlton L. Coon Sr.
OTHER COURSE STUDENTS CAN ADD
You need four more classes to complete this degree. Here are some areas from which you can choose:
The Cross-cultural Minister
Book: Ten Steps a Church Can Take to Grow in a Multicultural Environment by David K. Bernard
Following are some other areas that may be of interest. No book was chosen. You may choose the book on which you wish to base your study. The dean must approve your choice.
World Mythology
Syriac
Hebrew
Counseling – There is a degree available in Pastoral Counseling