UMHB Online Catalog
Department of Christian Studies
Christian Studies students pursuing a BA degree receive a broad liberal arts education and an opportunity to specialize in one of the major fields of the College of Christian Studies. In addition to taking Old and New Testament Survey, which are required of all UMHB students, BA students complete 39 hours of study in their Christian Studies majors. BA students must also complete a minor (in the CCS, 18 hours). BA students who are majoring in a field in Christian Studies may complete a minor in Biblical Languages, Philosophy, Biblical Studies, and Christian Ethics or in a discipline outside the CCS.
Course Listing
ARCH/CSAR 4315
Archaeology of Ancient Mesopotamia and Persia
The course examines the cultural remains discovered through archaeological excavations from the regions of ancient Mesopotamia and Persia. Important elements in the study include social and political institutions, religion, and literature of the regions. Students will review materials related to selected archaeological sites dating from the Neolithic period to conquest of the region by Alexander the Great.
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
ARCH/CSAR 4325
Archaeology of Ancient Egypt
The course examines the cultural remains discovered through archaeological excavations in ancient Egypt. Important elements in the study include social and political institutions, religion, and literature of the region. Students will review materials related to selected archaeological sites dating from the Naqada period to the end of the Ptolemaic period.
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
ARCH/CSAR 4335
Archaeology of Ancient Greece and Rome
The course examines the cultural remains discovered through archaeological excavations in ancient Greece and Rome. Important elements in the study include social and political institutions, religion, and literature of the regions. Students will study representative sites from the Minoan civilization through the rule of Constantine.
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
ARCH/CSAR 4345
Archaeology of Syria-Palestine
The course examines the cultural remains of ancient Syria-Palestine through the study of representative archaeological sites in the Levant and neighboring regions. Students will review materials related to archaeological sites dating from the Neolithic period to the end of the second century CE.
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
CSBS 1311
Old Testament Survey
The course presents a general survey of the Hebrew Bible, with special emphasis being given to great characters, events, and religious teachings.
CSBS 1312
New Testament Survey
This course surveys the historical background of the New Testament writings, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the early Christian movement, and the doctrinal concepts and ethical ideals of Christianity.
CSBS 2301
Biblical Backgrounds
This course presents a survey of the religious, cultural, geographical, and historical backgrounds of the Bible with special reference to major archaeological discoveries which have illuminated biblical interpretation and understanding.
CSBS 3323
Poetical Books
The course provides a study of selected portions of the poetical material contained in the Hebrew Bible, including an introduction to literary theory and a definition of the field of Hebrew poetry.
CSBS 3324
The Wisdom Books
The course provides a study of selected portions of the wisdom material contained in the Hebrew Bible and seeks to explore the relationship of Hebrew wisdom to the wisdom material of the ancient world.
CSBS 3326
The Minor Prophets
The course examines selected portions of the Minor Prophets (the Book of the Twelve) with due attention given to the historical backgrounds and to their teachings.
CSBS 3327
The Gospels of Mark and Matthew
This course is a study of the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, with introductions to the synoptic problem and the synoptic presentation of Jesus of Nazareth. The course will highlight the distinctive and significant features of both Gospels.
CSBS 3328
The Earlier Pauline Epistles
This course is a study of Galatians, 1-2 Thessalonians, and 1-2 Corinthians, noting Paul's rise to prominence in the early church, the development of his theology, and the problems he confronted in the churches of his Gentile mission.
CSBS 3329
The Pastoral Epistles, Hebrews, and the non-Johannine General Epistles
This course is a study of selected portions of 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, and Jude, with attention to the unique contribution of each to the New Testament.
CSBS 4190-4490
Independent Learning
This course enables a student to pursue independent learning in some aspect of the field of Biblical Studies.
CSBS 4330
Pentateuch
The course examines selected passages in the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Special attention is given to modern techniques of scholarship, major themes in the Pentateuch relating to today's world, adn selected passages of major importance.
CSBS 4331
Deuteronomic History
The course investigates selected portions of the Deuteronomic History (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, and 1-2 Kings) and seeks to understand their relationship to the book of Deuteronomy.
CSBS 4332
The Major Prophets
The course examines selected portions of the Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel) with due attention given to the historical backgrounds and to their teachings.
CSBS 4340
The Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts
This course is a study of the Gospel of Luke and its distinctive features, tracing its continuity with and through its companion volume, the Acts of the Apostles. The study of Acts will stress the missionary career of St. Paul.
CSBS 4341
The Johannie Books in the New Testament
This course is a study of the Gospel of John with attention to its non-synoptic nature and theological sophistication. The course will include studies of 1-3 John and the Revelation/Apocalypse. It will seek to identify the special themes in these books.
CSBS 4342
The Later Pauline Epistles
This course is a study of Romans and the Prison Epistles, (Philemon, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians) noting the continuing development of Paul's theology and this prison ministry in Rome.
CSCH 2318
Introduction to Church History
The course examines the origin, progress, and development of the Chrisitan relgion. Attention is given to major themes, movements, events, leaders, and developments. This course is designed as an orientation to the entire Christian tradition in its social and cultural setting.
CSCH 3310
History of the Baptists
The course examines the history of Baptists from their beginning to the present, noting particularly the development in England and America. The basic concepts of Baptist doctrine and polity are viewed in their historical setting.
CSCH 4190-4490
Independent Learning
This course enables a student to pursue independent learning in some aspect of the field of Church History.
CSCH 4310
Religion in America
This course examines the origins and development of the American religious heritage with emphasis on organization, expansion, thought, worship, and impact on American society.
CSCH 4312
Christian Missions
This course examines the spread of Christianity with an emphasis upon the modern missionary movement.
CSCH 4315
The Major Religious of the World
This course is a survey of the most widely practiced non-Christian religions in the modern world (Primitivism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam) with emphasis upon their founders (if known), major doctrines, and institutions.
CSCH 4317
The Minor Religions of the World
This course is a study of Classical Paganism, Janism, Zoroastrianism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, Sikhism, and Bahai. Emphasis will rest on their founders (if known), major doctrines, and institutions.
CSCH 4373
The Reformations of the 16th and 17th Centuries
This course is a study and critique of the Protestant and Catholic Reformations. The Continental Reforms, English Reforms, and Counter Reformation will be examined with attention given to the reformation issues that confront the church tody.
CSCH 4380
Women in American Christianity
This course examines the rich history of women in American Christianity from the colonial era to the present giving attention to the importance of gender within the Christian experience. Special attention is given to women's roles in awakenings, reform movements, and missions as well as their participation within denominational traditions.
CSMN 1320
Introduction to Christian Ministry
This course is a biblical, historical, theological, and practical study of Christian Ministry. Students study the role of the minister in proclamation, administration, and care-giving. Attention is given to educational preparation, spiritual growth, and the development of skills in ministry. Fee.
CSMN 3111
Introduction to Religious Education
This course is a course introducing the student to the field of religious education and to practical ways to be an effective worker in Chrisitan service. Students will acquire practical knowledge through supervised work in a church.
CSMN 3310
Sermon Preparation
This course is a study of a variety of methods of preparing sermons. Emphasis will be given to developing expository sermons starting with a biblical idea and culminating in a sermon ready for delivery.
CSMN 3312
Principles and Methods of Teaching in a Church
This course is an age-level approach with emphasis on the use of modern teaching methods. Attention is given to methods and materials to be used with the different age groups in the church.
CSMN 3329
Children's Ministry
The course examines the needs of children in a religious setting. Topics of study include parental responsibility, weekday ministries, equipment needs for ministry, physically challenged children, materials, and spiritual development.
CSMN 3330
Youth Ministry
This course is a study of the philosophy and trends of youth ministry. Emphasis will be placed on the planning and administering of a youth ministry in a local church. Attention will be given to the motivation of youth leaders and the development of programming ideas.
CSMN 3331
Introduction to Pastoral Ministry
This course is a study of the biblical principles of pastoral leadership and servant-hood that provide the foundation for developing a model of contemporary pastoral ministry. The responsibilities of the pastor in the modern church will be evaluated.
CSMN 3332
Ministry to the Older Adult
This course is a study of biblical models for ministering to adults. Topics include the loss of a spouse, divorce, recreation, the never-married, older children, etc.
CSMN 4190-4490
Independent Learning
This course enables a student to pursue independent learning in some aspect of the field of Ministry.
CSMN 4305
Discipleship and Evangelism
Through group participation, Christian discipleship and evangelism are examined in terms of the student's relationship with the Bible, prayer, Christian fellowship, and world evangelism.
CSMN 4316
Supervised Ministry Practicum
This course is a field-based learning opportunity in which the student functions in a ministry role under the supervision of an experienced minister and a University professor. Requirements include the completion of ministry projects within the field setting as well as on-campus conferences. Emphasis is placed on functional competence in ministry through development of both personal and professional skills.
CSMN 4350
Contemporary Issues Facing Youth
This course is a study of the contemporary issues of race, sexual attitudes, family pressures, school, etc. faced by youth and creative approaches the Youth Minister may employ to help youth understand these issues from a uniquely Christian perspective.
CSMN 4351
Christian Counseling in a Church Setting
The course examines the professional methods of Christian counseling. Recurring problems encountered in counseling and the use of referral will be studied.
CSMN 4352
Clinical Pastoral Education
In cooperation with Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, UMHB offers ministerial students the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience by serving as a chaplain-intern. In this role, the student will be called upon to provide pastoral care to patients and their families. The CPE experience will provide training in ministry-method and will challenge the student to strive to grow significantly in self-understanding. The chaplain-intern will receive support and guidance from a supervisor and peers while seeking to recognize personality issues, identify personal goals, and strive for vocational success.
CSTD 4090
Senior Assessment
Students majoring in Religion with 90+ hours must complete the College of Christian Studies' assessment exams prior to graduation.
CSTD 4300
Senior Research Project
Students majoring in Religion with 90+ hours and who do not receive the BGCT tuition grant have the option of completing Supervised Ministry or a Senior Research Project. A College of Christian Studies faculty member supervises the student's research project in an area of study selected by the student in consultation with the faculty supervisor.
CSTH 2316
Introduction to Christian Theology
This course is a study of basic Christian beliefs from a biblical perspective. Emphasis will also be given to how these beliefs have been stated over the history of the church to the present day.
CSTH 312
Biblical Ethics
This course is a study of the ethical teachings in the Old and New Testaments. The course includes analysis of ways the Bible is used in formulating positions toward contemporary ethical issues.
CSTH 3345
Christian Ethics and Social Issues
This course is an examination of Christian ethical approaches to selected social issues relating to sexuality, marriage, gender, race, biomedical ethics, economics, and politics.
CSTH 4190-4490
Independent Learning
This course enables a student to pursue independent learning in some aspect of the field of Theology.
CSTH 4303
World Views
This course is an examination of a variety of perspectives on reality in today’s pluralistic world. The course begins with a statement of the biblical world view and its influence on Western civilization. Naturalism, Secular Humanism, Eastern Mysticism, the New Age Movement, and Postmodernism are contrasted with the biblical view. The course is designed to emphasize the merits of the biblical view and to facilitate dialogue with other perspectives.
CSTH 4317
Doctrine of God
This course is an introduction to various theories on the nature of God and of God’s relationship with the world. The class discusses the justification for various conceptions of God and addresses important issues in contemporary theological discussion, including Trinitarian thought and theories concerning divine/human action.
CSTH 4318
Historical Theology
This course comprises a historical survey of theologians and movements that have shaped the faith of the Christian Church from post-biblical times to the present. The focus is on primary readings and analysis.
CSTH 4319
Christian Theological Traditions
This course is a survey of the major Christian theological traditions (Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox) with an emphasis on their theological presuppositions, systems of thought, and principle theologians. The course emphasizes both ongoing disagreements and what the traditions hold in common.
CSTH 4330
Doctrine of Revelation
This course is a historical and contemporary study of issues relating to human knowledge of God including natural and special revelation. Particular attention is given to the issues of the relationship of revelation and reason and to the nature and role of the Bible in revelation: inspiration, authority, inerrancy, and interpretation. (Same as CSPH 4330)
CSTH 4335
Readings in Christian Ethics
This course is an advanced study of selected readings from major historical and contemporary writers on theoretical and applied issues in Christian ethics.
CSTH 4345
Applied Christian Ethics
This course is a study of ethical issues relating to various professional disciplines. Students write and present position papers on issues arising in their particular academic and professional fields of study. The course is designed for students from all disciplines in the university.
GREK/CSGK 2413-2414
Elementary Greek I and II
This course is a beginner’s course designed to familiarize the student with the basic elements of New Testament Greek, stressing vocabulary, conjugation, declension, and translation.
GREK/CSGK 3413-3414
Intermediate Greek I and II
These courses will concentrate on translation and will introduce New Testament textual criticism and exegesis, if time allows.
Prerequisites: CSGK 2414.
GREK/CSGK 4190-4490
Independent Learning
This course enables a student to pursue independent learning in some aspect of the field of Greek.
Prerequisites: CSGK 3414 and junior standing.
HBRW/CSHB 2413-2414
Beginning Hebrew I & II
The course introduces the student to biblical Hebrew. Appropriate portions from the Hebrew Scriptures will be translated. Hebrew grammar and the Hebrew lexicon will be introduced and utilized in this study.
HBRW/CSHB 3413-3413
Intermediate Hebrew I & II
The course presents the student with a detailed analysis of biblical Hebrew. Appropriate sections of the Hebrew Scriptures will be examined. Attention will be given to the grammar, syntax, and text of a different culture writeen in a language from the ancient world.
Prerequisites: CSHB 2414.
HBRW/CSHB 4190-4490
Independent Learning
This course enables a student to pursue independent learning in some aspect of the field of Hebrew.
Prerequisites: CSHB 3414 and junior standing.
PHIL/CSPH 2315
Introduction to Philosophy
This course is a survey of the various schools of philosophy and their outstanding representatives. Major emphasis is placed upon basic philosophical problems, proposed solutions, and techniques of thinking.
PHIL/CSPH 2316
Critical Reasoning
This course is an introduction to understanding, recognizing, and analyzing deductive and inductive arguments, informal logical fallacies, adn conceptual and empirical theories.
PHIL/CSPH 3311
Advanced Philosophical Studies
This course is an intensive study of a particular philosopher, period of philosophy, area of philosophy, or philosophical system. The course can be taken again for additional credit with change in subject matter.
Prerequisites: CSPH 2315.
PHIL/CSPH 3320
Philosophy of Religion
This course is an introduction to the traditional problems in the area of philosophy of religion including the nature of religion, the existence of God, faith and reason, the nature of religious language, evil and suffering, and the relation of philosophy to theology.
Prerequisites: CSPH 2315.
PHIL/CSPH 3325
Moral Philosophy
This course is a study of central issues in moral philosophy focusing on paradigms of ethical justification throughout the history of philosophy. These paradigms are explored though primary readings and works of fiction. Topics include the nature of morality, conceptions of justice, views of human nature and their bearing on questions of value, and competing tests of right and wrong.
Prerequisites: CSPH 2315.
PHIL/CSPH 4190-4490
Independent Learning
This course enables a student to pursue independent learning in some aspect of the field of philosophy.
Prerequisites: CSPH 2315 and junior standing.
PHIL/CSPH 4303
World Views
This course is an examination of a variety of perspective on reality in today's pluralistic world. This course begins with a statement of the biblical world view and its influence on Western civilization. Naturalism, Secular Humanism, Eastern Mysticism, the New Age Movement, and Postmodernism are contrasted with the biblical view. The course is designed to emphasize the merits of the biblical view and to facilitate dialogue with other perspectives.
PHIL/CSPH 4330
Revelation and Reason
This course is an historical and contemporary study of issues relating to human knowledge of God including universal and special revelation. Particular attention is given to examination of the relationship of revelation and reason, various theoretical "models" of revelation, and to the nature and role of the Bible in revelation (including issues of inspiration, authority, inerrancy, and interpretation.)
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