Online Bible, Ministry, & Philosophy Courses

Course Description

A course that has as its primary content the Old Testament, with special attention given to the law, the prophets and the history of Israel.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

• Know the individual books of the Old Testament and their place in the overall flow of the whole.
• Understand the major themes of the Old Testament and their place in Christian doctrine.
• Recognize the primary characters of the Old Testament and their roles in the history of God’s people.
• Incorporate the key principles of Old Testament truth in the experiences of daily living.

• A Survey of the Old Testament, 3rd Edition
• A Survey of the Old Testament, Study Guide

Most importantly, you will need a good cross-referenced Study Bible in a modern English translation, e.g., NASB, NIV, ESV.

This course consists of ten learning modules (each of which contain reading, quizzes, a written lesson, an online project, and an application assignment) and one final exam.

Each module is worth 80 points, and the final exam is 200 points, for a total of 1,000 points possible.

Richard Studebaker

• PhD, Trinity International University (1998)
• MDiv, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (1982)
• BA, Bethel College (1978)

Course Description

A course that includes a foundation in New Testament study with a focus on Jesus Christ as portrayed in the Gospels and Epistles. Also included is a series of explorations into the relevancy of Christ to modern life.

*In order to help you complete the course in time, this class does have module due dates.

The course is designed to meet the following objectives in whatever Christian tradition the student belongs—Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant. If the student is not a Christian, then he/she will see why Christians believe as they do.

• Give you an overview of the entire New Testament, thus laying a good foundation for further and more detailed study of the New Testament.
• Increase your knowledge of the important figures, issues and doctrines appearing in the New Testament.
• Be able to articulate the purpose and message of each book of the New Testament.
• Be aware of the “big picture” of the New Testament and to be able to relate the parts to the whole
  • Appreciate the significance of the major theological themes in the New Testament.
• Develop an ability to take the factual material of the New Testament and to make it applicable to Christian spirituality today.

• A Survey of the New Testament, 4th Edition

Optional texts:

• C. K. Barrett, The New Testament Background, rev. ed. (San Francisco: Harper, 1995)
• H. Wayne House, Chronological and Background Charts of the New Testament, 2^nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009)

*Once a student is enrolled, the professor will provide options for accessing these resources at no or low cost.

This course consists of 10 modules with a combination of discussion topics, checkpoints, internet research projects, quizzes, and papers in each.

Assignments are worth between 50 and 100 points each, for a total of 1,000 points possible.

Daniel Chadwick

• PhD, Trinity Theological Seminary (1999)
• MA, Fordham University (1995)
• MA, Jewish Theological Seminary (1992)
• MAH, University of Buffalo (1990)
• BA, University of Buffalo (1981)

Course Description

A detailed study of the book of "beginnings," giving attention to its authorship, authenticity, chronology, and spiritual implication.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the major theological concepts in biblical cosmology.
• Explicate key issues involved in the fall of man and the subsequent consequences.
• Distinguish between various theories regarding the flood and the consequences of it, noting especially the water vapor canopy hypothesis.
• Trace the various failures of mankind leading to the call of Abraham and the Abrahamic covenant.
• Trace the life of Abraham as a flawed recipient of God’s grace.
• Develop the significance of the Abrahamic covenant
• Follow Isaac as an intermediary figure between Abraham and Jacob.
• Follow the life of Jacob in his transition from a young man known as "the supplanter" to the head of a clan.
• Evaluate the role of Joseph in extricating the young nation from Canaan to allow it to mature in Egypt.

• Creation & Blessing

A good study Bible is mandatory, preferably in a modern translation. The New American Standard Version (NASV) or the New International Version (NIV) are particularly recommended.

This course consists of 15 assignments based on corresponding chapter reading and one exam.

Each assignment is worth 100 points as is the exam, for a total of 1,600 points possible.

David Moore

• PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1999)
• DMin, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2002)
• MDiv, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1985)
• BA, Hardin-Simmons University (1982)

Course Description

Specific methods are taught to enable the students to understand the propositions of the biblical text, relate those propositions to one another, and ask questions of the text in order to discover what the biblical writers meant to convey through their writings.

*In order to help you complete the course in time, this class does have module due dates.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Identify the various genres of Scripture and explain how they affect interpretation.
• Identify the common figures of speech and methods of utilizing figurative language and interpret them appropriately.
• Identify and isolate literary units appropriate for interpretational/applicational use.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze any biblical text, derive universal principles from it, and then develop proper modern day applications for a variety of audiences.
• Understand how literary units are parts of biblical books and are thus subject to the "interpretative spiral".
• Know where to find basic tools, which assist in determining the meaning of a text, and have a working knowledge of how to utilize them.
• Distinguish between the meaning of a text and applications derived from a text.
• Understand various means by which computers can be used in biblical studies and Christian ministries.

• How to Read the Bible as Literature
• Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook, 3rd Edition

*Once a student is enrolled, the professor will provide options for accessing these resources at no or low cost.

This course consists of 15 assignments and no exams.

Each assignment is worth between 25 and 200 points, for a total of 1,000 points possible.

Daniel Chadwick

• PhD, Trinity Theological Seminary (1999)
• MA, Fordham University (1995)
• MA, Jewish Theological Seminary (1992)
• MAH, University of Buffalo (1990)
• BA, University of Buffalo (1981)

Course Description

A detailed study of the book of Romans with special emphasis on Paul’s purpose in writing the book and the development of his argument throughout the book.

The goals of this course are six-fold—that the students:

• Learn the meaning and purpose of Paul’s letter to the Romans through careful reading of the primary text of Romans itself.
• Engage in inductive analysis of Romans.
• Thoughtfully dialogue with Peter Stuhlmacher’s Romans commentary.
• Critically interact with the other major commentaries and secondary sources on Romans.
• Critically analyze N.T. Wright’s synthesis of Paul’s theology in Romans.
• Articulate their personal judgments concerning the major exegetical issues of Romans itself.

• Paul’s Letter to the Romans

Required to have three English translations of Paul’s letter to the Romans.

This course consists of 15 assignments including papers and study questions, and no exams.

Lesson 1 assignment is worth 50 points, lessons 2-14 are worth 20 points each, and Lesson 15 assignment is worth 40 points, for a total of 350 points possible.

Edward Meadors

• PhD, New Testament Exegesis, The University of Aberdeen
• MA, New Testament, Wheaton College Graduate School
• BA, English Literature, Wheaton College

Course Description

Emphasizes the historical narrative and the content of the law of God. Special attention is given to the Genesis account of the origin of the cosmos, man, sin, and salvation. The authorship of the Pentateuch is considered.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

• Understand key arguments that have been made both for and against Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch.
• Set forth key data supporting Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch.
• Distinguish the major theological concepts in Biblical cosmology.
• Explicate key issues involved in the fall of man and the subsequent consequences.
• Trace subsequent failures of mankind leading to the call of Abraham and the Abrahamic covenant.
• Develop the significance of the Abrahamic covenant.
• Explain the Exodus and Passover as they relate to salvation history.
• Distinguish between casuistic and apodictic law, and assess the role of apodictic law in ancient Israel and its application to modern societal conditions.
• Compare and contrast the concepts of sacrifice in the Old Testament with the New Testament teachings concerning the death of Christ.
• Trace the development and history of the fledgling nation of Israel from Mt. Sinai to the Transjordan.
• Evaluate key explanations of the relationship between the Old Testament law and the New Testament.
• Show the ability to do research and lesson preparation by completing a major project on some aspect of the Pentateuch.

• An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch
• Five Views on Law and Gospel
• Handbook on the Pentateuch, 2nd Edition

A good study Bible is required, preferably in a modern translation. The New American Standard Version (NAU) or the New International Version (NIV) are particularly recommended.

This course consists of 13 exams and one final comprehensive exam, as well as a major project.

Each exam is worth 40 points, the final exam is worth 100 points, and the major project is worth 100 points, for a total of 720 points possible.

David Moore

• PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1999)
• DMin, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2002)
• MDiv, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1985)
• BA, Hardin-Simmons University (1982)

Course Description

A historical study with particular attention given to the missionary expansion of the early church, the work of the Holy Spirit and the place of the church in the world.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should:

• Learn the major theological themes that Luke intended to impress upon his audience through the historical narratives that constitute his two-volume composition.
• Gain in depth understanding of the historical importance of the events that led to the spread of the gospel from Judea through Samaria, Syria, Cyprus, Galatia, Asia, Achaia, and eventually to Rome.
• Deepen in their understanding of the dynamics of Christian discipleship, as they apply the teachings of Acts to their own personal lives.
• Gain a broader understanding of the corporate mission of the church against the background of its origin in Acts 2.

• The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

A literal (formal equivalent) translation of the Bible is required.

This course consists of ten assignments, the majority of which are papers, and one final comprehensive essay exam.

The assignments range in points from 20 to 40, for a total of 260 points.

Edward Meadors

• PhD, New Testament Exegesis, The University of Aberdeen
• MA, New Testament, Wheaton College Graduate School
• BA, English Literature, Wheaton College

Course Description

Attention is given to the life, ministry, and writings of Paul. The doctrinal, pastoral, and personal epistles of Paul are studied with reference to their geographical and historical settings, the organization of the Apostolic Church and the development of Christian doctrine. Careful exegesis is made of selected portions of each epistle.

*In order to help you complete the course in time, this class does have module due dates.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

• Utilize the tools of biblical and theological research in order to uncover more insight into the thought and ministry of the Apostle Paul.
• Be aware of and skillful in relating the life setting of Paul’s epistles to their argument (the subject of a literary work) and recognizing the circumstantial nature of Pauline correspondence.
• Know the leading themes, ideas, and doctrines of Paul’s Gospel.

• Dictionary of Paul and His Letters
• How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

*Once a student is enrolled, the professor will provide options for accessing these resources at no or low cost.

This course consists of 12 assignments and no exams.

Each assignment is worth 100 points with the exception of the final assignment which is 150 points for a total of 1,250 points possible.

Daniel Chadwick

• PhD, Trinity Theological Seminary (1999)
• MA, Fordham University (1995)
• MA, Jewish Theological Seminary (1992)
• MAH, University of Buffalo (1990)
• BA, University of Buffalo (1981)

Course Description

A study of the non-Pauline epistles with attention to their introductory issues (authorship, audience, date, setting, etc.) and theological issues. The authors’ arguments will be analyzed and various interpretations of debated passages will be examined. Critical thinking skills will be employed in studying the letters.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Trace the author’s argument in each letter.
• Articulate key theological issues dealt by each letter.
• Understand how the introductory issues such as the authorship, date, occasion and purpose of each letter enhance interpretation of the letter.

To experience spiritual maturity with the following outcomes:

• You will articulate the biblical foundations of your faith and explain how they impact daily life.
• You will practice biblical principles of a growing Christian faith as evidenced by spiritual disciplines.

• ESV Expository Commentary: Hebrews—Revelation, Volume 12
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Hebrews—Revelation, Volume 12

This course consists of 10 assignments, 1 journaling, and a midterm and final exam.

Each assignment is worth 100 points, the journal worth 500 points, and the midterm and final are each worth 250 points, for a total of 2000 points for the course.

Joseph Pak

• PhD, New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
• STM, New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
• MDiv, School of Divinity, Liberty University
• BS, Electrical Engineering, Virginia Tech

Course Description

This course explores the nature of the Gospel as told in the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John with an emphasis on understanding the various themes of the gospel writers as they tell the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and his significance in revealing God’s message of salvation. Attention is given to the literary and theological characteristics of each account while also setting them within the context of both the message of the Old Testament and within first century Judaism. In doing so, students will learn the basic of gospel criticism. Finally, this course seeks to relate the message and mission of Jesus to today’s world and our lives as followers of Jesus within the fellowship of the body of Christ, the church.

Students will be able to perform the following based on the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (referred to as MMLJ):

• Articulate the primary audiences of each gospel account (MMLJ) and cite at least 10 biblical passages from each account of MMLJ as references to back up their conclusions.
• Present the theme and theology of each account (MMLJ) in a well-articulated summary as well as provide at least 10 instances for each account that demonstrates and supports that theme. Students will be able to articulate their reason for using each biblical instance showing how each citation supports the writer’s theme and point of view.
• Describe the times (Intertestamental) leading up to the days of Jesus’ ministry and how it provided the cultural backdrop for the accounts of MMLJ as they told their stories of Jesus.
• Defend why the accounts of MMLJ are to be accepted as trustworthy historical biographies of Jesus in light of modern scholarship.
• Select any given passage from MMLJ and demonstrate how it fits into the author’s overarching theme.
• Describe the mission and ministry of Jesus including his death and resurrection in terms of the distinctive voices of MMLJ.
• Relate how the gospel message of MMLJ continues to address the world, the Church, and Christians, demonstrating that the first century message still addresses the current situations of today.
• Articulate at least four demands the Gospel places upon the church and individual Christians as they proclaim the ministry and message of Jesus in today’s world.
• Present a working definition of the Gospel and drawing upon it, address issues of discipleship in following Jesus in the contemporary culture.

• Parallel Lives of Jesus: A Guide to the Four Gospels
• The Four: A Survey of the Gospels
• The Gospels and Jesus, 2nd Edition

Within the Sections are a series of eight assignments. The assignments include the following:

• Videos
• Readings
• Writing of summaries
• Quizzes
• Application manual
• Comprehensive exam

Grading Percentages:

Videos: 26%
Readings/Summaries: 42%
Quizzes: 12.5%
Application manual: 7%
Comprehensive exam: 12.5%

David Sparks

• DMin, Drew University (1986)
• MDiv, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (1979)
• BA, Wheaton College (1975)

Course Description

Hebrew poetry and wisdom as presented in the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and the Song of Solomon.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the genre of Old Testament wisdom literature and how it compares to non-Israelite writings.
• Know the individual books of the Old Testament wisdom literature and their broad themes.
• Recognize the primary characters of the Old Testament wisdom literature and their life narratives.
• Incorporate the key principles of Old Testament wisdom literature in the experiences of daily living.

• Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms

Plan to have a good cross-referenced Study Bible in a modern English translation, e.g., NASB, NIV, ESV.

This course consists of 10 modules, each of which contains a Bible reading assignment and online quiz, a textbook reading assignment and online quiz, a written lesson with questions, an online project, and an application assignment. There is one final exam at the end of the course.

Each module is worth 80 points, and the final exam is worth 200 points, for a total of 1000 points in the class.

Richard Studebaker

• PhD, Trinity International University (1998)
• MDiv, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (1982)
• BA, Bethel College (1978)

Course Description

A survey of Christian belief as developed during the history of the church.

*In order to help you complete the course in time, this class does have module due dates.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have learned about:

• The various events and thinkers that shaped Christian ideas.
• The reasons as to how the main doctrines (e.g., the Trinity) evolved.
• An understanding concerning the main teachings.
• The major theologians of the Church.
• The big picture of Christian thought for the past 2000 years through Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant thinkers.

• A Faith for All Seasons
• The Christian Theology Reader, 4th Edition

*Once a student is enrolled, the professor will provide options for accessing these resources at no or low cost.

This course consists of 10 Modules which contain a variety of assignments, such as Discussion Topics, Quizzes, Checkpoints, Papers, Internet Research, and a Final Project.

Assignments are worth 50-100 points each, with the final project worth 200, for a total of 1,000 points in the course.

Daniel Chadwick

• PhD, Trinity Theological Seminary (1999)
• MA, Fordham University (1995)
• MA, Jewish Theological Seminary (1992)
• MAH, University of Buffalo (1990)
• BA, University of Buffalo (1981)

Course Description

This course is a survey of the classical categories of Christian thought concerning Theology Proper (i.e., divinity), Christology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, Anthropology (insofar as it determines Soteriology), Ecclesiology, and Eschatology.

*In order to help you complete the course in time, this class does have module due dates.

This course will:

• Provide a review of the following branches of Christian Systematic Theology—Theology Proper (Trinity), Christology, Anthropology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology.
• Distinguish Systematic Theology from Biblical, Historical, and Pastoral/Practical Theology.
• Present the various Christian approaches to the topics.
• Offer the consensus and divisions of approach.
• Stimulate possible applications of doctrines.

• Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology

*Once a student is enrolled, the professor will provide options for accessing this resource at no or low cost.

This course includes discussion topics, checkpoints, internet research, quizzes, papers, and a final project.

The individual assignments are worth between 25 and 50 points, with the quizzes and the papers worth 50 points each, and the final project worth 200 points, for a total of 1000 points for the course.

Daniel Chadwick

• PhD, Trinity Theological Seminary (1999)
• MA, Fordham University (1995)
• MA, Jewish Theological Seminary (1992)
• MAH, University of Buffalo (1990)
• BA, University of Buffalo (1981)

Course Description

A study of Judaism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and related religious movements.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will learn:

• The basic history, theology, and ritual traditions of the non-Christian Western Religions.
• The basic types of methodology used in religious studies and apply these to interactions with non-Christian Western Religions.
• About Christian responses to the faith claims of other Western Religions.

• Neighboring Faiths
• What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur’an

This course consists of six quizzes, two interviews, three site observations, a book reflection, and a research paper.

The quizzes and the research paper are each worth 30% of the grade, the site observations and the book reflection are each worth 10% of the grade, and the interviews are worth 20% of the final grade. Each assignment is worth 100 points each, for a total of 1,300 points possible.

Robbie Danielson

• PhD, Asbury Theological Seminary (2005)
• MSLS, University of Kentucky (2011)
• MA, McGill University (1994)
• BA, Florida State University (1991)

Course Description

A study of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Shinto, and Chinese religions.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have learned:

• The basic history, theology, and ritual traditions of the non-Christian Eastern Religions.
• The basic types of methodology used in religious studies and apply these to interactions with non-Christian Eastern Religions.
• About Christian responses to the faith claims of Eastern Religions.

• Neighboring Faiths
• Buddhism: A Christian Exploration and Appraisal

This course consists of six quizzes, two interviews, three site observations, a book reflection, and a research paper.

The quizzes are worth 20 points each, and the interviews, site observations, book reflection, and research paper are worth 100 points each, for a total of 820 points possible.

Robbie Danielson

• PhD, Asbury Theological Seminary (2005)
• MSLS, University of Kentucky (2011)
• MA, McGill University (1994)
• BA, Florida State University (1991)

Course Description

The integration of Christian thought with contemporary ideas and an introduction to Christian apologetics. Engaging those questions that pose the greatest challenge to Christian faith in contemporary culture, in the hope of receiving from God a clearer perception of the truth, goodness and beauty of the Gospel.

The objective of all Christian pursuits of truth, goodness and beauty is to enjoy the goodness of God, who has not left us in darkness, but has made himself known in Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit, conveyed through the Scriptures as witnessed by His people.

The formal objectives of the course are as follows:

• to cultivate an appreciation for the intellectual strength and beauty of the Christian faith;
• to develop the foundations for thoughtful and winsome answers to key questions often posed as objections to faith in Christ;
• to enhance skills in critical reasoning and conceptual analysis;
• to grow (1) in our understanding of the purpose and importance of being able to “give a reason for the hope you have” and (2) in our ability to do this in conversation with others “with gentleness and respect” (I Peter 3:15);
• to better understand what it means to live a compelling Christian life;
• to encourage a more courageous, loving, open, peaceful and fruitful engagement with contemporary culture; and,
• to participate in the work of the Spirit to strengthen our faith, hope and love; and, thereby amplify our involvement in His service for the building up of Christ-centered community and the abounding of the Gospel of His grace to all people.

• Delighting in the Trinity
• The Passionate Intellect
• The Reason for God

This course consists of an opening survey, reading assignment, a book summary, interviews and analysis, a written response paper, and three exams.

The opening survey is worth 10 points, the reading assignments are worth 420 points, the book summary 100 points, the interviews/analysis 70 points, written response 50 points, the first two exams 100 points each, and the final exam  150 points—for a total of 1000 points in the course.

Kevin Diller

• Post-PhD, University of Notre Dame
• PhD, University of St. Andrews
• ThM, Philosophical Theology, Calvin Theological Seminary
• MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary
• BA, Philosophy, Taylor University