Spurgeons College: Masters

Course categories:

435 The Doctrine of Creation and Environmental Ethics 2019/20

The historical development of the doctrine of creation is reviewed and this forms the basis for a more detailed investigation of particularly influential modern constructions of the doctrine. The implications of these differing approaches are explored within a wider theological context, with particular attention being played to the concepts of divine agency and the manner of God’s action in creation. This leads to an examination of differing approaches to the engagement between modern science and the Christian doctrine of creation. The implications of the doctrine of creation are explored in relation to contemporary ethical issues relating to the environment.

448 Baptist History and Principles 2019/20 S2 Tuesday 14.15

Teacher: Tom Breimaier

409 Reading and Using the Bible 2019/20 S2 Wed 2.15

Teacher: Simon Jones
Teacher: Pieter Lalleman
Teacher: Stephen Wright

760 Ministry and Mission in Contemporary Society 19/20

Teacher: Seidel Abel Boanerges
Teacher: Joshua Searle

742 The Gospel in Contemporary Thought and Culture 19/20

Teacher: Seidel Abel Boanerges
Teacher: Joshua Searle

741 Preaching - Theology and Practice 2019/20

Teacher: Seidel Abel Boanerges
Teacher: Stephen Wright

402 Theological Enquiry and Interpretation Residential 2019/20

Teacher: Joshua Searle
Teacher: Stephen Wright

746 Personal & Corporate Aspects of Preaching 2019/20

Teacher: Tom Breimaier
Teacher: Stephen Wright

420 NT Greek Texts 2019/20 S1 Thu 11.15

Normally Luke, Acts or 1 Corinthians will be studied. Introductory questions such as sources, genre, readers and theme(s) are discussed. The emphasis of the unit is on matters of historical and theological interest and difficulty. Comparison is made with related texts inside and outside the canon of the NT. The unit deals with the original purpose(s) of the book and its relevance for today. Throughout the unit the Greek text is used and relevant passages are translated and analysed. Class tests may be used in preparation for the exam.

Teacher: Pieter Lalleman
Teacher: Stephen Wright

462/467 Spirituality 2019/20 S1 Wed 2.15

Teacher: Paul Goodliff
Teacher: Peter Morden

401 Biblical Hermeneutics 2019/20 S1 Wed 8.30

The unit introduces the theme of biblical hermeneutics in the context of the history of biblical interpretation since New Testament times. Key movements, theories and strategies will be examined and assessed, including recent developments such as reception history (including the artistic reception of the Bible) and ‘ordinary hermeneutics’. The potential of these various approaches will be explored in relation to specific biblical genres and texts. The practical outworking of the subject in the life of the Church will be kept in view.

Teacher: Zoltan Schwab

430 Studying Christian Theology 2019/20 S1 Wed 8.30

This unit provides a critical examination of various approaches to the theological task. It also explores the potential of an integrated approach to the process of doing theology, which gives due weight to Scripture, tradition and culture. Key themes, such as soteriology, Christology and the doctrine of the Trinity, will be outlined and critically explored. These central themes will help to demonstrate the relevance of theologys critical and constructive tasks. This focus upon specific doctrinal loci will further demonstrate the value of drawing upon the resources of Scripture, tradition and culture. The unit provides foundations for thinking theologically and critically, and enables students to deepen their appreciation of mainstream Christian belief.

Teacher: Dotha Blackwood

402 Theological Enquiry and Interpretation 2019/20 S1 Tue 2.15

Teacher: Joshua Searle

743 The Gospel and Film 2019/20

Teacher: Tom Breimaier

745 Preaching and Narrative

Teacher: Stephen Wright

436 Contemporary Issues in Theology 2019/20 S1 Tue 8.30

The unit focuses on three contemporary challenges to orthodox Christian belief – atheism, pluralism and changing notions of truth - seeking to deepen an understanding of their origins within a wider historical and cultural context. Particular attention focuses on the rise of the so-called ‘new atheism’ and the contrast with older forms of atheism. The social reality and theological challenge presented by religious pluralism is critically examined using a variety of theological resources. The related notion of truth, the rise of dogmatic pluralism and the associated breakdown in notions of authority are examined. Differing theological responses to these issues are examined through engagement with significant texts; the response of the local church to these challenges is addressed in a way that is theologically consistent with the Christian Faith and practically relevant.