Christian Philosophy Degree Courses

A topical study of the nature and methodology of metaphysics with emphasis on the nature and ultimate categories of being as well as specific areas (e.g. causation, space and time, the soul, freedom and determinism, personal identity, and essentialism). Special emphasis will be placed on integrating metaphysics with the construction and defense of a Christian worldview.

A topical study in the definition of knowledge and justified belief, problems in skepticism, the nature of epistemic justification and the nature of truth. Application will be made to special epistemological issues in religion, e.g., religious experience, miracles, inerrancy, burden of proof issues.

A survey and evaluation of various ethicists and their systems from within a Christian framework. Emphasis will be placed on Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, the utilitarians and Kant, and a study of various issues in metaethics and normative ethics, as well as an investigation of ethical decision-making and case studies.

An investigation of the arguments for and against the existence of God, faith and reason, the use of religious language, and the philosophical clarification and defense of the attributes of the God of Scripture.

A study and defense of the existence and nature of the soul, the reality of disembodied existence, the nature of human action, and issues in personal identity. Various models of human nature will be investigated (dualism, behaviorism, functionalism, the identity thesis, eliminative materialism), as well as their implications or ethics.

A philosophical analysis of important doctrines of the Christian faith, e.g., freedom and determinism, the incarnation and the coherence of theism. Special emphasis will be placed on the concept of the attributes of God, on philosophical prolegomena to the practice of theology, and on religious pluralism. Note(s): May be taken multiple times with different content.

A study of various topics currently being debated in ethics, e.g., abortion, euthanasia, genetic engineering, infanticide, surrogate motherhood, business ethics, environmental issues, etc.

An in-depth study of one specific issue currently being debated in business, medical and/or social ethics. Note(s): Elective; may be taken multiple times with different content.

This course focuses on a conceptual analysis and philosophical evaluation of an important contemporary issue in metaphysics, namely the nature of modality. Special emphasis will be placed on the role that key current and past figures have played in formulating this issue. An application of metaphysical themes will be made to the concerns of Christianity.

A study of current, technical literature that focuses on the nature and varieties of substance dualism, arguments for and against these varieties, and an analysis and evaluation of the arguments for and against physicalist alternatives to substance dualism. Note(s): Elective.

This course is an introduction to symbolic logic and to applying logical techniques to philosophical problems. Most of the course will be devoted to the development of natural deduction proof systems for various logical languages/systems, including sentential, modal, conditional, and quantified logic. We will also touch on metalogic, in particular, the Completeness Theorem for first-order quantified logic.

This course examines the problem of evil by considering in detail a particular defense/theodicy developed most fully by Eleonore Stump in Wandering in Darkness.

This seminar does an in depth look at the work of Friedrich Nietzsche. We will cover his major works in chronological order and then explicit his major themes such as Nihilism, Will to Power, and the Death of God.

A broad survey of the Old Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Note(s): Required of Master of Divinity and Master of Arts students.

A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Note(s): Required of Master of Divinity and Master of Arts students.

A study of principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules and specialized principles for the various biblical genre and phenomena and the development of an exegetical method. Note(s): Required of Master of Divinity and Master of Arts students.

Introductory study of the nature of spiritual theology and formation, which attempts to understand the nature of new life in Christ, the process of formation in the Spirit and the directives for cooperating with His work. Attention is given to the implications of Spiritual Theology for seminary training and classroom experience. Particular attention is given to understanding the implications of life in Christ regarding guilt, shame and legalism as well as the New Covenant ministry of the Spirit in transforming the heart in light of the dynamics of original sin, early relational development and the habits of sin developed over time. Attention is also given to developmental spirituality, how the Spirit transforms the heart over time and how this affects ministries of teaching, preaching and discipleship in the church. Note(s): Required of all Talbot students not in a Spiritual Formation academic program; a retreat will be introduced and required; this course will include a cohort group of no more than 15 students who explore the course content as well as the student's own life and growth within community; required in the students' first semester at Talbot; fee for co-curricular requirements.

A theological and experiential exploration into human relationships and issues related to gender, romance, marriage, family and parenting as they relate to spiritual growth. Course includes an investigation into the impact of personal and family history on theological outlook, emotional congruence, relational attractions and moral decisions. Personal assessments and a one-day retreat are an integral part of this course. Students will experience spiritual community and intercessory prayer as they begin individual spiritual direction with a spiritual director and continue relationships within a cohort group to explore deeply their relational capacity at the heart of how Christ is formed in them, thereby developing deeper levels of trust and vulnerability. Note(s): Required of all Talbot students not in a Spiritual Formation academic program; cohort groups will continue to meet from TTSF 501 and a one-day group spiritual retreat will be required; fee for co-curricular requirements.

A theological and experiential exploration of the believer's vocation and the various 'callings' in the Bible as it relates to the general call of loving God and neighbor, a training in righteousness and conformity to Christ's image. Explores the panoply of spiritual disciplines sanctioned by the Bible and developed throughout Church history in order to enter deeply into one's calling. This learning takes place in a cohort group and includes various modalities of learning. A retreat component is included with this course. The retreat focuses on various spiritual disciplines and one's relation to the various calls of God in one's life, particularly one's personal call to ministry. Note(s): Required of all Talbot students not in a Spiritual Formation academic program; fee for co-curricular requirements.

A personal experience is required in Spiritual Direction at the Center for Spiritual Renewal at ISF. This course provides students the opportunity to explore their life of prayer and growth with a trained spiritual director from the Institute for Spiritual Formation. Note(s): Two semesters of spiritual direction must be completed for the Spiritual Formation Focus requirement (TTSF 506 after completion of TTSF 505); students are required to meet with an approved spiritual director a minimum of four times per semester; required of all Talbot students not enrolled in a Spiritual Formation academic program.

A personal experience is required in Spiritual Direction at the Center for Spiritual Renewal at ISF. This course provides students the opportunity to explore their life of prayer and growth with a trained spiritual director from the Institute for Spiritual Formation. Note(s): Two semesters of spiritual direction must be completed for the Spiritual Formation Focus requirement (TTSF 506 after completion of TTSF 505); students are required to meet with an approved spiritual director a minimum of four times per semester; required of all Talbot students not enrolled in a Spiritual Formation academic program.

An introduction to theology and theological method. God, including his attributes and triune nature. Scripture, including inspiration and inerrancy. God's work of creation, including the angels and providence. Course attends to key biblical texts and the relevance of doctrine for spiritual formation. Note(s): Required of Master of Divinity and Master of Arts students.

Humanity in the image of God, including human nature and the family. The fall and the effect of sin upon humanity. The person and work of Christ. The nature and application of salvation, including regeneration, justification, and sanctification. Course attends to key biblical texts and the relevance of doctrine for spiritual formation. Note(s): Required of Master of Divinity and Master of Arts students.

The person and work of the Holy Spirit. The inception and nature of the church, both as a living organism and an organization, its function, ordinances, and mission. The broad kingdom purpose of God, including Christ's second coming, the millennial reign of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, judgment, and the eternal state. Course attends to key biblical texts and the relevance of doctrine for spiritual formation. Note(s): Required of Master of Divinity and Master of Arts students.