Historical Theology

Course Descriptions

Courses are listed and briefly described below.

Please understand that it is impossible to list all of the various texts that might be used in these courses

Therefore, we have not attempted to list the required texts per each course. These are simply some suggested texts for the courses in question. In nearly all cases, there will be other texts also required. These other texts will be determined between the professor and the student.

Click here for Reading and Writing Requirements.

Also, sometimes a text is listed for more than one course—this, however, does not mean that one can simply read a single text for several courses. If a student has read a particular text for a class, he/she cannot use that same text again for another course.

Next, some of the suggested texts may no longer be in print. If this is the case, the students and their mentors will simply select other, newer texts dealing with the same topic.

It is important to make clear that though we offer studies in a variety of theological and philosophical perspectives, CES does not necessarily endorse all of the positions listed in the course descriptions. However, rather than simply telling students what to think, it is our belief that an institution of education should allow an open atmosphere of learning, and that includes reading, studying, and critiquing various perspectives within Christianity. We believe that students deserve the right to read, critique, and decide for themselves which perspectives they believe to be correct. To this end, some courses are set up to see both sides of a debate: for example see courses TH-603/803 Eschatology, TH-206/406 Sanctification, and TH-615/815 Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts.

(Number Name Hours Description)

HTH-400/600 Introduction to Historical Theology 4SH (The Story of Christian Theology by Roger E. Olson)

HTH-401/601 Readings in the History of Christian Spirituality 4SH An historical/theological study of the Christian life. Will include careful reading and analysis of portions of several Christian "classics" and valuable lesser known works.

HTH-500/700 A History of Hermeneutics 4SH An examination of the changing presuppositions, principles, and techniques for the interpretation of Holy Scripture from Apostolic times to the present. (Texts to be selected)

HTH-501/701 The Doctrine of God in History 4SH Beginning with New Testament times, this course examines the development of the doctrine of God to the present. (Texts to be selected)

HTH-502/702 Christ in History 4SH A historical/theological survey of the doctrine of the person and work of Christ. (The Person of Christ by David F. Wells, The Atonement by H. Dermot McDonald, and selected primary sources)

HTH-503/703 The Doctrine of Man in History 4SH A survey and critique of the various ways in which Christians have understood man's nature, fall, and restoration. (Created in God's Image by Anthony A. Hoekema and selected primary sources)

HTH-504/704 The Church at Worship 4SH A survey of the theological basis and practice of Christian worship from Apostolic times to the present. Areas of particular emphasis may be chosen by the students in consultation with their mentor.

HTH-505/705 The Christian Hope: A Historical Study 4SH Traces the development of eschatology across the centuries.

HTH-506/706 The Theology of Augustine 4SH (The City of God, abridged, and more texts to be determined)

HTH-507/707 The Theology of Calvin 4SH (Calvin's Institutes, abridged and more texts to be determined)

HTH-508/708 The Theology of Luther 4SH (Martin Luther's Basic Theological Writings, edited by Timothy F. Lull and more texts to be determined)

HTH-509/709 The Theology of John Wesley 4SH (John Wesley: His Life and Theology, by Robert G. Tuttle, Jr. and other texts to be determined)

HTH-510/710 The Theology of John Owen 4SH (John Owen in the Christian Life by Sinclair B. Ferguson, and various selections from Owen's published works)

HTH-511/711 The Theology of Jonathan Edwards 4SH (The Rational Biblical Theology of Jonathan Edwards, Vol. 1, by John Gerstner, and selections from The Works of Jonathan Edwards, 2 vols.)

HTH-512/712 The Theology of Jacob Arminius 4SH (The Works of Arminius, Vol. 1, 2, and 3, Baker Book House.)

HTH-513/713 The Theology of John Wesley 4SH (texts to be determined.)

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