MDiv / BDiv

MASTER & BACHELOR OF DIVINITY

For men called to full-time ordained ministry

Courses: 48

Credit hours: 124

Years to complete: 3–6

Delivery: On site and online

Registration: Before September 2024

CURRICULUM

Our Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv) courses provide a rigorous theological, ethical and practical training for men called to full-time pastoral ministry. Both degrees cover the same content, but the MDiv requires the student to hold a prior Bachelor degree. BDiv applicants must be mature men (twenty-five and older) with an aptitude for study at undergraduate level.

APOLOGETICS & ETHICS

This course will ground you in the principles of sound argumentation, debate, and discourse, and equip you with a basic understanding and critique of the various currents of thought, both past and present, that you will encounter in your study and defence of theology.

Emphasis: Developing and applying a sound apologetic method and ethics.

  • A survey of the major figures, developments, and schools of thought of western philosophy from Ancient Greece to the present-day, with a particular focus on the relevance of the material for graduate-level theological work.

  • An introduction to the task and method of defending the Christian faith. Major approaches to apologetics are surveyed including those of CS Lewis, Cornelius Van Til, William Lane Craig and Tim Keller. Key topics are explored, such as suffering. The course is Preparatory to Advanced Apologetics.

  • A seminar-style class that engages topics of advanced apologetics via a read through and discussion of one of the most significant works of apologetics in the Church - Augustine’s City of God.

  • This course presents a coherent Reformed theological approach to Ethics and helps us apply God’s loving Law to contested areas of life. The Ten Commandments and Redemptive Historical Theology take leading roles in this course, enabling a biblical evaluation of contemporary approaches to Ethics.

  • An application of the principles of Reformed apologetics to theoretical and practical issues in the field. Conducted as a seminar class focused on primary source readings, discussion, and lectures about current topics in apologetics. Focuses on contemporary objections to presuppositional apologetics, difficult theological issues used to counter the Christian faith, and contemporary cultural issues that arise in the pastorate.

  • An application of presuppositional apologetics to modern thought from Aquinas to Kant and Hegel.

APPLIED THEOLOGY

This course builds on the work done in other departments, introducing you to the practical aspects of the work of the ministry and the life of the local church.

Emphasis: The principles and the practice of preaching, pastoral work, and administration.

  • A prelude to Prolegomena, which, in classic Reformed theology, treats the character of the true theologian as integral to the study of true theology. This course aims to develop godly character and personal piety in theological students. It progresses from foundational principles of biblical godliness to personal spiritual qualities and disciplines, family piety, and the character needed to study theology proper. The course stresses the congregational as well as the personal spirituality of a gospel minister.

  • A study of the day-to-day ministerial responsibilities of a local pastor, covering his role as shepherd, teacher, counsellor, overseer, administrator, scholar, and friend.

  • Equips students to articulate what is biblical in Reformed worship, to develop its principles from Scripture, to critique modern attacks on the Regulative Principle of Worship, to trace its development in history, and to apply the principles of worship to the preparation and leading of worship.

  • A foundational framework for the practice of pastoral counselling in the local church, defining the process of discipleship, its key participants, and its key elements. This framework is then applied to issues that arise in the lives of individuals and families in congregations. The Ten Commandments are shown to be God’s diagnostic tool to define human suffering in contrast to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) approach. The practice of this biblical pastoral counselling is set in the context of secular approaches and other attempts by Christians to deal with pastoral concerns.

  • Building upon the foundation laid by Introduction to Biblical Counselling, this course addresses common concerns in marriage and family counselling: premarital counselling, marriage counselling, death/bereavement counselling, divorce prevention and counselling, infidelity, conflict resolution, and parenting.

  • A survey of the principles that have been used to interpret the Bible in successive stages of Church History, from the New Testament to the Postmodern era. The distinctive power of Confessional Reformed Hermeneutics is explored, and key distinctiveness of genres of literature in the Bible examined.

  • An introduction to the biblical, Reformed view of preaching. The course focuses on the primacy of preaching, sermon preparation and delivery, the art of exposition and application, and some necessary emphases (and the avoidance of common pitfalls) in preaching.

  • The homiletics practica are modelled after the Puritan 'prophesyings'. Each student is required to preach three sermons in class, each from a different biblical genre and at least once from the Old Testament. An evaluation of the sermon follows, in which the emphasis is on constructive critique. Although sermons are critiqued, it is understood that students are preaching for the edification of the professors and fellow students.

  • Practicum students continue to refine their preaching ability as they study to prepare and preach consecutive expository sermons from the Gospel of Mark. The students preach at least three times for critique.

  • A survey of the biblical basis for evangelism; examination of unbiblical forms of personal evangelism; readings and lectures with a view to helping each student develop his gifts for personal evangelism. Includes a survey of the history and biblical basis for missions.

  • A study of the philosophy and practice of Christian education, based on a biblical and theological foundation with careful attention to the importance of Christian nurture in the home, pedagogics, catechetics, curriculum theory, age group characteristics, methods, organisation, and recruiting and training church members. Includes an examination of some current materials available and a discussion of how faithful they are to a Reformed conception of Christian education.

  • Through this summer elective, faculty members prepare Divinity students to be licensed before they begin their last year of Seminary instruction. When licensed by his presbytery, the student receives a passing grade, meeting the course requirements.

  • An analysis of the sermons of well-known preachers, considering their exegesis, homiletical method and structure, clarity, usefulness of the expositions, the experimental nature of the sermons, the approaches to application, and delivery.

HISTORICAL THEOLOGY

This course will introduce you to the history of God’s people from the early church to the present, and help you consider the development of doctrine over four periods: Ancient, Medieval, Reformation, and Modern.

  • A detailed study of Presbyterianism as it was rediscovered and applied in Scotland, with specific emphasis on the development of the American Presbyterian church from the 17th century to the present, including the history of the Presbyterian Church in America and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

  • A study of the early church from Pentecost through the age of Augustine and Gregory I, with emphasis on the key events, leaders and challenges that impacted the doctrine, worship and growth of the church. Attention is paid to the ways in which this period of Church history laid a foundation for future eras.

  • A study of the doctrinal and organisational development of the church in the Middle Ages, including the rise of the sacramental system and the sacerdotal clergy with due emphasis upon the influence of the church on European society and the effect of European society on the church.

  • A study of the rise of the Renaissance and its relationship to the Reformation and the work of the Reformers Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Knox, Bucer, and their colleagues. Included is an in-depth look at the Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation and the work of the Council of Trent.

  • A study of the development of modern Protestantism and Roman Catholicism after the Reformation, with emphasis on later doctrinal developments in these movements, the great revivals of the Post-Reformation era, the rise of modern theological liberalism, Neo-Orthodoxy, and recent trends in modern theology.

  • An overview of the development of religion in America from the Colonial period to the present. Attention is given to American Puritanism, the Awakenings, and the Modernist/Fundamentalist controversy, with special attention given to Presbyterian history.

  • Traces the development of Reformed theology from the Scottish Reformation through the 20th century in Scotland including the rise and development of covenantal thought, major doctrinal controversies, the relations of church and state, and natural law in regard to theology and civil affairs. Personalities such as John Knox, Andrew Melville, Samuel Rutherford, Thomas Boston, and Thomas Chalmers find their place in the development of Scottish Reformed Orthodoxy.

  • A survey of the life and theology of Augustine of Hippo, with attention given in the first place to Augustine’s writings and in the second, to the resources he furnishes contemporary theology.

  • A study of the life, ministry and theology of John Calvin, with attention to his influence and legacy in the post-Reformation and Modern eras.

  • The first in a three-course cycle in Ecclesiastical Latin, focusing on preparing students to read/translate Latin theological texts significant to the development of Christian theology.

  • The second in a three-course cycle in Ecclesiastical Latin, focusing on preparing students to read/translate Latin theological texts significant to the development of Christian theology.

  • The third in a three-course cycle in Ecclesiastical Latin, focusing on preparing students to read/translate Latin theological texts significant to the development of Christian theology.

NEW TESTAMENT

This course will give you a thorough grounding in Koine Greek, teach you the principles of hermeneutics, exegesis, and textual criticism, and appreciate how the covenantal structure of the Scriptures informs our understanding of the New Testament.

Emphasis: Acquiring the ability to read and make sound judgments concerning the translation and interpretation of the New Testament Scriptures as originally delivered.

  • The first of a two-course introduction to the morphology, vocabulary, and grammar of New Testament Greek. The course includes sentence diagramming and an inductive approach to the reading and exegesis of 1 John.

  • The second of a two-course introduction to the morphology, vocabulary, and grammar of New Testament Greek. The course includes sentence diagramming and an inductive approach to the reading and exegesis of 1 John.

  • A study of Greek syntax: cases, the article, adjectives, pronouns, prepositions, voice, moods, tenses, infinitives, participles and Greek clauses, including an introduction to structural analysis and required readings in the Gospel of Matthew.

  • An application of Greek grammar, word studies, textual criticism, sentence diagramming, and the structural analysis of a text for the exposition of the Gospels and Acts. Attention is given to moving from the Greek text to the sermon. Readings and exegetical projects from selected portions of Mark, Luke, and Acts are included.

  • An application of Greek grammar, word studies, textual criticism, sentence diagramming, and the structural analysis of a text for New Testament exposition. Attention is given to moving from the Greek text to the sermon. Readings and exegetical projects from selected portions of the epistolary literature of the New Testament are included.

  • An in-depth study of the New Testament “Pentateuch.” Each book is analysed using a biblical-theological approach including its theme or purpose, special features, and placement in the flow of redemptive history. Attention is also given to such areas as the alleged Synoptic problem, the unity of Luke-Acts, and the tabernacle motif in John’s Gospel.

  • An introduction and overview of the contents of Paul’s epistles, with particular attention to their historical context, theological themes, and literary structure.

  • An introduction and overview of the contents of the general epistles and Revelation, with particular attention given to their historical context, theological themes, and literary structure.

  • An intensive study of the history of redemption in the canonical documents of the New Covenant. The final goal of the exegetical projects is the sermonic treatment of the texts.

  • A guided reading through Greek texts suited to the student’s acquisition of New Testament Greek. This course is offered to serve students who wish either to reinforce or build upon their regular-term language studies.

  • A guided reading through Greek texts suited to the student’s acquisition of New Testament Greek. This course is offered to serve students who wish either to reinforce or build upon their regular-term language studies.

OLD TESTAMENT

This course will enable you to study and read Hebrew and to learn the principles of hermeneutics, exegesis, and textual criticism, so that you can make sound judgements concerning the translation and interpretation of the Old Testament Scriptures.

Emphasis: Understanding the covenantal structure of the Scriptures and how that structure determines our interpretation of the Old Testament.

  • The first in a two-course cycle of deductive and inductive study of the basic grammar of biblical Hebrew. Emphasises the acquisition of vocabulary, a facility in analysing forms, and the understanding of basic syntax as the essential tools for reading Hebrew. Some reading and memorisation of scripture is included.

  • The second in a two-course cycle of deductive and inductive study of the basic grammar of biblical Hebrew. Emphasises the acquisition of vocabulary, a facility in analysing forms, and understanding more developed syntax as the essential tools for reading Hebrew. Some translation of extended passages is included.

  • A study of the Hebrew text of Ruth, and related texts, to develop knowledge of the biblical text and language with the ultimate purpose of equipping the student to preach the Word faithfully.

  • The student will translate the entire text of Micah, read key commentaries on the book, and prepare a division of the book into preaching sections with a suggested proposition (and basic homiletical outline) for each section. In this way, the student learns to deal with the distinctive difficulties of both Hebrew poetry and Hebrew prophecy.

  • An introduction and overview of the content of the Torah (the first five books of Moses), with particular attention to the literary structure and themes of the Torah as a whole, as well as of each book individually.

  • An introduction and overview of the content of the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings, as well as the book of Ruth), giving particular attention to each book’s literary structure and major themes, along with the major themes of the corpus as a whole.

  • An introduction and overview of the content of the Writings: Psalms, Lamentations, Wisdom Literature (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes), Song of Songs, Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah, 1 & 2 Chronicles, giving particular attention to each book’s literary structure and major themes. Note: the books of Ruth and Daniel are covered in other courses (Former and Latter Prophets, respectively).

  • An introduction and overview of the content of the Latter Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel (the three Major Prophets), and the Book of the Twelve (Minor Prophets), along with the book of Daniel, giving particular attention to each book’s literary structure and major themes.

  • An examination of the historical progress of God’s revelation in the Old Testament in the context of the covenants of the Old Testament.

  • A guided reading through Hebrew texts suited to the student’s acquisition of Biblical Hebrew. This course is offered to serve students who wish either to reinforce or build upon their regular-term language studies.

  • A guided reading through Hebrew texts suited to the student’s acquisition of Biblical Hebrew. This course is offered to serve students who wish either to reinforce or build upon their regular-term language studies.

  • An introduction to the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of the Septuagint. Special emphasis is upon the use of the Old Testament by the New Testament writers. Highly recommended for those pursuing ThM and ThD degrees.

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

This course will deal with doctrine in a topical manner, covering all the loci of theology.

  • A survey of the system of Christian thought using the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms as guides, with the intent of grounding students in biblical Reformed theology. Includes required readings in Calvin’s Institutes, as well as catechism memorisation.

  • Prolegomena treats the doctrine of Scripture and the doctrine of God as providing the fundamental principles undergirding theology as a discipline. Stresses definitions of theology and the doctrine of Scripture in particular. Theology proper treats the doctrine of God, the Trinity, divine decrees, the definitions of theology, and the doctrine of Scripture, highlighting the practical elements of Trinitarian theology.

  • A study of the doctrines of creation, the creation of man, the Imago Dei, the covenant of works, the fall of man, and the effects of sin on creation, demonstrating the theological importance and pastoral usefulness of these truths.

  • A study of the doctrines of the plan of salvation, the covenant of grace, the person and work of Christ, and the ordo salutis, with the application of salvation, from regeneration to assurance, demonstrating the theological importance and pastoral usefulness of these truths.

  • Treats the doctrine of the church in relation to the Trinity, covenant, and Pneumatology. Examines the doctrine of the church from Scripture and then shifts into the nature and practice of biblical polity, or church government, aiming in particular at developing the students’ love for the church and their ability to participate in the courts of the church at every level.

  • A study of the biblical teaching on the “last things.” The course follows the classic pattern of death, judgment, heaven, and hell. While the course treats contemporary questions, such as millennial views, its primary aim is to teach Divinity students how to preach the gospel and to minister to people in anticipation of standing before Christ’s judgment seat. This course brings the other courses in the Systematic Theology curriculum towards their fruition and goal.

  • An introduction to the theological method of historic Reformed orthodoxy. Included is instruction on research methodology and an examination in an important period for the formulation and codification of Reformed theology. Students are enabled to ground contemporary Reformed theology on a classic foundation using primary source reading, research, and writing, with heavy emphasis on Latin texts of systematic theology and learning to express themselves well in writing on this topic. Latin language competency is recommended, but not required. Though there are no formal prerequisites for this elective, it is recommended that students complete ST11 and AT21 before enrolling in this course.

  • A consideration of the theological stances and contributions of nineteenth century American Presbyterian scholars. Contributions and developments include the doctrine of adoption, ecclesiology, the office of deacon, biblical theology, and covenant theology. This course includes two days of lectures and walking tours in Columbia and Charleston (overnight accommodations in Charleston are required) at historic Presbyterian sites. The objective of the course is to enjoy theology by expanding our appreciation for biblical and systematical theology as it was expounded by select American Presbyterians of the nineteenth century. As we consider their views, expositions, and contributions to the knowledge and love of God, we shall find a more central home for theology in our faith and practice—both in our lives and in our churches

  • A survey of how Reformed theologians have viewed the world in which they lived and of views held by several different schools of Reformed thinkers.

  • An introduction to the life and thought of John Owen, often known as the greatest theologian produced by the British Isles. Students learn to read and digest the works of this massive doctrinal and practical thinker, focusing primarily on Owen’s historical context, his Trinitarian piety, his views of the knowledge of God and true theology, his covenant theology, the law and the gospel, Christology, and his exposition of Scripture. Though there are no formal prerequisites for this elective, it is recommended that students complete ST11 and HT32 before enrolling in this course.

  • An examination, through reading and discussion, of Augustine’s defence of Christianity and development of the City of God and its conflict with the city of man throughout biblical and secular history. Though there are no formal prerequisites for this elective, it is recommended that students complete ST11 and HT22 before enrolling in this course.

  • This course will give students a basic introduction to the key movements, figures, and ideas in contemporary theology. The class will primarily consist of lectures and discussion of primary texts from key figures being covered in lecture material. Attention will be given to sermons and church movements associated with contemporary theologians in order to see the connection between contemporary theology and contemporary spirituality. It is recommended that students complete HT32 before enrolling in this elective course.

“I came here to learn the wisdom of Jesus Christ; this is where characters are built in holiness and righteousness.”

Hanooq Yaqub
MDiv student at Westminster

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