Overview of Level 5 Modules
TH5801 Pentateuchal Studies
This module seeks to instil an appreciation of this first major section of both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Bible. It includes a detailed exegetical study of the book of Genesis highlighting important concepts, such as the being of God, the nature of humans, the origin of sin, and the development of God’s salvific purposes.
TH5802 Gospel Studies
Since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, scholarship has progressively appreciated that the Gospels can be treated as authentic records of the life and teaching of Jesus rather than being the writings of a community that produced them to justify their beliefs to a pagan world. This module surveys recent scholarship and demonstrates that the Gospels are just as important and relevant for today as they were for the generation for which they were originally written.
TH5803 Hebrew Text I
This module follows on from the preparatory Hebrew Grammar modules. It is an essential prerequisite to the more advanced textual module Hebrew Text II.
TH5804 Greek Text I
It is vital for a first course in Greek text to build the confidence of students and to promote their enjoyment in developing their basic skills in translation and exegesis. John’s Gospel provides material that is eminently suitable for encouraging students’ progress at this level. Experience has shown that a significant stimulus to study is also provided by the literary and theological dimensions of the text.
TH5805 Hebrew Grammar I & TH5811 Hebrew Grammar II
These are the same modules as Hebrew Grammar I & II at Level 1 but earn credits at Level 5. They are designed to be taken together.
TH5806 Greek Grammar I & TH5812 Greek Grammar II
These are the same modules as Greek Grammar I & II at Level 1 but earn credits at Level 5. They are designed to be taken together.
TH5807 Christology
This module focuses on the New Testament writers’ witness to Christ. Doctrinal issues posed by the incarnation are also considered such as the virgin birth, the humiliation, exaltation and sinlessness and impeccability of Christ. Early heresies and the churches’ answers will also be considered.
TH5809 The Bible: Inspiration and Authority
The doctrine of Scripture is foundational to Christian theology and ministry. This module seeks to develop a greater awareness by which to consider pre-suppositional issues attaching to this foundational subject. Students are challenged to consider revelation in its two-fold aspect principally from a biblical but also from a broader theological perspective. The issues involved are formative in preparing students to use the Bible responsibly in further studies and in future ministries.
TH5810 Active Listening for Pastoral Practice
This module provides an opportunity for students to learn and practice listening skills. The core elements of the module include the identification of and theoretical understanding of active listening skills and the biblical grounds and ethical framework for their use. Practical listening skills are applied to pastoral situations.
TH5813 Isaiah
The prophecy of Isaiah is one of the longest, most complex and significant of the canonical writing prophets; therefore study at this level has to be confined with only an elementary introduction to literary and critical analysis. No knowledge of Hebrew is assumed.
TH5814 New Testament Ethics
The module develops the students’ understanding of the ethical teaching of Christ and the New Testament writers, thus enabling them to apply New Testament teaching on ethics to their own lives, the life of the church and society.
TH5815 Hebrew Text II
This module is a natural sequel to Hebrew Texts I, the book of Ruth. Texts will be studied in detail, taking into account particulars of grammar and syntax, word studies, textual emendations, historical, social and theological contexts, hermeneutical issues, literary critical questions etc.
TH5816 Greek Texts II
This module is a natural sequel to Greek Text I. Texts will be studied in detail, taking into account particulars of grammatical syntax, word studies, textual variants, historical, social and theological contexts, hermeneutical issues, literary critical questions, etc.
TH5817 Book of Revelation
The aims of this module are to examine the structure and message of the book of Revelation, to explore the various ways in which Revelation has been interpreted and applied, and to introduce students to the challenges of preaching on apocalyptic. The module includes an analysis of the outline and structure of the book, discussion of approaches to Revelation, exposition of selected passages, and a consideration of Revelation in history and politics including Christians’ attitudes to the modern state of Israel.
TH5818 Redemption
This module approaches the subject on Christ in accomplishing redemption for the individual, the church and the world; and in addition the work of the Holy Spirit in applying it.
TH5819 Introduction to Historical Theology
The lack of familiarity with the theology of the past prevents the effective contextualization of theology in the present. This module helps towards overcoming this by providing an introduction to historical theology through the examination of key texts such as those of Athanasius, Gregory of Nazianzus, Aquinas and Calvin.
TH5821 Pastoral Issues in Women’s Ministry
This module provides an opportunity for students to explore issues affecting women in contemporary society from a pastoral perspective. The core elements of the module include the role of women in contemporary society, abuse & the Bible, the family, health, and sex & sexuality. The module also explores cross-cultural issues in ministry to women, the support & supervision in ministry to women and stress in ministry.
TH5822 Intercultural Communication
The topic of communication is first introduced with reference to both contemporary communication theory and theology; then the theology of the incarnation is explored as a model for the intercultural communicator. Cultural issues such as values, social structure, cognitive and learning style are assessed for their impact on the communication event. Case studies and field methods will be engaged.
TH5823 Ministry Placement II
The Professional Placement relates academic study to the practicalities of contemporary pastoral ministry and missionary service. The student works alongside, and gains from, the experience of Christian leaders.
TH5824 Issues in Pastoral Theology
In this second pastoral studies module, the foundation given at Level 4 is built on with particular attention to the application of principles of pastoral theology to particular issues that arise in church life. The pastoral work of dealing with spiritual problems and life crises are addressed as well as the practicalities of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
TH5825 Preaching II
Building on basic preaching skills, this module explores the application of biblical theology to expository preaching and seeks to ensure a consistently Christ-centred approach to sermon preparation and delivery. Students are taught how to approach and handle the various challenges presented by different genres of Scripture. Developing skills are tested by the regular preparation of sermon outlines for classroom discussion.
TH5826 Ecclesiology
This module explores the nature, task, government, unit and sacraments of the church. Episcopalian, congregational and independent, and presbyterian and reformed perspectives are explored in some depth.
TH5828 The Age of the Reformation
The Renaissance-Reformation period formed a watershed in the history of Europe, and was also to have far-ranging repercussions for many other parts of the world. A theological education is hardly complete without the opportunity to gain at least some understanding of Protestantism. The particular form of Protestantism subsequently represented so influentially by Puritanism shows no sign of losing its fascination. The aim of this module is to explore both these movements with a view to understanding and evaluating their historical and theological significance.