Theology

Skip Jenkins, Chairperson

Biblical Studies

Professors Michael Fuller, Rickie Moore and William Simmons
Professor Paul Schmidgall (European Theological Seminary)
Associate Professor Brian Peterson

Historical Studies

Professor Skip Jenkins
Assistant Professor David Roebuck

Theological Studies

Professor Terry L. Cross
Associate Professor Lisa Stephenson and Daniela Augustine
Assistant Professor Christopher Stephenson
Lecturer Casey Cole and Kevin Snider

Philosophical Studies

Associate Professor Timothy Miller

Disciplines

Biblical Studies
Greek
Hebrew
Historical Studies
Philosophical Studies
Religious Studies
Theological Studies

The Department of Theology encompasses the disciplines of biblical, theological, and historical studies, as well as philosophy and biblical languages. It offers a major in Biblical and Theological Studies, which prepares one for further training at the graduate level or seminary. This degree comes with the option of a Ministry Studies Emphasis in which some skills requisite for pastoral ministry are offered.

There is also a special Bi-Vocational Track designed for students interested in combining a streamlined Biblical and Theological Studies major with a second major. This streamlined major is only available to students with a second major.

The Department of Theology also serves the university as a whole by providing a 12-hour religion core to university graduates. The goal of this core is to enable all graduates to be conversant in the Christian faith and to begin integrating the faith in all aspects of their lives and vocations.

Biblical and Theological Studies

The major in Biblical and Theological Studies is intended for the person who wants a thorough preparation in biblical and theological knowledge. It is the recommended degree program for those who plan to continue their education at the graduate level or seminary. The degree with Ministry Studies Emphasis may also be useful for thorough preparation in biblical and theological studies as well as some training in the skills of pastoral ministry.

The Bi-Vocational track is ideal for persons preparing for careers that span multiple vocational areas.

The Biblical and Theological Studies degree provides a foundation of Bible content, Christian doctrine, biblical languages (Greek or Hebrew), Christian ethics, Christianity and culture, and Church history. Elements from the discipline of philosophy are also introduced to students for the purpose of making them conversant with the major issues of thought throughout the ages. This program is ideal for those who plan to work in the educational ministry of the church.

Religion Core

As part of the university’s general core of courses, the Religion Core includes the following courses: BIBL-110, BIBL-111, THEO-230 and THEO-231, plus a Christian Service requirement of 80 clock hours of service-learning experiences.

Religion Core courses should be taken in the order in which they are listed here. Any variance to this order may result in a student not being prepared for the work in an upper level course. This sequence, therefore, is crucial since material in the upper level courses presumes knowledge of the lower level courses. The only possible variation is between BIBL-110 and BIBL- 111. These courses can be taken in either order, but both must be completed before taking THEO-230. In addition, THEO-230 must be completed before taking THEO-231.

The Christian service component is designed to occur throughout a student’s time at Lee. Questions regarding service should be directed to the Leonard Center.

Any student who majors within the Department of Christian Ministries or the Department of Theology does not follow the same pattern as the rest of the university. To fulfill their Religion Core, majors within the School of Religion take the following courses: BIBL- 101, BIBL-102, THEO-250, THEO-251, and THEO-231. These hours are combined within the biblical or theological electives in all School of Religion disciplines. The Religion Core seeks to equip students with a well-rounded grasp of biblical and theological foundations, as well as an understanding of their practical applications (THEO-231). The goal of the Religion Core is to nurture students to think critically about their faith and to engage the needs of others because of their faith.

Programs

General Educational Information

Majors

Minors

Academic Catalog