Theology Major (M)
The Theology Department identifies its purpose in terms of Concordia’s statement of purpose, especially the following statements with spiritual focus:
“The total program is centered in the Christian philosophy with a confessional Lutheran emphasis…. Concordia University seeks to develop mature Christians in whom knowledge and understanding of the Holy Scriptures, the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the source and norm of Christian truth, are united with personal faith in Jesus as God and Savior. Concordia’s spiritual resources are directed to the development of Christian faith and practice of Christian virtues so that the student can form value judgments and arrive at ethical principles required for purposeful living. Concordia’s programs … nurture religious commitment, provide insights for Christian action in the world, and … provide an opportunity for intelligent selection of vocations for service to God, church and society…. Concordia … is interested in exerting a Christian influence on the community, nation, and world.” (Departmental Statement of Purpose, August 30, 2002)
The Theology major is intended primarily for students who are preparing for certification as professional church workers such as Directors of Church Ministries (DCMs) or Lutheran School Teachers. The Theology major is not intended to stand alone if you intend to serve as a church work professional. For this reason an internship in the appropriate area of professional church work is included in the requirements. Other students interested in theological study should consider a minor or major in Christian Thought.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop an understanding of the origin of the Bible, recognize the unique qualities of God’s Word, and appreciate the varied yet unified content of the Old and New Testaments, and use sound principles in interpreting Scripture.
- Students will develop an appreciation for how God has worked in history, recognize key figures and movements in the life of the Church, and identify the state of theology today.
- Students will recognize the Bible as the authoritative source for knowledge of God and humankind, articulate key doctrines of the Christian faith, especially the gospel of Jesus Christ, and apply the teachings of Scripture to the life of the individual.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 45 | |
| Major Requirements 1 | 30 | |
| Electives | 51 | |
Minor: Required (minimum 18 credits) | ||
| Total Hours | 126 | |
- 1
This major/minor is not permitted to share (overlap) any credits with the core curriculum, with a major, with a minor, or with a certificate per departmental policy unless otherwise specified in the curriculum.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| Old Testament | ||
| Biblical Theology | ||
Any REL course with a number above 204 | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| REL 203 | New Testament | 3 |
| Theology/Philosophy Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Lutheran Confessions ( recommended for all church-work students ) | ||
| Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church | ||
| A Survey of Christian Thought | ||
| Christian Apologetics | ||
| Christ and Culture | ||
| Office of Church Worker Course | ||
| ED 4411 | The Profession and Ethics of Teaching (for education students) | 3 |
| or REL 312 | Office of the Professional Church Worker | |
| Internship Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Church Ministries Internship | ||
ED 44XX Student Teaching (for education students) | ||
| Religious Education Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Religious Education of Youth and Adults | ||
| Communicating Bible Messages | ||
| Teaching the Faith (for education students) | ||
| Comparative Religion Course | ||
| REL 310 | Religion in America Today | 3 |
| or REL 410 | World Religions | |
| Theology Course in Outreach | ||
| Select one course in evangelism, missions, etc. | 3 | |
| Bible Course | ||
| Select one OT course and one NT course | 6 | |
| REL 440 | Lutheran Worship: Theology and Practice | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |