Bethel Seminary St. Paul
The Master of Arts in Christian Thought
Those looking for a systemic understanding of the Christian worldview may choose the Master of Arts in Christian Thought. The heart of this degree program is significant work in philosophy of religion. The program integrates this with related study in theology and Bible to enhance the study of philosophy. The class work in this program addresses worldview issues from a distinctively Christian point of view. It will include opportunities to study both with resident faculty and with outstanding visiting scholars.
An important goal of this program is to equip students for ministries where clear communication of the Christian worldview is essential. Graduates may choose professional or lay work in evangelism/discipleship, or teaching in churches in student or campus ministry or other parachurch contexts. This program can also prepare exceptional students for doctoral study in philosophical theology or a related area. Students who plan to pursue doctoral work in theology, especially with the intention of teaching in evangelical contexts, are strongly urged to study the biblical languages. (See the program director to discuss options.)
The seminary confers a Master of Arts degree in Christian Thought upon students who satisfactorily complete the prescribed program-related requirements. These include the completion of course requirements, participation in the assessment and evaluation program, participation in covenant groups, the writing of a satisfactory personal statement of faith, achieving a grade point average of C (2.0) or above, financial clearance from the business office, and participation in graduation ceremonies. Graduation is not automatic when academic requirements have been met. Since the seminary aims to graduate men and women who qualify as Christian leaders, the faculty and administration will evaluate a student’s qualifications in terms of spiritual, doctrinal, and professional standards as well as academic standards. (This degree is offered through the St. Paul residential program and the InMinistry program.)
Degree Requirements
Master of Arts in Christian Thought
Required Courses
| BT501 | Hermeneutics | 4 |
| HS501 | Early Church to Reformation | 4 |
| HS502 | Church in the Modern World | 4 |
| NT501 | The Gospels | 4 |
| NT502 | Acts and Pauline Letters | 4 |
| OT501 | Genesis - Ruth | 4 |
| OT502 | I Samuel - Song of Songs | 4 |
| OT503 | Isaiah - Malachi | 4 |
| SP500 | SPF: Foundations and Traditions | 4 |
| TL501 | Culture and Ministry | 4 |
| TS501 | Systematic Theology I | 4 |
| TS502 | Systematic Theology II | 4 |
| TS503 | Systematic Theology III | 4 |
| TS505 | Christian Social Ethics | 4 |
Concentration Courses and Electives
| PH606 | Apologetics | 4 |
| PH744 | Perspectives on Evil and Suffering | 4 |
| PH652 | Logic | 4 |
| PH723 | Theology and Science | 4 |
| PH654 | Epistemology | 4 |
| TS605 | Theology and Culture | 4 |
| TS627 or TS626 | Salvation/Christology | |
|
TS714 GC702 |
Non-Traditional Religions Movements
or World Religions |
4 |
|
2 Electives |
8 |
Supervised Ministry and Other Requirements
| SP001 | Formation Assessments | 0 |
| Transformational Church Series | 0 | |
| Senior Statement of Faith | 0 |
Consult the guide sheet in the registrar’s office for the suggested sequence of courses.
A minimum of 96 quarter credits is required for graduation from an M.A. program. The student is responsible to meet all gradua-tion deadlines and requirements.
Master of Arts in Christian Thought/InMinistry
Required Courses
| BT501 | Hermeneutics | 4 |
| HS503 | Church History Survey | 4 |
| NT501 | The Gospels | 4 |
| NT502 | Acts and Pauline Letters | 4 |
| OT501 | Genesis - Ruth | 4 |
| OT502 | I Samuel - Song of Songs | 4 |
| OT503 | Isaiah - Malachi | 4 |
| SP500 | SPF: Foundations and Traditions | 4 |
| TS500 | Diversity and Pluralism | 4 |
| TS501 | Systematic Theology I | 4 |
| TS502 | Systematic Theology II | 4 |
| TS503 | Systematic Theology III | 4 |
| TS505 | Christian Social Ethics | 4 |
Concentration Courses and Electives
| PH606 | Apologetics | 4 |
| PH654 | Epistemology | 4 |
| PH651 | Crititical Thinking | 4 |
| PH723 | Theology and Science | 4 |
| PH744 | Perspectives on Evil/Suffering | 4 |
| TS233 | Theology and Contemporary Culture | 4 |
| Two of the following: Theology and Art, Theology and Literature, Movie Theology |
8 |
|
| CTL Elective |
4 |
|
| SPF Elective |
4 |
Supervised Ministry and Other Requirements
|
ML555, 6,7 |
Mentored Leadership Development (M.A.C.T.) | 4 |
| SP001 | Formation Assessments | 0 |
| TL001 | Vocational Assessments | 0 |
| Senior Statement of Faith |
0 |
A minimum of 96 quarter credits is required for graduation from an M.A. program. The student is responsible to meet all graduation deadlines and requirements.
The Bethel Seminary Catalog is provided online as a convenience for those who desire course information in electronic form. The printed version of the Bethel Seminary catalog is the official version, and it will be treated as the document of record in all seminary business.