My revision of the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) program
One of my roles at Winebrenner Theological Seminary is to direct the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) program. This being my first year, I’ve spent some time examining the program with the academic dean to see if it needs revision and several places came to mind. First, the program was very relaxed originally, with three concentrations: Biblical Studies, Theological and History of Christianity Studies, and Christian Spirituality. There was not much to distinguish each of these concentrations, particularly since they mostly consisted of open electives—a sort of Mr. Potato Head approach—which is fun, but in need of more guidance. The program also ended on an ethics capstone project, which does not fit all concentrations.
Other needs were readily apparent based on my interaction with students, including missing preliminary preparation. In years past, if one was serious about a Ph.D. in a theological field, you may have considered taking a B.A. in religion or theology prior to doing an M.A. (which is what I did). Often, those that were interested in a M.A. in a theological field would have a past in the church and would therefore have some background in Christianity, perhaps even enough to pass a preliminary exam on the Bible. What I’ve discovered is that a significant number of students entering master-level programs do not have any prior study, or often there is not enough that they can pass a preliminary exam. As a result, I spend a lot of class time in introduction mode. Certain foundational subjects needed to be required.
Added to this, if they are second-career students, they are likely to need a primer in several areas, the first of which is philosophy. Many of the students I’ve encountered have little introductory knowledge of philosophy. Either the programs they took in undergrad did not include it or it has been too many years to remember it. Either way, I needed to make sure they understood the basics of how philosophy informs Christianity. Lastly, I’m of the same opinion as Stephen Prothero—religious literacy is an issue. Not only do many of my students come into seminary knowing little about the history and diversity of their own religion, they often have little knowledge of world religions. Christians have often engaged in religious dialogue with others and this requires some background in the subject. For some it is a matter of proselytizing, and for others it is simply knowing that the Golden Rule requires a better understanding of one’s neighbor.
The changes I made began first with making four concentrations instead of three. I separated Theological and History of Christianity Studies into distinct concentrations (see below). My specialty is in the history of Christianity and as an historian I see these two items (theology and history) as very different fields with different goals. The first is often not as concerned with issues of historiography, so I also added the course, Seminar in Historical Theology, to that concentration. Also, I made a thesis the required capstone for the program, removing the ethics symposium. This allows the student to engage in academic research specific to their specialization. It also better prepares them for the Ph.D. dissertation process, which many A.B.D.s never complete due to fear of writing.
In handling the lack of background in the Bible, survey courses for Old and New Testament are required for each concentration, with the ability to “test out” by preliminary exam, thereby opening up two electives. In handling the missing philosophy background, I created the course, Philosophy for Theologians (I tossed around several titles), which is inspired by a seminar course I took during my M.A. at Trinity. It is also required for all concentrations. The course, World Religions, is added to both Theological Studies and the History of Christianity concentrations. Understanding theology or the background to world of Cyril and Methodius, for example, requires a better understanding of other religions. More to the point, I emphasize the need to listen to others. Too often, world religions becomes about apologetics and, for that reason, many eager Christians end up less concerned about the details, eventually misunderstanding and misrepresenting their neighbors and failing to learn from them. Other course were added to the Christian Spirituality concentration.
It won’t be official until fall, but I think the program is more defined. What Winebrenner has now is an academic degree program that integrates faith and learning, and is intended for persons who are preparing for doctoral level study, exploring vocational ministry options, or even seeking to enhance their theological foundation through a structured program of study. Lastly, one of the benefits of Winebrenner is that we have students and faculty from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and this allows us to connect with the broader church. In other words, if you are considering seminary, consider Winebrenner. We are located next to the University of Findlay and have all the benefits of the University, including a joint Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies program.
Assuming there aren’t any further changes (which is always possible), the general layout of the program looks like this.
Master of Arts (Theological Studies)
General Education required for all concentrations:
Hermeneutics
Ministerial Person
Biblical Worldview & Christian Life Views
Theology I
Theology II
Spiritual Formation
Integrated Studies courses (Foundations in
Theological Studies & Theological
Summits)
Supervised Ministry
A Survey of the History of Christianity
Curricula Concentrations
M.A.(T.S.) with concentration in Biblical Studies
*OT 500 Old Testament Foundations
*NT 520 New Testament Foundations
TH 664 Christian Ethics
TH 670 Philosophy for Theologians
Language Grammar (Greek or Hebrew)
Language Exegesis (Greek or Hebrew)
2 Electives in Old Testament or New Testament
M.A.(T.S.) with concentration in Theological Studies
*OT 500 Old Testament Foundations
*NT 520 New Testament Foundations
TH 664 Christian Ethics
TH 669 World Religions
TH 643 Seminar in Historical Theology
TH 670 Philosophy for Theologians
2 Electives in CH, TH, or Independent Research
M.A.(T.S.) with concentration in the History of Christianity
*OT 500 Old Testament Foundations
*NT 520 New Testament Foundations
TH 669 World Religions
TH 670 Philosophy for Theologians
CH 541 Special Topics in Ancient Christianity
CH 542 Medieval and Reformation Spiritualities
CH 543 Globalization of Modern Christianity
1 Elective in CH, TH, or Independent Research
M.A.(T.S.) with concentration in Christian Spirituality
*OT 500 Old Testament Foundations
*NT 520 New Testament Foundations
CH 542 Medieval and Reformation Spiritualities or CH 541 Special Topics in Ancient Christianity
NT 630 Spirituality in Luke
CM 687 Formational Prayer in Min.
CM 689 Spiritual Direction
TH 670 Philosophy for Theologians
1 Elective in CH, TH, or Independent Research
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