Page 114 - 2019-2020 Academic Catalog - Providence Christian College

the promises, the patriarchal covenants, and their Christological significance. Prerequisite: BTS 111 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)
325 Sociology of Religion
This course examines the practice of religion in a social context, and the application of basic principles of sociological analysis to religion. Emphasis will be placed on religion in the contemporary United States. (3 credits) (Cross-listed as SOC 325)
338 Biblical Studies I: Old Testament: Pentateuch
This course provides an in-depth study of the five books of Moses, from a biblical-theological, historical, and literary perspective. We will also consider the role of the Pentateuch in higher critical theories of the Old Testament, as well as responses that respect the integrity of the text. We will give special attention to the accounts of creation, fall, and flood, in view of challenges to their historicity and the need for a discerning appreciation of the findings of science. Then through the stories of the Patriarchs, the Exodus, and wilderness wanderings, we will explore the interwoven themes of covenant, promise, redemption, law, sacrifice, and purity, and how all of it points us to a greater vision of the glory and holiness of God and his gracious plan for his people, culminating in Jesus Christ. (3 credits)
339 Biblical Studies II: New Testament: Pauline Literature
This course is a study of the Apostle Paul, his letters, and their theological and ethical themes, within the first century historical context. We study how Paul’s letters fit within the history given in the book of Acts, the nature of his debate with opponents in Galatians and elsewhere, and especially Paul’s unique revelation and explication of the “doctrines of grace”: the eschatological gospel that declares those “in Christ” are freely justified, and now live by the power of the Spirit, to the glory of God. We also consider the challenges to Reformation readings of Paul by more recent “new perspectives” on Paul. Prerequisite: BTS 102 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits) (Formerly BTS 333)
340 Christian Ethics
This course outlines a biblical framework for approaching ethical questions and issues. It examines how the Church has addressed ethical questions at different times in history and how contemporary Christians can develop a biblically-relevant approach to the issues of our day. Given that the course is required of all students within the BEE, HLS, PPH, and PSY concentrations, particular attention will be paid to applied ethics within business, health and life sciences, public policy, and psychology settings. (3 credits) (Cross-listed as PHL 340)
342 Apologetics
This course is a study of the why and how of Christian witness to the truth of the faith, as we seek to be prepared to “give an answer for the hope that is in us.” The approach is biblical, historical, and philosophical, and examines the merit of competing apologetic methods, considering the necessary role of presuppositions and evidences. Special attention is given to resurgent scientific naturalism and the intelligent design response, our postmodern and pluralistic context, historical arguments for Christ and his resurrection, responding to Islam, and the problem of evil. The course also stresses that the necessary framework for this task is
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