Encountering religious pluralism : the challenge to Christian faith & mission

PUBLISHED: August 14, 2001 PUBLISHER: InterVarsity Press ISBN: 9780830815524

The world is filled with religions.

That is not a new observation. But the way we think about religious diversity, argues Harold Netland, is new.

In this book Harold Netland traces the emergence of the pluralistic ethos that now challenges traditional Christian faith and mission. Identifying theologian and philosopher John Hick as the most influential apologist for religious pluralism, Netland interacts extensively with his thought. His incisive analysis leads to a sustained response to the philosophical questions raised about the nature of religious truth, the criteria for adjudicating rival truth claims and the implications for doing Christian apologetics. In his conclusion, Netland provides us with a framework for developing a comprehensive evangelical theology of religions.

This book is essential reading for students, teachers and scholars wanting a thorough analysis of our contemporary religious context and guidance for responding to it faithfully for the sake of Christian truth and mission.

Study with Dr. Netland


Master's

ETC: Intercultural Studies Concentration

36 CREDITS | 1.5 YEARS

ABOUT

The MA in Ethics, Theology, and Culture with a concentration in Intercultural Studies equips students for the practice of cross-cultural mission, drawing upon theological, historical, and social scientific disciplines. The complexity of ministry in a world of globalization, resurgent traditional religions, growth of the church in the global south, migration, urbanization, and rapid change demands the highest quality of academic, spiritual, and practical preparation.

COURSEWORK

  • Theology Core – 10hrs.
  • Ethics & Culture Core – 8hrs
  • Intercultural Studies Concentration – 8hrs
    • Evangelism & the Local Church
    • Hist Expansion of Chty
    • Theology of M&E
    • Gospel in Cultural Context
  • Electives – 8hrs.
  • Formation Group (1 semester)
  • Capstone – 2hrs.

TOTAL: 36hrs.

Master's

Scripture, Tradition, and Theology

42 CREDITS | 2 YEARS

ABOUT

This program is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and virtues to read the Bible well in the light of its ancient contexts, the history of its interpretation, enduring theological significance, and contemporary debate, according to a tradition that has acknowledged its authority and cherished its gospel. Through a collaborative effort of faculty from the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Systematic Theology departments, a shared evangelical commitment to the truth, authority, and power of Scripture, and a common core, the program provides a comprehensive approach to understanding Christian Scripture, as well as the opportunity to pursue more specialized study in one of two concentrations.

COURSEWORK

  • Biblical Theology and Interpretation – 2hrs.
  • Theology 1: The God of the Gospels: From the Father – 2hrs.
  • Theology 2: The God of the Gospels: Through the Son – 2hrs.
  • Theology 3: The God of the Gospels: In the Holy Spirit – 2hrs.
  • Classic Texts in the History of Christianity 1 – 2hrs.
  • Classic Texts in the History of Christianity 2 – 2hrs.
  • English Bible (OT book) – 2hrs.
  • English Bible (NT books) – 2hrs.
  • MA Capstone – 2hrs.
  • Methods (1 and 2) – 2hrs.
  • Disciplinary specific reading course – 2hrs.
  • Formation group (2 semesters) – 0hrs.
  • Choose a Track
    • Track in Biblical Exegesis and Interpretation – 10hrs.
      • This track equips students to read, translate, and interpret the biblical text in its original language and contexts
    • Track in Church History and Systematic Theology – 10hrs.
      • This track equips students to become responsible interpreters of Scripture and faithful stewards of Christian thought.
  • Open Elective (any seminary course) – 2hrs.
  • Department Electives – 8hrs.
    • Choose courses from OT/NT/ST/CH

TOTAL: 42 hrs.

Master's

Ethics, Theology, and Culture

36 CREDITS | 1.5 YEARS

ABOUT

This program provides interdisciplinary study in the areas of ethics with specialization in bioethics, intercultural studies applied to global and Western contexts, and human flourishing that integrates studies in ethics, social sciences, public health, and holistic mission. Students develop knowledge and practice of ethical and cross-cultural engagement within their area of concentration preparing for a range of service in non-profit and mission organizations, healthcare, advocacy, and the local church.

COURSEWORK

  • Theology Core – 10hrs.
  • Ethics & Culture Core – 8hrs.
  • Choose a Concentration – 8hrs.
    • Bioethics
      • Foundations of Bioethics
      • Clinical Issues in Bioethics
      • Life and Death Bioethics
      • Ethics of Emerging Technologies
    • Intercultural Studies
      • Evangelism & the Local Church
      • Hist Expansion of Chty
      • Theology of M&E
      • Gospel in Cultural Context
    • Human Flourishing
      • Students meet with the Program Director to customize core concentration courses
  • Electives – 8hrs.
  • Formation Group (1 semester)
  • Capstone – 2hrs.

TOTAL: 36hrs.

Advanced Placement

AP:Master of Divinity

76 CREDITS | 2.5 YEARS

ABOUT

If you’re graduating with a ministry degree from an accredited Bible college or Christian liberal arts school, you may qualify for our Advanced Placement MDiv (AP MDiv). This program reduces the overall number of hours you’ll need to graduate with an MDiv while also allowing you to take additional advanced electives in areas that you’re passionate about.

COURSEWORK

MDiv

Master of Divinity

90 CREDITS | 3 YEARS

ABOUT

Gain pastoral leadership skills through the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Our MDiv degree program has the rigorous academic courses and spiritual support you need for your calling in Christian ministry or academia. Join a diverse student body and learn within the context of a broadly evangelical ethos.

COURSEWORK

Curriculum Breakdown:

  • Introduction to Theological Education: 2 hours
  • God’s Word: 36 hours
  • God’s People: 22 hours
  • God’s World: 12 hours
  • Electives: 4 hours

Track Options (Chose one)

  • Church & Parachurch Ministry: 14 hours
  • Academic Ministry: 14 hours
  • Mission and Cultural Engagement: 14 hours
Master's

Theological Studies

42 CREDITS | 2 YEARS

ABOUT

Pursue an in-depth understanding of theology and its relevance to today’s world with a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Apply your knowledge to your vocation, ministry, volunteer work, family life, and more through our distinguished and flexible program. The Master of Arts (MA) in Theological Studies degree is TEDS’ most flexible program both in focus and delivery method. Choose your area of study based on your interests and experience. In addition, you can earn your degree through multiple delivery modalities, including completely online. See how a theology degree can transform your life by enrolling at TEDS.

COURSEWORK

FEATURED COURSES

  • Introduction to the New Testament 1
  • Introduction to the Old Testament 1
  • Introduction to Biblical Theology
  • Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father
  • Church History 1: The Patristic and Middle Ages
  • Theology of Mission & Evangelism

TRACKS

  • Cross-Cultural Ministry Track
  • Executive Leadership Track
  • Preaching Ministry Track
  • Ministry Care Track
Doctor of Philosophy

Intercultural Studies

60 CREDITS | 4 YEARS

ABOUT

Develop the ministry and research skills of leaders involved in a wide variety of missional, cross-cultural, and educational ministries. Focus is upon deepening our understanding of human diversity, contextual realities, and cultural change in ways that inform redemptive, gospel-centered ministry in the contemporary world.

COURSEWORK

ThM

Master of Theology

24 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

The Master of Theology (ThM) program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in theological research, critical analysis, and ministry practice. Students focus on a particular discipline as well as taking a variety of courses across the curriculum to encourage integrative thinking and preparation for further ministry or academic study.

COURSEWORK

  • Concentration Core: 20 hours
  • Capstone: 4 hours
Doctor of Philosophy

Theological Studies

50 CREDITS | 5 YEARS

ABOUT

The PhD (Theological Studies) at TEDS offers an exciting, academically robust program that prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities. Alumni from the PhD (Theological Studies) have gone on to a diverse set of vocations that include academic teaching and writing and various forms of church, parachurch, and denominational leadership.

COURSEWORK

REQUIRED COURSES

  • ST 9110: The Theological Scholar – 2 hrs.
  • ST 9120: Reading Scripture Theologically Past and Present – 3hrs.
  • ID 9200: Integration Seminar – 3hrs.
    • ID 8210: Theological Research Methods 1a (OT/NT) – 1hr.
      -OR-
    • ID 8215: Theological Research Methods 1b (HT/ST) – 1hr.
  • ID 8220: Theological Research Methods 2 – 1hr.
  • ID 9110: Proposal Study 1 (Independent) – 3hrs.
  • ID 9120: Proposal Study 2 (Independent) – 3hrs.
  • ID 9130: Proposal Study 3 (Independent) – 3hrs.
  • ID 9140: Proposal Study 4 (Independent) – 3hrs.

Electives

  • Concentration – 12 hrs.
  • Elective – 3hrs.
  • EDS (ES) – 2hrs.
  • ICS (ME) – 2hrs.

Research

  • Comprehensive Exams Prep – 3hrs.
  • Dissertation – 6hrs.

TOTAL: 50hrs.

Certificate

Leadership in Missions

12 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

By studying the theology and history of evangelism and missions around the world you will gain a strong foundation of anthropology, discipleship practices and practical evangelism methods which will enrich your ministry abilities both in the United States and around the world.

COURSEWORK

Featured Courses

  • Theology of Mission & Evangelism
  • Global Mission and the Local Church
  • Evangelism and the Local Church
  • History of the Expansion of Christianity
  • Anthropology for Ministry
  • World Religions
  • Missional Church
Certificate

Biblical and Theological Studies

12 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

Gain a solid foundation of theology and biblical interpretation with the option to choose your area of focus ranging from church history, systematic theology, New Testament, Old Testament, and more. This certificate is a building block for our MA in Theological Studies program.

COURSEWORK

Required

  • Biblical Studies
  • Theological Studies
  • Electives