Harold A. Netland

Professor of Philosophy of Religion and Intercultural Studies

Prior to coming to Trinity, Dr. Netland was a missionary educator for nine years in Japan with the Evangelical Free Church of America. Dr. Netland was involved in ministries among university students, assisting in church planting, and teaching at Tokyo Christian University. Dr. Netland’s areas of expertise include religious pluralism, epistemology of religion, apologetics, and missions in East Asia. He and his wife, Ruth, live in nearby Vernon Hills.

Education

Affiliations & Achievements

Publications

Encountering Religious Pluralism, (InterVarsity Press, 2001)

Globalizing Theology: Belief and Practice in an Era of World Christianity, ed. Craig Ott and Harold Netland (Baker, 2006)

Buddhism: A Christian Exploration and Appraisal (InterVarsity Press, 2009) with Keith Yandell

A Trinitarian Theology of Religions: An Evangelical Proposal (Oxford University Press, 2014) with Gerald R. McDermott

Handbook of Religion: A Christian Engagement with Traditions, Teachings, and Practices ed. Terry Muck (Baker Academic, 2014) associate editor

Christianity and Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian Commitments in a Globalizing Age (Baker Academic, 2015)

“The Cape Town Commitment: Continuity and Change”, in The Lausanne Movement: A Range of Perspectives, Regnum Edinburgh Centenary Series vol. 22, eds. Lars Dahle, Margunn Serigstad Dahle and Knud Jørgensen (Regnum Books, 2014) 426-438.

“Jesus is the Only Way to God,”, in Oxford Contemporary Dialogues, eds. J. P. Moreland, Chad Meister, and Khaldoun A. Sweis (Oxford University Press, 2013) 497-508.

“Can Only One Religion Be True?” in Can Only One Religion Be True? Paul Knitter and Harold Netland in Dialogue, ed. Robert Stewart (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2013) 17-54.

“If ‘Personifying Evidence’ is the Answer, What is the Question? A Response to Paul Moser”, Philosophia Christi, 14:2, (2012) 291-304.

“Religious Pluralism as an Explanation for Religious Diversity,” in Philosophy and the Christian Worldview: Analysis, Assessment and Development, eds. David Werther and Mark D. Linville (Continuum, 2012), 25-49.

“Gaining Every Advantage: Wisdom from Intercultural Ministry,” coauthored with Bruce Fields and Elizabeth Sung, in Why the Church Needs Bioethics: A Guide to Wise Engagement with Life’s Challenges, ed. John Kilner (Zondervan, 2011), 144-62.

“Christian Mission Among Other Faiths: The Evangelical Tradition,” in Witnessing to Christ in a Pluralistic Age: Christian Mission Among Other Faiths, eds. Lalsangkima Pachuau and Knud Jøgensen (Regnum Books, 2011), 45-56.

“The Exclusivism / Inclusivism Debate and Evangelical Missiology,” in Occasional Bulletin (The Evangelical Missiological Society) vol. 23 no. 2 (Spring 2010), 1-3.

“On Worshiping the Same God: What Exactly is the Question?” in Missiology: An International Review 45:4 (2017) 441-456.

Books by Dr. Netland

Study with Dr. Netland


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

Intercultural Studies

36 CREDITS | 2 YEARS

ABOUT

The complexity of ministry in a world of globalization, resurgent traditional religions, growth of the non-Western church, migration, urbanization, and rapid change demands the highest quality of academic, spiritual, and practical preparation.

COURSEWORK

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

TEDS’ ThM offers discipline concentrations in each of our eight departments: Church History, Counseling, Educational Studies, Mission and Evangelism, New Testament, Old Testament, Pastoral Theology, and Systematic Theology, or specialized inter-departmental concentrations developed in consultation with the departmental faculty. The program can be completed in one year of 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

Christian Foundations

12 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

The Christian Foundations Certificate program enables you to explore the rich traditions, theology, and history of the Christian faith from its early beginnings, through the Reformation, and to the present day. Through examining church history and foundational theology, you can gain a biblical understanding of God’s work in the world and how culture has shaped different church traditions.

COURSEWORK

Featured Courses

  • Introduction to Biblical Theology
  • Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father
  • Theology 2: The Gospel of God: Through the Son
  • Theology 3: The People of God: Through the Holy Spirit
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