Kevin J. Vanhoozer

Research Professor of Systematic Theology

Dr. Vanhoozer has long been interested in what it means to be biblical in theology and life, and thus in the dialogue between exegesis and systematics. He has also served on the faculty at Wheaton College and Graduate School (2008-11) and the University of Edinburgh (1990-98). He has edited several books, including The Cambridge Companion to Postmodern Theology and the Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible (Christianity Today Best Biblical Studies Book of the Year, 2006), as well as a collection of essays by Trinity students entitled Everyday Theology: How to Read Cultural Texts and Influence Trends. (Baker, 2005). He is the theological mentor of the Augustine Fellowship at the Center for Pastor Theologians. He is married to Sylvie, from France, author of The Art of Living in Season: A Year of Reflections for Everyday Saints. They have two adult daughters, one son-in-law, and lots of books, as they both enjoy reading.

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Education

Publications

Biblical Narrative in the Philosophy of Paul Ricoeur, Cambridge University Press, 1990

Is There a Meaning in this Text? The Bible, the Reader, and the Morality of Literary Knowledge, Zondervan, 1998; Christianity Today Book Award, 1999

First Theology: God, Scripture, and Hermeneutics, InterVarsity Press, 2002

The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical-Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology, Westminster John Knox, 2005; Christianity Today Best Theology Book of the Year, 2006

Remythologizing Theology: Divine Action, Passion and Authorship, Cambridge University Press, 2010

Hearers and Doers: A Pastor’s Guide to Making Disciples Through Scripture and Doctrine, Lexham Press, 2019

Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What it Means to Read the Bible Theologically, Zondervan, 2024

Books by Dr. Vanhoozer

Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What It Means to Read the Bible Theologically

To Stake a Claim

The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision

Hearers and doers : a pastor’s guide to making disciples through Scripture and doctrine

Biblical authority after Babel : retrieving the solas in the spirit of mere Protestant Christianity

Pictures at a theological exhibition : scenes of the church’s worship, witness, and wisdom

Theology and the Mirror of Scripture: A Mere Evangelical Account (Studies in Christian Doctrine and Scripture)

The pastor as public theologian : reclaiming a lost vision

Faith speaking understanding : performing the drama of doctrine

Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology)

Remythologizing theology: divine action, passion, and authorship

Transcending Boundaries in Philosophy and Theology: Reason, Meaning and Experience

Reading Scripture with the Church: Toward a Hermeneutic for Theological Interpretation

Hermeneutics at the Crossroads (Philosophy of Religion) P

Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible

The drama of doctrine : a canonical-linguistic approach to Christian theology

The Cambridge Companion to Postmodern Theology (Cambridge Companions to Religion)

First theology : God, Scripture & hermeneutics

Nothing Greater, Nothing Better: Theological Essays on the Love of God

Guide to Old Testament Theology and Exegesis

Is there a meaning in this text? : the Bible, the reader, and the morality of literary knowledge

The Trinity in a Pluralistic Age: Theological Essays on Culture and Religion

Biblical narrative in the philosophy of Paul Ricoeur : a study in hermeneutics and theology

Study with Dr. Vanhoozer

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.

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

Systematic Theology

36 CREDITS | 1.5 YEARS

ABOUT

Learn to engage theological ideas in the world today through a strong biblical foundation, mastery of our diverse evangelical heritage, and familiarity with the richness of Christian faith and practice across the globe.

COURSEWORK

FEATURED COURSES

  • Introduction to Biblical Theology
  • Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father
  • The Christian Life and Contemporary Challenges
  • Christian Ethics
  • Theological Method
  • Analytic Theology
  • Augustine and Augustinian Theology
  • Political Theology
  • Models of Sanctification
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
ThM

Master of Theology

22 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: 19 -20 hours
  • Capstone: 2-3 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

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