The Curriculum
REQUIREMENTS FOR DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY (Dip. Th.):
The Reformed Theological College offers a Diploma in Theology for the satisfactory completion of the course of study described in the following Curriculum.
It is carefully designed to provide a complete and balanced preparation for the pastoral ministry or other forms of Christian service.
DEPARTMENT OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY, CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND APOLOGETICS.
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
FIRST YEAR
SYS 1.1 Introduction to Systematic Theology
The nature and sources of theology, general and special revelation, and the nature and place of Scripture.
SYS 1.2 Theology Proper: The Doctrine of God
The existence of God, the Trinity, the attributes of God, the decrees of God, creation and providence.
SYS 1.3 Anthropology: The Doctrine of Man
Man as originally created, the image of God, the Covenant in Eden, the Fall and its consequences.
SECOND YEAR
SYS 2.1 Christology: The Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ
The Covenants, the person of Christ, the offices of Christ, the atonement, the lordship of Christ and covenanting.
SYS 2.2 Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation
The ministry of the Holy Spirit, calling, regeneration, union with Christ, conversion, repentance, faith, justification, sanctification, perseverance.
THIRD YEAR
SYS 3.1 Ecclesiology: The Doctrine of the Church
The nature, government and power of the Church, worship, sacraments, ministry, mission. Church and State.
SYS 3.2 Eschatology: The Doctrine of the Last Things
Death and the intermediate state, the return of Christ, the millennium, the resurrection, the Last Judgement, the final state of saved and lost.
CHRISTIAN ETHICS
FIRST YEAR
ETH 1.1 Introduction to Ethics
The basic elements of ethics, including salvation and the moral life, the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the role of conscience, with emphasis on the place of Scripture and the nature of ethical decision-making.
ETH 1.2 Old Testament Ethics
A consideration of the general features of the Old Testament ethical material, including the place of the law and moral problems in the Old Testament.
SECOND YEAR
ETH 2.1 New Testament Ethics
A survey of the ethical content of the Gospels, the Pauline Epistles and the other New Testament books.
ETH 2.2 Practical Ethical Issues (1)
A variety of issues will be covered, including the following: marriage, family, divorce and remarriage, homosexuality, AIDS.
THIRD YEAR
ETH 3.1 History of Christian Ethics
A consideration of the significant figures and movements which have shaped Christian ethics from the first to the twentieth century.
ETH 3.2 Practical Ethical Issues (2)
The focus will be on medical issues such as the nature of medicine, the beginning of life, the nature of persons, abortion, in vitro fertilisation, genetic engineering, euthanasia.
APOLOGETICS
FIRST YEAR
APL 1.1 Introduction to Apologetics
The basic principles of Apologetics, together with a brief consideration of the main thinkers in the history of Apologetics and an examination of the use of arguments for the existence of God and of approaches to the problem of evil.
APL 1.2 Survey of Western Thought
An examination and critique of the most influential thinkers from the Greek philosophers through to the Existentialists.
SECOND YEAR
APL 2.1 Modern Theology
A critical evaluation of the main theologians and theological movements in the twentieth century, including Barth, Moltmann, Liberation Theology and Feminist Theology.
APL 2.2 World Views
A consideration of some of the most influential contemporary world views, including Marxism, the New Age Movement and Postmodernism.
THIRD YEAR
APL 3.1 Contemporary Challenges
A survey of the challenges posed to the Christian faith by developments in psychology, history, and science, together with the threat of pluralism.
APL 3.2 Cults and religions
An examination from a Christian perspective of, among others, Islam, Buddhism, Mormonism and the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
DEPARTMENT OF PASTORAL THEOLOGY
PASTORAL THEOLOGY
FIRST YEAR
PASTORAL LIFE
Consideration is given in a series of lectures to the pastor’s walk with God in relation to his call to the ministry, personal devotions, spiritual growth, family life, community involvement and his colleagues in the ministry.
PASTORAL CARE
The Biblical principles underlying the pastoral care of souls are outlined in conjunction with a discussion of the practical skills required to implement them.
SECOND YEAR
PASTORAL LEADERSHIP
Pastoral leadership is developed in the course in conjunction with the relationship with and work of the ruling elders.
PASTORAL COUNSELLING
Counselling methods consistent with the Scriptures are considered with special attention given to premarital and marriage counselling.
THIRD YEAR
PASTORAL DUTIES
This course includes an explanation of the procedures associated with the administration of the sacraments, visitation of the sick and elderly, pastoral visitation and the performance of marriages and funerals.
PRESBYTERIAN PRACTICE
The practical outworking of Presbyterianism is discussed in relation to the courts of the church. The place and importance of the Code are integrated into this course.
HOMILETICS (3 years)
During the course lectures are given on the Biblical duties which relate to the preacher as a servant of Christ, the content and form of the sermon with reference to outline, introduction and conclusion. The Biblical warrant and usefulness of expository, topical and textual sermons, the place of application in preaching, the skills to be developed in the delivery of sermons, the reading of Scripture and public prayer form some of the priorities. The homiletics course includes a weekly practical in which the students preach on an assigned text. Practical guidance is given to each student in the development of his gifts.
ENGLISH BIBLE (3 years)
A detailed study of the English text of the Old Testament books is the emphasis of this course. Suggestions are given as to how each book may be approached in preaching.
EVANGELISM (1 year)
This course aims to develop principles and methods of evangelism consistent with the Biblical doctrine of salvation. The place and importance of evangelism within the context of the local congregation are given priority.
MISSIONS (1 year)
Lectures include a consideration of the place of mission in redemptive history, the priority and practice of mission through the witness of the church with attention being given to such topics as anthropology, sociology and contextualization.
COVENANTING HISTORY (1 year)
An in-depth study of Scottish Church history from pre-Reformation times in the 16th Century through to the formation of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod in Ireland in 1811 with particular emphasis upon the attainments of the Second Reformation 1638 – 1649 forms the substance of this discipline. Included are lectures on the formation and development of Covenanting churches in Ireland and other nations in recent centuries.
SUMMER TRAINING
In May and June students at the College are assigned to congregations to work alongside the minister and ruling elders. This provides the setting for on-the-job training and an assessment of developing pastoral gifts.
DEPARTMENT OF OLD TESTAMENT LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
OLD TESTAMENT LANGUAGE
FIRST YEAR
Elementary Hebrew (using J. Weingreen’s Practical Grammar For Classical Hebrew, pp. 1 – 123).
Basic vocabulary and translation of Hebrew sentences.
SECOND YEAR
Completion of Hebrew grammar (Weingreen, pp, 123 – 249). Translation of Old Testament passages with parsing.
THIRD YEAR
Translation of different types of Old Testament passages, with focus on syntax and use of Concordances, Dictionaries and Commentaries as groundwork for exegesis and application in preaching.
OLD TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION
(1) MATTERS OF GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Over the three years there will be lectures on such subjects as: The authority of the O.T., The formation of the O.T., The development of O.T. interpretation, Textual Criticism, O.T. Geography and Archaeology, The Apocryphal Books, The Septuagint and its use, Chronology in the O.T., Typology in the O.T., Miracles in the O.T., Moral and ethical problems in the O.T., The continuity of the O.T. and the N.T., The use of the O.T. in the N.T. etc.
(2) INTRODUCTION TO SPECIFIC BOOKS
These lectures focus on such matters as authorship/composition/ sources, genre, form/structure, text, historical background, dating, position in canon, themes, purpose/significance, style, special characteristics, problems of interpretation, application, guide to best commentaries etc. as basic groundwork for preaching the O.T.
FIRST YEAR
Introduction to the Books of The Law (or The Pentateuch).
SECOND YEAR
Introduction to The Prophets ("Former" and "Latter". A chronological approach will be followed).
THIRD YEAR
Introduction to The Writings (Poetical, Wisdom and Postexilic Historical Books).
OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY
FIRST YEAR
From Beginnings to The Judges.
SECOND YEAR
From The Monarchy to Impending Exile.
THIRD YEAR
The Exile to The Inter-Testamental Period.
OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY
(1) A ‘BIBLICAL – THEOLOGICAL’ ANALYSIS FIRST YEAR
(1) The O.T. doctrine of God. (2) The O.T. doctrine of Man.
SECOND YEAR
(1) The O.T. doctrine of Sin.
(2) The O.T. doctrine of Salvation.
THIRD YEAR
(1) The O.T. doctrine concerning the Life of Faith. (2) The O.T. doctrine concerning Eschatology.
(2) LECTURES WILL BE GIVEN IN THREE SPECIAL AREAS
FIRST YEAR
The Unfolding Theology of O.T. Covenants. (An exegetical, ‘Redemptive – Historical’ approach).
SECOND YEAR
Old Testament Ethics. (Lecture on various key topics).
THIRD YEAR
Old Testament Hermeneutics (Lectures on interpretation and preaching, O.T. Narrative, Prophetic, Wisdom and Poetic literature).
DEPARTMENT OF NEW TESTAMENT LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
NEW TESTAMENT LANGUAGE
FIRST YEAR
Introduction to the Greek language. Elements of grammar and syntax.
SECOND YEAR
Completion of elementary grammar and basic vocabulary
Readings from the Greek text of the Gospel according to Mark,
THIRD YEAR
Extensive reading and translation from the Greek New Testament. Instruction and practice in exegesis.
Preaching from the Greek New Testament.
NEW TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION
FIRST YEAR
The historical, cultural and religious background of the New Testament. Introduction to the synoptic gospels.
SECOND YEAR
Introduction to the Pauline epistles.
THIRD YEAR
Introduction to the general epistles and Revelation.
The development of the canon and principles of textual criticism. Introduction to the basic principles of hermeneutics.
NEW TESTAMENT EXPOSITION
FIRST YEAR
The Life of Jesus Christ.
SECOND YEAR
The life and ministry of Paul. The epistle to the Romans.
THIRD YEAR
The gospel according to John.
NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY
FIRST YEAR
The kingdom of God in the New Testament.
SECOND YEAR
The cross of Christ.
THIRD YEAR
The Holy Spirit in the New Testament.
CHURCH HISTORY
FIRST YEAR
The Early Church
The New Testament Church.
The Sub-Apostolic Age.
The Early Heresies.
The Councils and Creeds.
Notable Theologians.
Church Organization and Mission.
The Mediaeval Period
The Mediaeval Church.
The Rise and Progress of Islam.
The Development of Roman Catholicism.
The Eastern and Western Churches: Divisive doctrines.
The Crusades.
The Great Schism.
The Reforming Councils.
The Renaissance.
SECOND YEAR
The Reformation Period
The Dawn of the Reformation.
The Reformation in Germany, France and Switzerland.
The lives and work of Luther, Zwingli and Calvin.
The Scottish Reformation.
The Reformed Confessions.
THIRD YEAR
The Eighteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
The Years of Revival.
The Spread of Methodism.
Background to the Modern Period.
Anglo-Catholic Resurgence.
The Growth of Liberalism.
Missionary Vision of the Nineteenth Century.
The Modern Ecumenical Movement.
Reformed Churches around the World.
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