Syllabi

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ST 501 Method and Praxis in Theology

Zaida Maldonado Perez

Course Description: This is an introductory course relating method to practice in theology. This course will involve an examination of different ways in which the Christian tradition has understood the sources, norms, and criteria for the development of church doctrine. Special attention is given to a critical analysis of contemporary theological methods and the influence of postmodern science. The connection between theological method and Christian doctrine, especially the doctrine of divine revelation, will serve as the center point for developing an Evangelical/Wesleyan theology in the postmodern world. This class is designed for beginning students, and serves as preparatory study for all course offerings in theology.
CS 601 W1 Christian Ethics

Christine Pohl

To prepare students for ministry by training them to analyze and address the moral life from a Christian perspective. To enable ministers to equip their congregations for understanding moral responsibility and for practicing ministry with integrity. To assist in training ministers who will draw all persons, including those who are excluded by society, into the care and guidance of the community of faith under the Lordship of Christ. To assist in the training of ministers who will exemplify the Gospel-mandated holy life.
CS 610 Women in Church and Society

Christine Pohl

To equip students with an understanding and appreciation of women’s contributions in church and society. To provide students with critical tools for interacting with contemporary issues of gender. To understand the role of gender in church and society-- historically, sociologically, morally, and theologically.
CS 652 Ethics of Hospitality and Contemporary Challenges

Christine Pohl

Purpose: To introduce students to the Christian tradition of offering hospitality to strangers and to enable students to use that moral framework in developing a pastoral response to contemporary issues of diversity and inclusion in church and society.
BS 505 Introduction to Biblical Studies: New Testament

Ruth Anne Reese

The New Testament (RSV or NRSV or a similar translation). DeSilva, David A. An Introduction to the New Testament. Downers Grove: IVP, 2004.
IS 501 Christian Formation: Kingdom, Church, and World

Ruth Anne Reese

Welcome to the spring session of Kingdom, Church, and World. This course is an opportunity to critically examine our presuppositions and commitments regarding the nature of the kingdom of God and its relationship to the church and world. These are three distinct, but intimately related aspects of the reality in which we all live and engage in ministry—whether we are laypersons or clergy—and this class gives us an opportunity to examine and think through them. In this course we will have the opportunity to reflect on a number of questions and issues including: 1. What is the kingdom of God? 2. What is the Church? 3. How does and should the Church engage the world? 4. What do we mean when we speak of “the world?” 5. What relationship exists between the kingdom, the Church, and the world? There will be other questions that you will raise as well. This class is an introduction to various aspects of theology, biblical study, philosophy, anthropology, ecclesiology and mission. The topics that the course can touch upon are vast. In light of this, it is good to remember that this is an introductory course that is designed to give you a taste of the curriculum that lies ahead in theological study.
NT 520 Introduction to the New Testament

Ruth Anne Reese

Description: This is an introduction to the New Testament, its content, its context, and its interpretation. In the course of the semester, we will examine the individual books of the New Testament; the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts out of which the New Testament arose; various types of interpretative methods used to study the New Testament; and theological themes in the New Testament. We will work to draw this knowledge together into a means for thinking about the New Testament in our contemporary context.
NT 520 Introduction to the New Testament

Ruth Anne Reese

The New Testament (RSV or NRSV; however, multiple translations are recommended) DeSilva, David A. Honor, Patronage, Kinship and Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture. Downers Grove: IVP, 2000. Green, Joel B., ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1995. Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Writings of the New Testament: An Introduction. Rev ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1999.
NT 640 Exegesis of General Epistles

Ruth Anne Reese

Description: A close reading of Jude and 1-2 Peter with special attention given to literary, socio-historical, and theological understandings of the epistles.
NT 724 Exegesis of the Corinthian Correspondence

Ruth Anne Reese

Description: A close reading of the Corinthian Correspondence with special attention given to literary, socio-historical, and theological understandings of the epistles. May include readings from either one or both of the Corinthian letters during any given semester.
NT 740 Exegesis of General Epistles Jude, 1 and 2 Peter

Ruth Anne Reese

Description: A close reading of the General Epistles (James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude) with special attention given to literary, socio-historical, and theological understandings of the epistles. May include readings from any or all of the General Epistles in a given semester.
OT 520 Old Testament Introduction

Sandra Richter

This course is designed to lay a foundation for the rest of the student’s seminary career by familiarizing the student with the story of Redemption as told in the Old Testament. To accomplish this goal, the student will be exposed to the geographical and socio-historical context from which the Old Testament emerges; the genre, content, historical flow, and theological structure of the Old Testament Canon; and the scholarship which has sought for generations to understand this collection of Scripture. It is my hope that this class will provide the student with a framework for their study of the OT, while investing in each a profound excitement and respect for these sacred texts.
OT 651 Intermediate Hebrew

Sandra Richter

Course Description: An intermediate level readings class in which students will read the Hebrew Bible in a seminar setting twice per week. Here selected OT passages are read to develop the student’s mastery of biblical Hebrew. Emphasis is given to vocabulary, grammar, syntax, compositional methodology, rhetorical issues, and general poetics. Selections will come primarily from prose narratives in order to reinforce standard grammatical principles. The last several weeks of the course will focus upon poetry. Class preparation will be complemented by weekly quizzing on vocabulary and verbal distinctives, a midterm, and a final exam.
OT 752 Biblical Archaeology

Sandra Richter

Course Description: Within this century, Biblical Archaeology has proven itself a discipline essential to the serious study of the Old Testament. In many instances, this particular discipline has served to clarify difficult passages, fill in correlative sociological and historical details, and, generally, shed important light on the intent of the biblical narrative. Moreover, archaeology has helped to correct minimalist viewpoints regarding the historical integrity of the text. Recognizing the imperative nature of this still-young discipline, this class seeks to (1) expose students to the archaeological periods of ancient Syria-Palestine; (2) expose students to the major archaeological and epigraphic discoveries of the biblical world; and (3) train students in a sound method of integrating biblical and archaeological data.
OT 753 Summer Archaeology Program

Sandra Richter

Course Description: Asbury Seminary students will spend three weeks living and digging in Israel under the supervision of seasoned archaeologists. Students will live in an international environment, interacting with archaeological enthusiasts from many nations as well as native Israelis. They will spend five days a week digging in the field, recording finds, washing and reading pottery, going on short term field trips, and attending lectures by experts on the intersection of recovered material culture and the biblical text. On weekends, students will tour important sites. The educational objective of this experience is practical exposure to the discipline of archaeology and its relationship to biblical studies.
MM 601 Mentored Ministry Section

Peggy L. Riley

1. Reaching People under 40 while Keeping People over 60 by Edward H. Hammett with James R. Pierce (Chalice Press, 2007). ISBN 978-0-827232-54-9 2. Mentored Ministry Handbook: MM601/602: purchased from the professor for $11.00, the first day of class. 3. Preparing for Ministry: A Practical Guide to Theological Field Education edited by George M. Hillman Jr. (Kregel Press, available October 2008) ISBN-10: 0825427576.
PH 501 Philosophy of Christian Religion

William Rodriguez

Course Description: The Philosophical exploration of the classical issues of religious thought, such as the existence and reality of God, the problem of evil, religious experience, and religious pluralism, and ethics.
CO 610 Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling

George R. Ross

Herlihy, B. & Corey, G., (1996). ACA ethical standards casebook. American Counseling Association, Alexandria, VA. (326 pages) Sanders, Randolph K., (1997). Christian counseling ethics: A handbook for therapists, pastors and counselors, Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL. (404 pages) Moline, M.E., Williams, G.T., & Austin, K.M., (1998). Documenting psychotherapy: Essentials for mental health practitioners. Sage, London. (189 pages) _____, (1998). AACC Christian counseling code of ethics. American Association of Christian Counseling, Forest, VA. (20 pages) available to down load at [ http://www.AACC.net ]www.AACC.net Bennett, B.E., et. al., (1990). Professional liability and risk management. American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.. (128 pages) Nagy, T.E., (2000). Ethics in plain English: An illustrative textbook for psychologists. American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.. (260 pages)
CO 610 Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling

George R. Ross

Course Description This three (3) credit hour course is designed to help students in the M.A. Counseling Program and the M.Div. program to identify and examine ethical and legal issues encountered in the counseling process and to explore ways to effectively deal with them. Students completing the course will develop sensitivity to the ethical and legal aspects of counseling process, better appreciate the ethical constraints under which a counselor works, and develop skills to critically examine how they conduct themselves as counselors.
NT 510 The Gospel of Matthew

Brian D. Russell

General Description A basic course in inductive Bible studies. The primary purpose is to enable the student to begin developing an inductive approach to Bible study, especially in the areas of observation and interpretation. Parts of the Gospel of Matthew are used to demonstrate and to practice a methodical approach which can be used in other biblical books. Some of the main themes of the Gospel are highlighted in the process. This course is also the prerequisite or co-requisite of the biblical language classes as well as the prerequisite for exegetical electives. This course seeks to introduce the student to the "inductive method" of biblical study, and to direct this interpretive approach to the Gospel of Matthew. This orientation implies several things, including (1) an emphasis upon methodology and methodological concerns, and (2) a strong commitment to direct, independent study of the biblical text, with secondary sources (e.g., commentaries, grammars, dictionaries of the Bible) to be consulted by the student only after extensive, firsthand study has been completed. The English Bible (RSV/NRSV) will serve as the basis for study, but students are encouraged to make use of the original whenever you are able (of course, I am aware that very few of you have taken Greek).
OT 520 Old Testament Introduction

Brian D. Russell

GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION An introduction to (1) the literature of the Old Testament in its socio-historical, literary, and canonical contexts; and (2) critical study of the OT. Note: This course is not a survey of the literature of the OT. If you desire a survey course to prepare for the Bible Competency exam, you should consider taking BS400.
OT 520 Old Testament Introduction

Brian D. Russell

An introduction to (1) the literature of the Old Testament in its socio-historical, literary, and canonical contexts; and (2) critical study of the OT. Note: This course is not a survey of the literature of the OT. If you desire a survey course to prepare for the Bible Competency exam, you should consider taking BS400.
OT 610 Pentateuch

Brian D. Russell

GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is a study of Genesis through Deuteronomy. It builds on the methodology of the first Inductive Biblical Studies course by further use of what has been previously learned and by emphasizing the study of books as wholes. Accordingly, there is special focus on the initial survey of books as wholes, the interpretation of parts of books in the context of the books as a whole and the synthesis of books. In addition, attention is given to thinking, valuing and living biblically by learning how to apply Scripture to life and ministry.
OT 611 Exegesis of Exodus

Brian D. Russell

Course description This course explores selected exegetical issues in the Book of Exodus and provides students with opportunities to apply original-language tools to the book’s strategic passages. The focus will be on developing appropriate interpretive skills for the pastoral ministry.
OT 611 Exegesis of Exodus

Brian D. Russell

John I. Durham. Exodus. WBC. Waco: Word, 1987. Terrence E. Fretheim. Exodus. Interpretation. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1991. Michael Walzer. Exodus and Revolution T. Desmond Alexander and David W. Baker. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch: A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship. Downer’s Grove: InterVarsity, 2002. Arnold, Bill and John Choi. Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Cambridge University Press, 2003. If you don’t have this text, you definitely need to purchase it. Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Nashville: Abingdon, 1995.