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OT 617 X The Book of Judges

Lawson G. Stone

Course description This course explores the major exegetical issues in the Book of Judges and provides students with opportunities to apply original-language tools to several of the book’s salient passages. The primary concern in any exegetical work rests in the attempt to see beyond the limited perspectives of our particular cultural heritages and experience the text of the OT as a witness from a time, place, culture and ethnic location far removed from our own. Once we have learned to receive God's word across a cultural and ethnic divide, we become better able to communicate our witness to God's word across the cultural divides of our times. So our attention to language, textual matters, style, syntax, literary genres, social settings, etc. is only partly antiquarian. They open up to us how God's word speaks through cultural and ethnic horizons very different form our own. In a world in which ministry must necessarily deal with cultural and ethnic differences, learning to negotiate such differences as an integral part of hearing God's word makes exegesis an effective preparation for living and serving in a diverse world. The events recorded in the book of Judges occurred and were recalled, recorded, and collected in the midst of historic changes in the life, politics, and culture of ancient Israel. The tribalism that divided the Hebrew People, the oppressions that threatened them, the provincialism that prevented them from responding effectively to their crises, and the recurrent apostasy that diluted their identity and drained their strength all emerge clearly in the book of Judges. Likewise, the various literary genres in the book and the signs of the use and re-use of the materials as the book took shape point to a struggle to receive God's word and reshape it for another generation, place, and circumstance. The tensions and conflicts of tribe, race, empire, culture, and faith that mark the book of Judges recur in contemporary life. Thus time spent with the book of Judges provides a meaningful encounter with problems and possibilities of contemporary ministry. The Spirit of God clearly found rich material for shaping this portion of the inspired scriptures. The objectives below, as they note matters such as language, text, historical and cultural setting, etc. should be understood as the specific steps necessary toward the fulfillment of this encounter.
CO 601 Counseling Theories and Techniques

Stephen P. Stratton

Corsini, R. J. & Wedding, D. (2008). Current psychotherapies, 8th Ed., Belmont, CA: Brooks Cole. Jones, S.L. & Butman, R.E. (1991). Modern psychotherapies. Downer's Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press. Johnson, E.L. & Jones, S.L. (2000). Psychology and Christianity: Four views. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press
CO 715 Assessment Tools and Inventories

Stephen P. Stratton

Aims and Objectives: This course is designed to give the student a general introduction to and broad overview of psychological assessment, while also providing an opportunity for personal growth. Some specific goals are as follows: a. To begin development of the interviewing skills necessary to provide clinical care. b. To acquaint the student with general principles of psychological test evaluation, interpretation, and use. c. To help the student understand the major principles of psychological test construction. d. To sensitize the student to social and ethical implications and issues involved in psychological assessment. e. To broadly familiarize the student with the kinds of assessment instruments and methods available. f. To involve the student in practical, personal, and experiential as well as theoretical learning about psychological assessment. g. To familiarize students with the basic principles and format for constructing assessment reports.
CO 715 Assessment Tools and Inventories

Stephen P. Stratton

Aims and Objectives: This course is designed to give the student a general introduction to and broad overview of psychological assessment, while also providing an opportunity for personal growth. Some specific goals are as follows: a. To begin development of the interviewing skills necessary to provide clinical care. b. To acquaint the student with general principles of psychological test evaluation, interpretation, and use. c. To help the student understand the major principles of psychological test construction. d. To sensitize the student to social and ethical implications and issues involved in psychological assessment. e. To broadly familiarize the student with the kinds of assessment instruments and methods available. f. To involve the student in practical, personal, and experiential as well as theoretical learning about psychological assessment. g. To familiarize students with the basic principles and format for constructing assessment reports.
PC 510 The Servant as Pastoral Care Giver

Stephen P. Stratton

Benner, D. G. (2003). Strategic Pastoral Counseling, 2nd Ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker. (This book is our basic text for the theory and philosophy of pastoral counseling.) Carkhuff, R. R. (2000). The Art of Helping in the 21st Century, 8th Ed. Amherst, MA: Human Resource Development Press. (This book is our basic text for micro skills of pastoral counseling.) Haugk, K. (1984). Christian Caregiving: A Way of Life. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Press. (This book written by the founder of Stephen Ministries is a general overview of caregiving in congregational settings.)
PC 515 Pastoral Crisis Intervention

Stephen P. Stratton

Course Description: This advanced pastoral counseling course is based upon the premise that crises are an essential aspect of any structured understanding of human life and development. The class will learn about episodes of crises in people’s lives where the stakes are very high for disintegration or for growth. Theoretical orientation to pastoral crisis intervention techniques for various types of crises will be taught and practiced. Theological and faith issues during crisis events will be examined.
CO 611 Dynamics of Human Sexuality

Michael R. Sytsma

Hyde, J. S. (2006). Understanding Human Sexuality, (9th Edition), Boston: McGraw Hill. (Chapters 1-12, and 20 required – other chapters recommended) Laaser, M. (2004). Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Rosenau, D. (2002). A celebration of sex (Rev. and updated. ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. Rosenau, D., & Wilson, M. T. (2006). Soul virgins : redefining single sexuality. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books. Rosenau, D.E., Sytsma, M., and Taylor, D.L. (2001). Sexuality and Sexual Counseling: Learning and Practicing the DEC-R Model. In T. Clinton, and G. Ohlschlager (Eds.) Competent Christian Counseling, Colorado Springs: Waterbrook. Schnarch, D. M. (1995). A Family Systems Approach to Sex Therapy and Intimacy. In R. Mikesell, D. Lusterman, and S. H. McDaniel (Eds.), Integrating Family Therapy: Handbook of Family Psychology and Systems Theory. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. Sytsma, M., Taylor, D. (2003). Current thinking in how to help couples and individuals struggling with low sexual desire. Marriage and Family: A Christian Journal, 5(3). Rosenau, D., Childerston, J., & Childerston, C. (2004). A celebration of sex after 50. Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson Publishers. (Chapters 1 and 20 only.) Brinkmann, S. (2004). The Kinsey Corruption: an exposé on the most influential "scientist" of our time. West Chester, PA: Ascension Press. (See webpage for required pages.)
CH 500 Turning Points in Church History

Jennifer L. Woodruff Tait

Welcome to CH500! This course is a whirlwind introduction to the history of the Christian church. History is much more than names, dates, and places; it is the story of real people facing real problems. Church history, especially, is the story of our brothers and sisters in Christ trying to be faithful to the Gospel in the face of changing circumstances. As we move through the course, I will be asking you to think about what people thought the heart of the Gospel was, and what they thought life together in community (that is, in the church) looked like. I will also be asking you to think about whose stories particularly appeal to you, and why. As we think together about how our mothers and fathers in the faith have faced crises and challenges, we will become better able to equip those with whom we minister to understand and apply the riches of the Christian tradition to their own spiritual walk.
CH 502 Church History II

D. Allen Tennison

“An introduction to the development of Christianity from the apostolic period to the Reformation. Emphasis is placed on the central historical figures, movements, and theological issues, with attention given to their importance for Christian ministry today. Major texts and interpretive studies will be read.” The purpose of this course is to introduce the history of the Church from the first century to the Reformation. Emphasis will be placed on the major individuals, movements and theological debates that have shaped Christianity up to the 1500s. Attention will be given to the development of various movements, the relevance of major debates, the personal stories of select individuals, and the reception of Christianity in different cultures. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon their Christian vocation in the light of the historical and theological currents of the Christian tradition.
CS 640 Christianity and Social Justice

James R. Thobaben

Virkler, Henry A., A Christian’s Guide to Critical Thinking [read Chapters 1, 4, 5, 6 & 7] Monahan, Mirola & Emerson,Sociology of Religion: A Reader THIS SUBSTITUTES FOR: McGuire, Meredith B., Religion: The Social Context [DO NOT USE THIS BOOK] Kivisto, Peter, Social Theory: Roots & Branches [read all except skim Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 15, 17, 20, 25, 28, 29, 32, 33, 35, 36, 41, 43, 45, 52, 54, 58, 59, 65, 68, 69] Stark & Finke, Acts of Faith [read entire book] Thobaben, James R. "Ecclesiology & Covenant: Christian Social Institutions in a Pluralistic Setting" (available on closed reserve)
CS 654 Morality at the end of Modernity

James R. Thobaben

Thobaben, James “Holy Knowing: A Wesleyan Epistemology” The Death of Metaphysics; The Death of Culture (Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer, 2006) [available through Info Commons] Gardner, John, “Moral Fiction” in On Moral Fiction Beowulf, More, Thomas Utopia, Bunyan, John A Pilgrim’s Progress, Swift, Jonathan, Gulliver’s Travels, Voltaire, Candide, Shelley, Mary Frankenstein, Rousseau, J.J. Emile, Golding, William Lord of the Flies Burroughs, Edgar Rice, Tarzan of the Apes, Grey, Zane, Riders of the Purple Sage, Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, Stevenson, R.L. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Conrad, J. The Heart of Darkness, Melville, Herman, Moby Dick, Bradbury, Ray Something Wicked This Way Comes(film), Sinclair, Upton The Jungle, Orwell, George Animal Farm, Orwell, George Nineteen Eighty-Four Wells, H.G., Island of Dr. Moreau, Kafka, Franz, “Metamorphosis”, Capek, Karel R.U.R., Huxley, Aldous Brave New World, Steinbeck, John Of Mice & Men Lewis, Sinclair, Babbitt, Baldwin, James Go Tell It on the Mountain, Speare, Elizabeth George The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Gilman, Charlotte Perkins, Herland, MacDonald, G. “Gifts of the Child Christ” Tolstoy, L. The Death of Ivan Ilych Wilde, Oscar, Picture of Dorian Gray, Abbott, Edwin A. Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions OR Dostoyevski, Fyodor Notes From Underground Chesterton, G.K., The Man Who Was Thursday Lewis, C.S. Till We Have Faces, Miller, Walter A Canticle for Leibowitz Umberto Eco, The Name of the Rose
CS 680 Bioethics- Death and Dying

James R. Thobaben

To prepare students for ministry by training them to analyze and address issues in the arena of healthcare from a Christian perspective. To develop ministers who are responsive to the needs, contexts, and insights of parishioners and members of the larger community who are patients, family members of patients, or practitioners. To enable ministers to equip their congregations for understanding their moral responsibility in decisions about the delivery and receiving of health care and the impact of social decisions in health care and biotechnology on the broader community. This course focuses on the bioethical issues that most commonly arise for pastors, chaplains, and other caregivers in clinical settings. Specifically, the course examines the cultural and religious meanings of and the moral response to sickness, disability, and death. The course specific consideration of how Christian death rituals, specifically the funeral. This course is one of five 1-hour bioethics courses. The others examine: • Biotechnologies (focusing on genetic alteration, abortion, stem cell research, etc.), • The moral questions arising from current discussions of cosmology, evolution, and creation, • Environmental ethics, and, • Sickness and disability (along with the distribution of healthcare).
BS 504 Introduction to Biblical Studies: Old Testament

David Loren Thompson

Coogan, Michael D., ed. The New Oxford Annotated Bible (3rd augm. Ed., 2007; ISBN 9780195288803). NOAB Pritchard, James B., ed. The HarperCollins Concise Atlas of the Bible (1991; ISBN 0062514997 HCAB
NT 511 The Gospel of Mark

David Loren Thompson

Thompson, David L. Bible Study That Works. Revised edition. Evangel Press, 1994.(=BSTW). A Bible. Green, Joel B., Sct McKnight, and I Howard Marshall (eds). Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. InterVarsity Press, 1992.
NT 511X The Gospel of Mark

David Loren Thompson

Course Description This course introduces you to methodical, inductive Bible study and to the message and significance of the Gospel of Mark, with emphasis upon understanding biblical books as wholes. By the study of Mark’s Gospel itself, the course helps you gain and hone skills necessary for using inductive Scripture study in life and ministry. When I took a similar course here at Asbury it changed forever my approach to Scripture study. That class gave me tools without which I would not want to attempt Christian ministry. This is not my first experience teaching NT(IBS)511 as an ExL class. Even so, I have much to learn about designing and guiding this sort of “cyber–learning.” It may or may not be your first venture into online learning. Adjustments may be necessary on both ends of the line. I welcome your feedback to help me in this growing process and in enabling the course to run as smoothly as possible. These and all of the other materials of this course are designed specifically and solely for distribution in this ExL class and are not to be reproduced without my permission for any other purpose. Note at the outset that NT(IBS)511X presents a class experience. Cyber–learning opens up remarkable independence and flexibility for us. Nevertheless, this course is not simply an “independent study.” Interaction and group consultation will contribute significantly to our learning. This will affect the pace at which you do your work, since peer feedback will prove significant. More on this below.
OT 615 Minor Prophets

David Loren Thompson

This course is a study of the Minor Prophets that builds on the methodology of the first Inductive Biblical Studies course by further use of the skills learned there and by emphasizing the study of books as wholes. Accordingly, there is special focus on the initial survey of books as wholes, the interpretation a) of parts of books in the context of the books as a whole and b) of the books themselves as wholes. In addition, increased attention is given to thinking, valuing and living biblically by placing individual passages within their larger canonical contexts and by applying Scripture to life and ministry.
CA 614

Mark A. Torgerson

Begbie, Jeremy, ed. Beholding the Glory: Incarnation Through the Arts. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2000. Jensen, Robin M. The Substance of Things Seen: Art, Faith, and the Christian Community. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2004. Kapikian, Catherine. Art in Service of the Sacred. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006. Schultze, Quetin J. High-Tech Worship? Using Presentational Technologies Wisely. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2004. Sullivan, Michael. Windows into the Soul: Art as Spiritual Expression. Harrisburg: Morehouse Publishing, 2006. Torgerson, Mark A. An Architecture of Immanence: Architecture for Worship and Ministry Today. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2007.
CL 616 Leading Change

Thomas F. Tumblin

Deep Change: Discovering the Leader Within by Robert E. Quinn (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1996), 236 pages. (ISBN: 0787902446) Diffusion of Innovations, 5th ed. by Everett M. Rogers (New York: The Free Press, 2003), 512 pages. (ISBN: 0743222091) Leading Congregational Change by Jim Herrington, et al. (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2000), 240 pages. (ISBN: 0787947652) The Missional Leader: Equipping Your Church to Reach a Changing World by Alan Roxburgh and Fred Romanuk (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2006), 220 pages. (ISBN: 078798325X) Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change, 2nd ed. by William Bridges (New York: Perseus Publishing, 2003), 144 pages. (ISBN: 0738208248)
CL 616 Leading Change

Thomas F. Tumblin

Deep Change: Discovering the Leader Within by Robert E. Quinn (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1996), 236 pages. (ISBN: 0787902446) Diffusion of Innovations, 5th ed. by Everitt M. Rogers (New York: The Free Press, 2003), 512 pages. (ISBN: 0743222091) The Missional Leader: Equipping Your Church to Reach a Changing World by Alan Roxburgh and Fred Romanuk (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2006), 220 pages. (ISBN: 078798325X) Leading Congregational Change by Jim Herrington, et al. (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2000), 240 pages. (ISBN: 0787947652) Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change, 2nd ed. by William Bridges (New York: Perseus Publishing, 2003), 144 pages. (ISBN: 0738208248)
CH 600 History of Methodism

Robert G. Tuttle

We will survey American Methodism from its beginnings to the present. The course materials focus on the theological, cultural, and institutional themes that shaped Methodism in America. The course especially highlights the spiritual, theological, and social aspects of Methodism's grand legacy. The evangelistic thrust, social concern, institutional development, and theological shifts noted in America between 1766 and the present will be seen against the backdrop not only of American political and cultural factors, but of the Methodist origins in England. If you have been a United Methodist very long, you already know some things about American Methodist history. For example, almost all United Methodists understand that Bishop Francis Asbury was an important person, even if they do not know exactly why he was so important. Also, you are probably already aware that nineteenth-century Methodism dominated the American religious landscape, in a time when Methodism was the most significant religious force in the nation's growth and development. Many know that Methodism founded a host of colleges, seminaries, and universities, some of which now rank among America's best schools (I attended two of them myself, Duke as an undergraduate and Garrett-Evangelical for seminary). The majority of United Methodists have some appreciation of the prominent place of the early circuit riders, camp meetings, and class meetings. Most United Methodists understand that their liturgy echoes many of the strains inherited from Anglican liturgy. Most Methodists have some awareness that Methodism uniquely combined formal and informal styles of worship. In light of all this, Methodism, like several of the so-called old-line churches are ripe for a reexamination of their heritages. We live in a time when many United Methodists want to know more about the legacy that is theirs. Obviously, a declining American Methodism does not mirror American Methodism in its original form. As stated above, by the middle of the nineteenth century, the Methodist Episcopal Church had become the largest and most influential of America's denominations. Indeed, at one time, Methodism's membership roles exceeded the combined membership roles of the rest of the nation's Protestant denominations. By the beginning of the twentieth century, however, American Methodism began to change directions. If you want to understand the original genius of American Methodism in order better to assess the present and more adequately to prepare for the future, this class will be a rewarding adventure. Since United Methodists cannot move into a challenging future without knowing their treasured past, the purpose of this course is to do just that.
DO 670 United Methodist Theology

Robert G. Tuttle

At Asbury Theological Seminary, there are four classes designed to meet the denominational requirements of The United Methodist Church for ordained ministry. They are DO 690 – John Wesley’s Theology Today; CH 600 – History of Methodism; PM 604 - United Methodist Polity; and this class DO 670 - United Methodist Theology. The purpose of this class is (1) to examine what constitutes United Methodist doctrine as well as its standards and norms, (2) to survey Methodist theology after John Wesley to the present with a special focus upon its American developments, (3) and to study a variety of theological perspectives existing presently within the denomination.
ME 636 World (Transcultural) Evangelism

Robert G. Tuttle

COURSE DESCRIPTION In an age of increasing mobility across cultural boundaries it becomes more and more necessary to understand the Christian faith from a global perspective. Several issues, therefore, will be addressed in this course. Primarily, how do we make decisions regarding that which is essential for Christian commitment across cultural lines? How do we detach ourselves from parts of our gospel understanding that may be culturally bound? How can we sensitize ourselves to issues than transcend cultural boundaries that might actually assist our communication of a relevant transcultural gospel?
MS 610 The Ministry of Evangelism

Robert G. Tuttle

1. The Story of Evangelism, Robert Tuttle, Jr. (424 pp.). 2. Can We Talk?, Robert Tuttle, Jr. (110 pp.). 3. Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church, Ron Crandall (160 pp.). 4. Someone Out There Needs Me, Robert Tuttle, Jr. (a print out book available at the Bookstore).
MS 610 The Ministry of Evangelism

Robert G. Tuttle

COURSE DESCRIPTION The course equips students with contemporary models and strategies of personal, congregational, and world evangelization based on biblical, historical and cultural foundations. Attention will be given to recognizing the social, personal and spiritual needs of people and relating the gospel to such needs. Efforts will be made to develop an integrated Wesleyan model of evangelism bringing strategies and methods into closer harmony with God's ultimate purpose, the great commission, and the commandment of love. This is a basic course for all that seek to serve Christ and his Church with a global consciousness and a local effectiveness.
MS 685 The Church Abroad: Turkey/Greece (with an extension to Rome)

Robert G. Tuttle

Course Description: The trip to Turkey and Greece will begin in Istanbul where we will be met by Ralph and Elaine Elliot, leaders in the church in Turkey where there are less than 3,000 Protestant Christians nationwide.1 They will deliver the first lecture. This is a course that begins with history and focuses on evangelism and mission. Not only are we visiting the sites, we are visiting local churches in both Turkey and Greece to receive some instruction as to how the Church survives in an overwhelmingly predominate Muslim setting (Turkey) and Orthodox setting (Greece). Apart from the local churches and traditional sites of Paul's missionary journeys we visit the Blue Mosque and Saint Sophia in Istanbul and then include visits to the rock fortress of Meteora and the Byzantine monasteries in western Thessaly. During the 11 days in Turkey and Greece (an extension to Rome is also possible) there will be frequent input from the professor along with evening sessions for reflection and processing the day’s events. Students will be asked to read in advance from a selection of books that cover topics relevant to the Biblical times as well as the contemporary religious and socio-political scenes.