Christian Studies
The goal of the Division of Christian Studies is to prepare students for vocations in full-time Christian ministry. Our program is designed to provide a foundation in the Bible, theology, church history, and ministry that will enable students to minister effectively in the church and other settings of ministry. Graduates in Christian Studies will be prepared either to continue their training in seminary or to enter positions of ministry directly. Faculty members who have had seminary training and/or ministry experience are available to provide further counsel to students regarding curriculum and career choices.
Faculty
Dr. Shauf joined the Bluefield College faculty in 2003. He holds the Ph.D. from Emory University in Atlanta. He also received the M.T.S. from Duke University Divinity School, the M.S. from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and the B.A. from the University of Richmond. He teaches New Testament and Greek courses.
Dr. Stout joined the Bluefield College faculty in 2003. He holds the Ph.D. from Baylor University. He also received the M.A. and B.A. degrees from Hardin-Simmons University. He teaches courses in theology, ministry, philosophy, church history, and world religions.
I. Christian Studies Major (B.A.)
A. General Education requirements
Old Testament Survey (CST 1113)
A general survey of the history, literature, and basic ideas of the Old Testament. (Every semester)
New Testament Survey (CST 1123)
An overview of the New Testament and the history, literary forms, and social settings which are relevant to an informed understanding of the New Testament documents. (Every semester)
B. Core (all Christian Studies majors complete all of the following)
Introduction to Philosophy (CST 1413)
A general introduction to the origins, branches, issues, and personalities in Western philosophy. (Every semester)
Introduction to Ministry (CST 2213)
A general overview of the Christian ministry including spiritual formation for ministry and the nature of ministry in the church and church-related settings. Students also examine the call to ministry, leadership in ministry and the functions of ministry. (Every fall)
Introduction to Christian Theology (CST 2313)
A general introduction to the major beliefs and major theologians of the Christian faith. The study gives special attention to Christian beliefs about God, humanity, Jesus Christ, salvation, the church, and the kingdom of God. Prerequisites: CST 1113 and 1123. (Every fall)
Advanced OT. Choose one of the following:
Studies in the Prophets (CST 3113)
A study of the prophets, their messages, and their methods in the context of their time and place. Prerequisite: CST 1113. (Fall 2008)
Studies in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature (CST 3123)
A study of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes placing them in the context of Old Testament theology and other Ancient Near Eastern literature. Prerequisite: CST 1113. (Fall 2009)
Formation & History of the Hebrew Kingdoms (CST 3133)
An examination of the history of Israel found in Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles from the settlement of Canaan to the destruction of Judah. Prerequisite: CST 1113. (Fall 2007)
Advanced NT. Choose one of the following:
Johannine Literature (CST 3173)
A study of the gospel of John, the three letters of John, and the Book of Revelation focusing on major literary similarities and differences between those books, important themes in each, and the social setting of each. Prerequisite: CST 1123. (Spring 2008)
The Synoptic Gospels (CST 4163)
A study of the literary and historical relationships between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke including the unique contributions of each Gospel. Prerequisite: CST 1123. (Spring 2009)
Pauline Literature (CST 4173)
A study of major issues in the interpretation of the letters attributed to Paul. Treatment of the social setting of these letters, major themes characteristic of Paul, and an overview of attempts to write a chronology of his life. Prerequisite: CST 1123. (Spring 2010)
World Religions. Choose one of the following:
World Religions I (CST 3363)
A survey of the history, beliefs, practices, and major divisions of the major western Religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Prerequisites: CST 1113, 1123. (Fall 2007)
World Religions II (CST 3373)
A survey of the history, beliefs, practices, and major divisions of the major eastern Religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. Prerequisites: CST 1113, 1123. (Spring 2008)
Church History. Choose one of the following:
History of the Christian Church I (CST 3313)
A survey of the history of the Christian Church from the first century A. D. to the Reformation. (Fall 2008)
History of the Christian Church II (CST 3323)
A survey of the history of the Christian Church from the Reformation to the contemporary period. (Spring 2009)
Christian Studies Colloquium (CST 4001)
A reading, reflection, and discussion course intended to stimulate the participants' critical and creative faculties. May be taken up to three times. Prerequisite: JR/SR standing. (Every spring)
Senior Seminar (CST 4012)
This is the capstone course for the major and must be taken in the spring semester of the year in which the student plans to graduate. The course is composed of reviews of the upper level courses in the major as well as the treatment of career related topics. (Every spring)
C. Two Tracks (choose three courses in each of two of the following)
Only one of Ministry and Youth Ministry may be chosen.
1. Bible
Any of the courses listed under “Advanced OT” and “Advanced NT” may be used here (but the courses used here must be in addition to the courses used to complete the Core).
Travel and Excavation in the Middle East (CST 2013)
Participants will travel to archaeological sites-particularly in Israel and/or take part in an excavation. Prerequisites: None, but CST 1113 and 1123 are suggested. (On demand)
Exilic and Post-Exilic History of the Jews (CST 4153)
A study of the Jewish people from 587 B.C. to A.D. 135 utilizing canonical and deuterocanonical-literature. Prerequisite: CST 1113. (On demand)
2. Ministry
Introduction to Missions (CST 2223)
An introductory study of the biblical, theological, and historical bases of Christian missions with special attention to Southern Baptist home and foreign missions. (On demand)
Introduction to Preaching (CST 2233)
An introduction to the gathering, organization, and delivery of sermonic materials. Prerequisites: CST 1113, 1123 and JR standing. (On demand)
Ministry Internship (CST 3213)
Students gain academic credit for supervised ministry in a church or other ministry opportunity. Prerequisite: CST 2213. (On demand)
The following Music courses may be used to complete this track: MUS 2533, 2543, 3532, 3552, 3563, 4573.
The following Theater courses may be used to complete this track: THR 1023, 2013, 2023, 3013, 3023, 3033, 3043, 4023, 4063.
3. Theology/History
Both World Religions courses and both Church History courses must be taken. The two not used to complete the Core will go here.
Antisemitism, Christianity, & the Holocaust (CST 4353)
An examination of the development and manifestations of antisemitism throughout history (especially Nazi Germany 1933-1945) including the present day with special emphasis on “Christian” antisemitism. (Spring 2008)
4. Youth Ministry
Philosophy of Youth Ministry (CST 3513)
A study of the philosophical, theological, and methodological issues foundational to effective youth ministry in the congregational setting. Prerequisite: CST 2213. (Spring 2009)
Child and Adolescent Development (PSY 2043)
Youth Ministry Internship (CST 4513)
An opportunity for students to acquire practical ministry experience in youth ministry. Prerequisite: CST 3513. (On demand)
D. Christian Studies electives: Choose 2 CST courses from any of the above tracks.
E. Minor: A minor of your choice (other than Christian Studies or Youth Ministry) is required for the Christian Studies major. The Biblical Languages Minor is recommended for CST majors and others planning for seminary.
II. Christian Studies Minor
Old Testament Survey (CST 1113)
New Testament Survey (CST 1123)
Introduction to Philosophy (CST 1413)
12 additional semester hours (normally four courses) in CST courses, six of which are numbered 3000 or above
III.Youth Ministry Minor
Old Testament Survey (CST 1113)
New Testament Survey (CST 1123)
Introduction to Ministry (CST 2213)
Introduction to Christian Theology (CST 2313)
Child and Adolescent Development (PSY 2043)
Philosophy of Youth Ministry (CST 3513)
World Religions I (CST 3363)
Youth Ministry Internship (CST 4513)
IV. Biblical Languages Minor
The following courses are required for the Biblical Languages Minor (a total of 24 hours):
Beginning Hellenistic Greek (GRK 1013, 1023)
An introduction to Hellenistic (New Testament) Greek grammar and vocabulary. (Fall 2007, Spring 2008)
Intermediate Hellenistic Greek (GRK 2013, 2023)
A course deigned to improve translation skills, review grammar, and develop vocabulary. Prerequisite: GRK 1023. (Fall 2008, Spring 2009)
Beginning Classical Hebrew (HEB 1013, 1023)
An introduction to the grammar and vocabulary of Classical (biblical) Hebrew. (Fall 2008, Spring 2009)
Intermediate Classical Hebrew (HEB 2013, 2023)
A course deigned to improve translation skills, review grammar, and develop vocabulary. Prerequisite: GRK 1023. (Fall 2007, Spring 2008)
The following elective courses in Biblical Languages are also offered:
Hellenistic Greek Syntax (GRK 3013)
A study of Greek sentence structure, the structure of phrases, and the application of modern linguistics to these issues. Prerequisite: GRK 2023. (On Demand)
Hellenistic Greek Exegesis (GRK 3033)
A guided reading course, the choice of texts being set by the instructor. Prerequisite: GRK 2023. (Fall 2007)
Advanced Hellenistic Greek Exegesis (GRK 4013)
A guided reading course, the choice of texts being set by the instructor. Prerequisite: GRK 3013 or 3023. (On Demand)
Classical Hebrew Exegesis & Syntax (HEB 3013)
An accelerated Bible translation course from prose portions of the Bible. The subject to be determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: HEB 2023. (On Demand)
Advanced Classical Hebrew Exegesis & Syntax (HEB 4013)
An accelerated Bible translation course in the poetic portions of the Old Testament. Prerequisite: HEB 3013 or 2023 with the consent of the instructor. (On Demand)
Biblical Aramaic (HEB 4023)
Accelerated treatment of biblical Aramaic grammar and translation of biblical Aramaic texts. Prerequisite: HEB 2023. (On Demand)
