1. What can I do with an MAR degree? An MAR degree can open doors for career opportunities as a teacher or administrator in a religious school, college, or university; or as a minister or priest within a specific religious tradition; or pursue a career in academia, working as a researcher, professor, or scholar in the field of religious studies; or even as a chaplain in a hospital, military, or other institutional setting, providing spiritual guidance and support to those in need. 2. How long does it take to study an MAR? Full-time students can complete the program in 3 years; part-time student may complete it in 4 years
Why Study at WCU?
The School of Theology offers the Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) for students who have a wide interest in understanding the history and doctrines of religion. The M.A.R. is tailored for our students who have professional goals in ministry, or as researchers to the complex historical and social impact of religions to the world’s cultures, policies, and way of living Our students in the M.A.R. are trained to become the future servants of the church and propagators of the Christian faith by providing them the best training to fully understand the Bible and the values of Christianity. However, for the students who do not plan to go into ministry, the M.A.R. program also trains the students to use the teachings of the Christian faith to develop a deeper and better understanding on one’s self and how s/he can be of service to others
REQUIRED COURSES
Old Testament Interpretation
4
New Testament Interpretation
4
Pentateuch
4
The Four Gospels
4
Protestant Ethics
4
Comparative Religions
4
History of Theology and Revival
4
Evangelism
4
Systematic Theology
4
History of Christian Missions
4
REQUIRED CHAPEL COURSES
World Religions
1
Christian Ethics
1
Church History
1
Christian Apologetics
1
Philosophical Theology
1
Theology of Christian Spirituality
1
Moral Issues and Ethics in the Old Testament
1
RESEARCH COURSES
Research and Writing
4
Preparation of Capstone Project or Preparation of Thesis
4
Project or Thesis
6
Program Requirements:
Required Courses = 40 units
Required Chapel Courses = 7 unites
Research Courses = 14 units
Elective Courses = 36 units
Total = 97 units
ELECTIVE COURSES
Old Testament Theology
4
New Testament Theology
4
Paul’s Writings
4
Eschatology and the New Testament
4
Discipleship Theology
4
Religious Counseling |Christian Counseling
4
Christian Education
4
Christian Leadership
4
Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ
4
Church and Worship
4
Church Administration
4
Mission and Culture
4
Christ and Culture
4
Intercultural Ministry
4
Formative Figures in Christian Ethics
4
Methods of Ethical Analysis
4
Contemporary Theological Ethics and Issues
4
Philosophy of Religion
4
Sociology of Religion
4
Spiritual Formation
4
Religious Ethics in a Secular World
4
Concepts and Methods of Religious Thought
4
American Church History
4
Korean Church History
4
History of Protestant Reformation
4
Modern and Contemporary Christian Thought
4
Pneumatology
4
REQUIRED COURSES
Old Testament Interpretation
In this class, students learn about the historical and cultural context in which the Old Testament was written,
including the social, political, and religious factors that influenced its authors; study the different genres of literature found in the Old Testament, such as narrative, poetry, prophecy, and wisdom literature, and learn how to interpret each type of literature appropriately; and understand the principles of biblical interpretation, including how to identify the author’s intended meaning, how to distinguish between literal and figurative language, and how to apply the text to contemporary contexts. Students also get to explore the major theological themes that run throughout the Old Testament, such as covenant, redemption, and the nature of God, and how these themes are developed and interconnected throughout the text; and learn how to approach and interpret difficult or controversial passages in the Old Testament, such as those that involve violence or difficult moral dilemmas.
New Testament Interpretation
In this class, students will study the cultural and religious backgrounds of the New Testament, including the
Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, and how they influenced the development of early Christianity; learn how to approach and interpret difficult or controversial passages in the New Testament, such as those that involve eschatology or ethical dilemmas; and explore the major theological themes that run throughout the New Testament, such as salvation, Christology, and the nature of the church, and how these themes are developed and interconnected throughout the text.
Pentateuch
In here, we learn about critical approaches to the study of the Pentateuch, including source criticism,
form criticism, and redaction criticism; examine the relationship between the Pentateuch and the New Testament, including the ways in which the New Testament authors interpreted and used the Pentateuch in their own writings; also study the literary features of the Pentateuch, including its narrative structure, use of repetition and pattern, and theological themes.
The Four Gospels
The Four Gospels class teaches about the authorship and composition of the Four Gospels, including the various
source documents and literary traditions that were incorporated into the texts; and on the historical context in which the Four Gospels were written, including the social, political, and religious factors that influenced their authors. In this class, students will examine the literary features of each of the Four Gospels, including their narrative structure, use of parables and miracles, and theological themes; explore the major theological and Christological themes that run throughout the Four Gospels, such as the nature of Jesus, his teachings and ministry, his death and resurrection, and the establishment of the church; and learn about the Synoptic Problem, which is the challenge of explaining the similarities and differences among the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Protestant Ethics
Here, the students would examine a range of ethical issues that are relevant to Protestant Christianity,
such as the sanctity of life, social justice, human rights, war and peace, and environmental stewardship. This class also offers to teach the students about the theological foundations of Protestant ethics, including the doctrine of sola scriptura (the belief that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice) and the concept of the priesthood of all believers (the belief that all Christians have direct access to God); and about the historical development of Protestant ethics, including the contributions of key figures such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Reinhold Niebuhr.
Comparative Religions
The class offers a deeper understanding on the major world religions, including Christianity, Islam,
Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, as well as indigenous religions and new religious movements; learn about the various approaches to the study of religion, including phenomenology, comparative method, and postcolonial theory; and explore the historical and cultural contexts in which religions developed, including their social, political, and economic contexts. In here, students would learn about the ways in which different religious traditions have engaged in dialogue with each other, including efforts towards mutual understanding, cooperation, and conflict resolution
History of Theology and Revival
In this class, students will learn about the major periods and movements in the history of Christian theology, such
as the early church, the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and the modern era; study about how the ideas of key theologians have shaped Christian thought; and examine some of the major theological controversies throughout history. Overall, a class on the History of Theology and Revival would provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the development of Christian thought and practice, and how it has been shaped by historical, social, and cultural factors
Evangelism
Students will be taught about the biblical basis and theological foundations of evangelism, including
the Great Commission and the importance of sharing the gospel; study various methods of evangelism, including personal evangelism, mass evangelism, and online evangelism, and learn how to apply these methods in different contexts; and examine the cultural context in which evangelism takes place, including the challenges and opportunities presented by different cultures and subcultures.
Systematic Theology
A class on Systematic Theology would focus on the study of the major doctrines
of the Christian faith and how they are interrelated. In this class, students will learn about the nature and purpose of systematic theology, and how it differs from other theological disciplines; study the nature and attributes of God, including his sovereignty, holiness, and love, and how these are revealed in the scriptures; examine the person and work of Jesus Christ, including his incarnation, atonement, and resurrection, and how these relate to salvation; and study the biblical concept of the church, including its nature, purpose, and ministry, and explore different ecclesiological models
History of Christian Missions
A class on the History of Christian Missions would focus on the history of
Christian missions, exploring how the Christian faith has been spread throughout the world through missionary activity. In this class, students will study the early history of Christian missions, including the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire and the missionary activities of the early church; examine the role of Christian missions in the age of exploration and colonialism, including the missionary activities of European powers and the impact of these activities on indigenous peoples; and explore the challenges and opportunities facing Christian missions in the 21st century, including the changing global context, new technologies, and the role of the church in missions. Overall, a class on the History of Christian Missions would provide you with a broad understanding of the history of Christian missions and its impact on the world. You would learn about the motivations, methods, and challenges of Christian missionaries throughout history, and gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of cross-cultural communication and understanding in Christian ministry.
REQUIRED CHAPEL COURSES
World Religions
World Religions is a field of study that explores the beliefs, practices, and cultural contexts of the major religious
traditions of the world. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of religious traditions and their impact on societies and cultures throughout history and around the globe.
Christian Ethics
Christian Ethics seeks to provide a coherent and comprehensive framework for Christian behavior and
decision-making, based on biblical principles and the character of God. It encourages Christians to live a life that is pleasing to God and to contribute to the flourishing of society and the world.
Church History
Church History is the academic study of the history of Christianity and the Christian Church. It covers the period
from the time of Jesus Christ and the apostles to the present day, exploring the development of the Christian faith, the history of theChurch, and the interaction between Christianity and society throughout history.
Christian Apologetics
Christian Apologetics seeks to provide a rational and intellectually credible defense of the Christian faith, and to
address objections and criticisms that are made against it. It encourages Christians to engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue with those who hold different beliefs, and to share the hope and truth of the gospel with a skeptical and pluralistic world.
Philosophical Theology
Philosophical Theology is the interdisciplinary study of theology and philosophy, exploring the
relationship between them and how they can inform and enrich each other. It involves using philosophical methods and concepts to understand and reflect on theological questions and problems, and using theological insights to contribute to philosophical debates.
Theology of Christian Spirituality
Theology of Christian Spirituality seeks to deepen our understanding of the nature of Christian spirituality and
its relationship with God. It encourages individuals to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through spiritual practices and experiences, and to discern God’s will in their lives. It also recognizes the diversity of spiritual traditions within Christianity and encourages dialogue and learning from different perspectives.
Moral Issues and Ethics in the
Old Testament
Competing in the Global Business Environment is a class that explores the challenges and opportunities of
doing business in an Moral Issues and Ethics in the Old Testament is a field of study that explores the ethical teachings and principles presented in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. It examines the moral and ethical dimensions of various Old Testament stories, laws, and teachings, and seeks to understand how they apply to contemporary ethical issues.
RESEARCH COURSES
Qualitative Methods in Research
The course covers a range of topics related to qualitative research methods, including the
philosophy of science, research design, data collection techniques, and data analysis. Students will learn how to design and conduct qualitative research studies using a variety of methods, such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document analysis.
The main goal of the course is to help students develop the skills necessary to conduct high-quality qualitative research studies. This involves learning how to design research studies that are appropriate for the research questions, select appropriate data collection methods, and analyze qualitative data using appropriate techniques
Quantitative Methods in Research
and Statistics
The course covers a range of topics related to quantitative research methods, including research design,
sampling, data collection, data analysis, and statistical inference. Students will learn how to use statistical software packages such as SPSS or R to analyze data, and how to interpret and report the results of their analyses.
By the end of the course, students should be able to understand the principles of quantitative research methods and statistical analysis, design and conduct high-quality quantitative research studies, and analyze and interpret quantitative data in a rigorous and systematic manner
Thesis | Capstone Project
A Thesis or Capstone Project class is typically a culminating course that requires students to apply the
knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their academic program to complete an independent research project. The expectations for a thesis or Capstone Project class are designed to challenge students to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their academic program to a real-world research project. It is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to think critically, analyze data, and communicate effectively
ELECTIVE COURSES
Old Testament Theology
This course covers the major teachings of the various parts and the whole of the Old Testament with
concentration upon some of the most important themes to discover the intention of the biblical writers.
New Testament Theology
This course investigates the dominant themes in the New Testament in the light of the cultures in which they
were produced and the methods of representative contemporary New Testament theologians.
Paul’s Writings
This course comprises an introduction to the life and letters of the apostle Paul, including critical issues pertinent
to the whole Pauline corpus, as well as detailed reading of several representative letters.
Eschatology and the New Testament
This course covers New Testament teachings on eschatology, including those aspects of the kingdom of God
which are already present and those yet to be fulfilled. Specific attention will be given to concepts such as eschatological Gospel, Messiah, Parousia, second coming, resurrection, rapture, tribulation, millennium, judgment, signs of times, the Kingdom of God, and the present age and age to come.
Discipleship Theology
This course covers fundamental theories of human psycho-social, moral, and faith development,
transformational theology and theory, and foundational principles of discipleship as found in both the Old and New Testaments of Scripture
Religious Counseling |Christian Counseling
This course is designed to equip students to identify and distinguish counseling models that quantify
Christian counseling. The content is designed to deliver essential knowledge and skill to help students become proficient in helping within a Christian ministry context. The course provides students with an overview of basic resources and knowledge that apply to a broad scope of counseling issues; secondly, it presents practical biblical counseling models and skills to address those issues
Christian Education
This course covers the basic principles and practices of organizing, administrating, and supervising a
balanced program of Bible teaching ministries in the local church. Surveys all the educational agencies for the various age levels, particularly Sunday school
Christian Leadership
This course explores biblical and theological principles of Christian Leadership, organizational theory, and
systems thinking appropriate to the church and seeks to instill in students the servant leadership qualities. Additionally, it facilitates growth in administrative areas such as strategic planning, managing change, finance, Christian education, and conflict management
Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ
The course is an exegetical, thematic, and theological study of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented
in the canonical gospels of the New Testament. Special focus is given to the presentation of the life and teachings of Jesus in the Synoptic gospels. Consideration is given to the message of each gospel within its own socio-historical and literary settings. Students will encounter interpretive issues surrounding these texts and the life of Jesus in contemporary scholarship and the history of Christian interpretation. The implications of the life and teachings of Jesus for students’ participation in the mission of God and faithful discipleship are explored
Church and Worship
This course is an introductory study of Christian worship. Application is made to worship as a lifestyle integrated into
the community life of congregational worship in the church. Time is spent discerning what is meant by biblical worship and how it is enacted philosophically and practically in a worship service
Church Administration
This course covers administrative principles and practices for the local church. The course examines staff,
finances, buildings, and public relations in churches and integrates material from both religious and secular sources
Mission and Culture
This course explores missiological principles with an emphasis on the cultural and religious context, and the
development of cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication skills for Christian witness
Christ and Culture
This course equips students to identify the tension between the eternal plan of God and the reality of operating in
a disintegrated culture. Students will examine the purpose of God for their earth and their role in applying their unique calling in this generation. Students will compare common approaches to the relationship between Christ and Culture and formulate their own theological perspective and personal plan for application beyond the walls of the classroom.
Intercultural Ministry
This course engages the Bible, analytical lenses, the global Body of Christ, current issues and trends,
collaborative methodology, and spiritual disciplines to develop a theology and practice of intercultural ministry that reflects Christ. This is worked out as students research, theologize, and form missiological responses to issues and phenomena encountered in a specific local context and reflect on what it means to do this before God
Formative Figures in Christian Ethics
This course is covering major historical figures in Christian ethics as well as significant theological traditions that
have shaped Christian understanding of the moral life
Methods of Ethical Analysis
This course provides a framework to increase accountability through ethical decision-making. The goal of this
course is to allow you to understand the complexity and consequences of decisions, the utility of ethics in personal and professional life, and the motivations of others (be they ethical or not). You will gain the ability to recognize and address underlying principles in a variety of contextual dilemmas. Students will learn to practically apply established theory and methodology to create and sustain trustworthiness.
Contemporary Theological Ethics and Issues
This course is an examination of how Christian ethics moves from biblical and systematic theology to moral
theology and how theological commitments (e.g., theology proper, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, pneumatology, ecclesiology) structure and govern moral reflection. It explores the application of a robust, moral-theological framework to issues of contemporary personal, pastoral, and societal importance (such as personhood and human dignity, biomedical technologies, sexual ethics, and the pursuit of peace, justice, and reconciliation)
Philosophy of Religion
In this course, students examine religious phenomena and concepts of God, miracles, truth claims of religion
and religious traditions, the problems of evil and suffering, the afterlife, and religious ethics. One assesses the relationship of religion and philosophy and the perspective of philosophy for an understanding of religious experience
Sociology of Religion
This course is a study of religion from a sociological perspective is the study of religious practices, customs,
beliefs, and rituals in the context of social structures such as religious institutions, politics, education, community, and family. In this class students will learn about the dialectical processes by which religion affects societies and societies affect religion by addressing the following three questions: 1) How do social scientists approach the study of religion? 2) What can religion tell us about a particular group or society? 3) Why is it important to study religion within the socio-historical context in which it is produced, reproduced, and reconfigured
Spiritual Formation
This course equips students in the process of spiritual formation as a life-long transforming and learning
experience that emerges from our communion with Christ and forms the basis of Christian ministry. Spiritual formation involves the joyful sharing and participation in the life and love of the Father, Son, and Spirit. All our lives, individually and in communion together, are “in Christ”.
Religious Ethics in a Secular World
This is an introductory course in ethical reflection which explores contemporary social issues from a
variety of religious and philosophical traditions. Issues covered pertain to personal concerns such as sexuality, marriage, and reproduction, as well as broader societal issues regarding our economic lives and the environment
Concepts and Methods of Religious Thought
This course is an examination of religious thought, theology, and ethics in the Western traditions of Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam. Using primary texts, particular attention will be given to an exploration of the ways religious individuals and communities understand the divine, human experience, and the world
American Church History
The course is a study of the church in America from the time of British colonization until the mid-nineteenth
century, with special attention given to the roots and varieties of American evangelicalism
Korean Church History
This course provides an overview of the history of the Korean Church from the time of its conception in early
days of Protestant missions until today, spanning about 140 years. It highlights various challenges the young church faced during this tumultuous time, including the eclipse of old Korea (Joseon Dynasty), the rise of nationalism, the Great Revival (1904-7), Japanese imperialism and Shintocrisis, divided nation and the Korean war, post-war industrialization and democratization, theological liberalism and schisms, church growth movement, Korean-diaspora, and missionary expansion, etc. The course should stimulate both academic and ministerial interests in the study of the Korean Church as a remarkable 20th century phenomenon in the world Christianity.
History of Protestant Reformation
This course surveys the origin and development of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century in
its magisterial and radical dimensions, and in its theological, social, educational, cultural, and political expressions. Provides a narrative overview of key developments; examines Reformation historiography; probes the impact of reform ideas on lived spiritual experience; outlines the dynamic between print, literacy, and reform ideas; explores changes in education, the arts and culture; addresses changes in the relationship between church and state wrought by new theological perspectives; and considers the legacy of the Reformation
Modern and Contemporary Christian
Thought
This course is a study of thought from Enlightenment trends to contemporary theological and
philosophical developments. The latter subject includes Nineteenth Century liberalism, Twentieth Century new-orthodoxy, existentialism, and post-existential trends such as secular, liberation, and hope theologies. Attention is also given to recent philosophical movements such as logical positivism, linguistic analysis, and process thought. The course stresses the history of major ideas, the system of formative scholars, and the conservative alternative
Pneumatology
This course explores the identity and mission of the Holy Spirit through listening to the witness of the
Scriptures and the early church, and through critical engagement with contemporary conversations about the Spirit. The first half of the course addresses Biblical foundations and patristic developments, with a particular focus on the Spirt in relation to the doctrine of the Trinity. The second half explores a few contemporary issues in pneumatology. Topics to be covered include: the Spirit in relation to creation and contemporary cosmology; the Spirit in relation to the Church, Scripture, prayer, and the Christian life; Pentecostal and charismatic perspectives on the Spirit; and the task of discernment of the Spirit in the church and the world