Courses that fulfill requirements for Master of Divinity and Course Options for Master of Arts
Please click here to view the 2007 - 2009 CRCDS Catalogue.
Christian Scriptures
CS 102
Introduction to the Old Testament I
George P. Heyman
An introduction to the earlier literature and thought of the Hebrew Bible in its ancient Near Eastern environment and canonical context, concentrating on the Torah and Former Prophets (Genesis - 2 Kings).
CS 103
Introduction to the Old Testament II
Mark Brummitt
As a sequel to Old Testament I, this course will explore the literature and thoughts of the Old Testament, concentrating on the Latter Prophets (Isaiah to Malachi) and the Writings (Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and other post-exilic biblical books), in the context of the development of Israelite history and religion. Attention will also be given to issues relating to biblical theology and hermeneutics arising from these canonical documents and to their abiding significance for Christian faith.
CS 104
Introduction to the Gospels
Robert R. Hann
An introduction to the four gospels. The course places each gospel in its historical, social, cultural and political context so that the distinctive voice of each writer can be heard speaking a word to their own time and a word to ours.
CS 105
Paul and the Pauline Tradition
Gay L. Byron
Paul continues to fascinate and puzzle Christians. This course will introduce Paul and three generations of Pauline literature found in the New Testament to provide a socio-historical context for exploring the questions and challenges posed by those letters and epistles. Particular attention is given to Paul's theology, with an important survey of the socio-psychological and anthropological assumptions, which informed his story of Christ as the crucial turning point in both human and salvation history. CS 292 The Book of Jeremiah Mark Brummitt
An exegetical study taking into account the historical contexts of the Book of Jeremiah, theories of the book’s formation, and the history of its reception, whilst using a variety of interpretative approaches to negotiate this most tricky of biblical texts.
Christian Faith for the Future
CF 102
Christian Theology: Typologies and Themes
James H. Evans, Jr.
An introduction to various types of Christian theology, particularly systematic theology. The course will explore central theological themes, including God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, creation, sin, salvation, grace, the Kingdom of God and the Church. The role of scripture, revelation, tradition, experience and praxis in the formulation of Christian theology will be discussed. Attention will be given to diverse theological voices.
CF 103
Christian Theology: Contexts & Conversations
James H. Evans, Jr.
An introduction to 20th-century Christian theology as it is shaped by and responds to specific cultural, economic, political, religious and social contexts. Conversations in the United States (1900s-1920s around the Social Gospel, in Europe (1930s-1940s around crisis theology the German church struggle, in Latin America (1970s around liberation theology), in Africa (1980s around a theology of enculturation), in Asia (1990s around theological responses to religious pluralism), will be featured and engaged. Throughout, the meanings and methods of ongoing theological work will be considered as contributions to the living Christian tradition being newly created.
CF 110
Introduction to Christian Ethics
Peter W. Peters
An introduction to the field of Christian social ethics by means of a dialogical comparison between traditional Western theological reflection and modern liberationist thought and praxis. This class will focus upon the issues of justice, hermeneutics, membership, conflict, reconciliation and value formation.
CF 120
American Religious History
Christopher H. Evans
This survey course introduces the historical development and transformation of religion in the United States. While various religious groups will be given some attention, the course will focus on the history of American Christianity and address specific historiographical issues related to the study of American Christianity.
CF 129
Protestant Reformation and Its Legacy
Christopher H. Evans
This course examines how the 16th-century Protestant Reformation influenced the historical development of Western Christianity. Through an examination of the theology of Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and Anabaptist movements, the course discusses how the Reformation transformed the religious and cultural landscape of Western Europe. The course also investigates how predominant Reformation theologies influenced the religious and cultural development of American Protestant communities from the 17th through the 19th centuries.
CF 130
The Early and Medieval Church
Christopher H. Evans
A critical survey of the history of Christianity from its inception through the Middle Ages up to and including the beginnings of the sixteenth century reform of the church. Particular attention will be given to major persons and movements, as well as major doctrinal controversies. An exploration of the diversity and multiple forms of Christianity is highlighted, with implications of this legacy for faith and life in contemporary communiti
CF 310
Contemporary Christian Ethics
Professor Robert L. Muhlnickel
This course promotes thinking critically about what we commit ourselves to doing when we sing, “I’m gonna treat everybody right.” The course introduces students to central issues and questions of ethical theory, moral deliberation, and the ministerial task of moral guidance. We consider the sources of Christian ethics, the norms of Christian ethics, and special questions of justice, human distinctiveness, and obligations to the poor. Students are encouraged to read the material carefully, relate it to their calling and their professional responsibility, their intellectual and theological commitments, and cases of moral deliberation in pastoral care. We will explore what contemporary Christian ethics requires of us through reading, discussion, writing, and thinking together.
CF 315
Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land:
Moral and Pastoral Issues in Exile, Immigration, and Relocation
Robert L. Muhlnickel
Christian ministers serve congregations composed of immigrants and exiles, Christian churches participate in refugee resettlement projects, and Christian denominations participate in policy-making, advocacy, and moral deliberation about immigration and relocation for economic, military, and political reasons. This course explores contemporary theological reflection on immigration, exile, and relocation, using biblical sources, inter-religious perspectives, moral and political thinking about human rights, and architectural studies. We will consider membership in a people; the basis of a right to one’s culture; ministry to immigrant peoples; images of home and homelessness; moral and political issues of immigration; and public issues of immigration policy. We examine the wisdom of a Native American leader who offers a model of leadership during relocation and cultural destruction.
CF MS 354
Medieval Women and Religious Culture
Cynthia M. Rasmussen
This seminar examines the lives and writings of women in the medieval church. Participants seek to examine the ways in which the experience of these women shaped their religious convictions and how, in turn, their religious convictions informed the interpretation of their own experience. Opportunity is given to consider the implications that this interaction of faith and experience may hold for the church today. Among the women and communities studied are Catherine of Siena, Joan of Arc, Julian of Norwich, and the Nunneries in Merovingian Gaul.
CF 255
Sexual Ethics
We will consider contemporary sexual ethics with particular attention to historically marginalized perspectives, including feminist, race critical, LGBT, and queer theory. How should we understand the dynamics of heteronormativity, gender dualism, sexualized racism, and queer expression? How do sex and sexuality relate to socio-cultural regulation and political economy, more generally? What do ethics of sex, orientation, and gender suggest for social order and meaning? Projects will incorporate popular culture as sites of contest and constructive analysis.
CF 256
Medical Ethics
This course addresses healthcare ethics, combining principles, feminist, and case study approaches. We will consider moral dimensions of social practice around a number of issues, including euthanasia, assisted reproduction, genetic testing, medical discrimination, organ transplantation, HIV/AIDS, and the health-care delivery system.
CF 410
Ethics of Healthcare and Healing
Robert L. Muhlnickel
The Christian tradition shares a concern for healing of mind, body, soul, and community with other religious traditions and with groups organized around moral, political, and scientific and medical values. Contemporary reflection on healing and healthcare is a pluralistic project; so we shall address the Christian leader’s response to moral and social pluralism. In this course we shall use reading, discussion, lecture, and reflection to learn about the following topics: concepts of health and healthcare; the place of prayer in healing; the religious significance of health and illness; the distribution of the benefits and burdens of healthcare in various theories of social justice, including benefits and burdens associated with membership in historical and contemporary privileged and stigmatized groups; and the responsibilities and privileges associated with the status of healthcare professionals and clergy. We shall study the moral issues arising in some of the following clinical-pastoral problems: abortion; treatment of impaired infants; care of the dying; suicide and euthanasia; patient autonomy; human genetics; medical enhancement; embryonic stem cells; and the value of non-human animals. Students are expected to participate in discussion of moral theory and issues, pastoral responses to congregants facing healthcare issues, social responsibility for shaping the healthcare system, and effective preaching about healing and moral issues in medicine.
Ministry in a Multicultural, Multireligious Society
MS 121
Living Religions:US & Global Perspectives and Practices
Melanie A. May
This course will introduce students to the world's religions here in the United States and globally. Both locally and globally it is increasingly clear that no religious community lives or can live in isolation from a multitude of other religious communities One cannot be a Christian in America without somehow engaging and making sense of the vast diversity of religious life. Moreover, it is abundantly clear that religion plays a newly significant role politically and economically as well as socio-culturally. Accordingly, this course will attend to religious fundamentalisms, post-colonialisms and neocolonialism, ethnicity and race, gender and sexuality and their religious impacts. Particular attention will be paid to Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Indigenous traditions will also be surveyed together with Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant Christian traditions worldwide. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to visits to a variety of religious communities in the Rochester area. Religious practices will thereby be highlighted, together with learning to be a respectful guest and ways to offer generous hospitality.
MS 159
Christian Theological Responses to Religious Pluralism
Melanie A. May
Christians live amid growing religious pluralism, here in the United States and around the world. This course explores ways in which Christians have responded to religious pluralism, primarily in contemporary contexts but also with attention to biblical and historical perspectives. We ask questions such as: How do we understand religious pluralism? What challenges does religious pluralism pose for Christian theology? For example, if God created all persons in God's image, how do we as Christians understand God's presence in the lives of all human beings, including those of other religious traditions? What is the relation of God's revelation in Jesus Christ to God's activity as creator of the universe and to the ongoing work of God's spirit in creation? What is faithful dialogue with people of other religious traditions? How are dialogue and mission related? We also address issues of religion and global responsibility. These issues include religious nationalism, religious violence, ethnic cleansing, economic injustice, fundamentalism, religious movements for liberation, and models for being good neighbors with people of other living faith communities. Throughout the course, we consider the implications, pastorally and practically, of inter-religious dialogue to the practice of ministry.
MS 160
Introduction to Black Theology
James H. Evans, Jr.
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the theological enterprise as it has developed in the African-American Christian community. This will be a lecture and discussion course, and each student will contribute to the learning and teaching process. The course will begin with an overview of the distinctive events and themes in the emergence of black theology in the United States. It will include an examination of the major systematic motifs in black theology. The course will conclude with a discussion of current themes and emphases in black theology.
MS 169
Islam: An Introduction
Muhammad Shafiq
This course will be an introduction to beliefs and pillars of Islam, including topics on Shari`ah, theology and mystical tradition of Islam. Patterns of Muslims’ personal and community life will be considered, as well as Islam and Muslims in the contemporary world along with issues of Jihad in Islam. Finally, there will be a selective study of the Qur`an on topics: the prophets of Islam, Mary and Jesus, and heaven and hell. Issues of interfaith and dialogue will be explored.
MS 202
Women in Ministry in the Worldwide Church
Melanie A. May
The World Council of Churches Ecumenical Decade 1988-1998: Churches in Solidarity with Women and WCC Study “On Being the Church: Women’s Voices and Visions”, provide the frame for our focus on matters of concern, e.g., violence against women and children, poverty and racism, for women in ministry in the worldwide church. Women's creative responses, theological, liturgical, and spiritual, will be engaged and related to our own practices of ministry in the church and world.
CF MS 206
Historical and Normative Themes in Black Church History - Part II
John S. Walker
This course is constructed to emphasize the major events and personalities of the black church in America from approximately 1830 to 1940. Additionally, when necessary, discussion relative to the role of the church as participants in movements such as civil rights and black liberation will be included. Of importance will be profile studies of historic figures of the black church. Also included will be some discussions examining the various subjects of controversies, conflicts and doctrinal disputes of the church, including denominationalism and study of the National Baptist Convention, Incorporated. The unity question relative to black Methodism will also be explored
CS MS 312
Gender & Sexuality in Early Christian Literature
Gay L. Byron
This course introduces students to some of the diverse representations of gender and sexuality within early Christian writings. Students will analyze the different social and historical conditions that gave rise to the representations of both males and females within the ancient world as a springboard for assessing how early Christian authors developed discourses about gender and sexuality. Throughout the course, students will compare and contrast the different roles of females and males, and the various power relationships that existed within early Christian communities. This course will also provide students an opportunity to analyze and evaluate contemporary discussions about sexuality within mainline denominations.
CF MS 354
Medieval Women and Religious Culture
Cynthia M. Rasmussen
This seminar examines the lives and writings of women in the medieval church. Participants seek to examine the ways in which the experience of these women shaped their religious convictions and how, in turn, their religious convictions informed the interpretation of their own experience. Opportunity is given to consider the implications that this interaction of faith and experience may hold for the church today. Among the women and communities studied are Catherine of Siena, Joan of Arc, Julian of Norwich, and the Nunneries in Merovingian Gaul.
CS MS 372
Ethnic Diversity in Early Christianity
Gay L. Byron
Early Christian writings were produced in a rich context of religious and ethnic diversity. This course will examine how ethnic diversity is represented in early Christian writings and explore the various social, political, religious and cultural factors that gave rise to such representations. Utilizing ancient ethnographic theory, the students will be given an opportunity to assess how ethnic discourse influenced the construction of the New Testament and other early Christian writings. Students will be encouraged to explore how ethnic diversity within early Christian writings raises questions about how we handle diversity in contemporary church and society.
CS MS 141
African American Biblical Hermeneutics
Gay L. Byron
This course is designed to introduce the student to a variety of exegetical approaches used by African American biblical scholars and other scholars of African descent. We will begin with an analysis of the historical-critical method and examine some of the reasons why this approach to biblical interpretation presented a “hermeneutical dilemma” for African American interpreters. The course will provide a historical framework for understanding the evolution of how people of African descent have creatively interpreted the Bible given their socio-political location and ideological concerns. Special attention will be devoted to womanist biblical hermeneutics and South African exegetical methods. The students will also have an opportunity to assess the usefulness of African American biblical hermeneutics for preaching and teaching within their respective communities of faith.
MS PT 324
Gender Issues in Pastoral Theology
Marcia B. Bailey
The construct of gender influences the experience of everyone in society. This class will explore gender issues that are specific to women, girls, boys, men and transgender persons through class discussion in response to readings, film, music, and art. Students will become familiar with some common dysfunctions related to gender, and think together about specific strategies for ministry in light of gender experience. A look at gender realities post 9/11 and reflection on gender and ministerial leadership are also a part of this class.
MS PT 333
The Dance of Women’s Spirituality
Stephanie L. Sauvé
The course is designed to invite students to explore, develop, stretch and enhance spiritual knowledge and practices. The purpose of the course is to dance. As leaders in faith communities we need to learn ways to tend to our spiritual journey while we are tending to the spirits of others. This course will offer students a variety of tools, approaches, methodologies and practices to engage as dance partners for their life journey. It is impossible to exhaust this topic in one three-credit course. Therefore, the intent of this course is to lay a foundation and to invite students to continually and proactively fill the well of their spiritual self.
Traditional & Emerging Practices of Theology
PT 110
Ministry Practicum: Baptism, Eucharist Weddings,
Funerals & Seasons of the Church Year
Professor Linda Evans
PT 117
Introduction to Pastoral Care
Stephanie Sauvé
This course offers a basic introduction to theological foundations for parish pastoral care and counseling and practice in counseling in a congregational setting. Students are expected to think about and practice counseling theories, developing a critical understanding of these through a theological tradition and polity that is comfortable to them.
PT 118
Introduction to Preaching
Gail A. Ricciuti
What distinguishes preaching that is pastoral, communicative of the Gospel, scripturally-rooted and spiritually liberating? Exploring these questions, the course will address sermon preparation and delivery, with opportunities for students to integrate theory and practice by preaching in class. Attention will be given to the use of language, metaphor and imagination, and responsible encounter with the biblical text.
PT 127
Preaching the Liturgical Season: Lent, Easter, Pentecost
Gail A. Ricciuti
An introductory preaching course with a focus upon interpreting homiletically the biblical/theological themes of Lent, Easter, and Pentecost, following the Revised Common Lectionary. The course will address sermon preparation and delivery, with opportunities for students to integrate theory and practice by preaching in class. Attention will be given to the use of language, metaphor and imagination, and communication of the Gospel to contemporary congregations.
PT 182
The Ministry of Teaching
An introductory course in religious education, focusing on theological understandings of religious education, the dynamics of how cultural and congregational life educates people, and the ways in which one is simultaneously "pastor," "teacher" and "learner." The course will not simply review theory, however. Through site visits, interaction with practicing religious educators, and the use of and creation of Web resources, the course will strive to be practical as well as theoretical.
PT 202, 203
Supervised Ministry
Stephanie Sauvé
The focus of these two units is on doing ministry in a specific setting (i.e., field placement). Seminarians will identify and work on developing the skills and competencies they need for actively doing ministry and reflecting theologically on their experiences. The yearlong sequence will continue to use case studies for processing field experience. It will also continue exploration of ministry moments with a particular focus on such things as self-understanding, multifaceted reflection and different meanings of calling. Both units will meet as weekly seminars. The two units will also be designed so that a seminarian can enter the sequence either semester.
PT 301
End-of-Life Issues in Pastoral Ministry
Barbara A. Moore
With the advances in medical procedures and treatments, pastoral leaders are finding themselves faced with families and individuals who are looking for answers, approaches and directions as they address "end-of-life" issues for themselves and those they love. This course will not only address contemporary medical and pastoral care approaches, but the practical community helps that are available when these issues are addressed.
PT 434
Pastoral Care with Children and Adolescents
William B. Reynolds
This course will offer theological, pastoral, developmental, psychological and practical perspectives on offering pastoral care to children and adolescents. Particular attention will be give to particular issues and opportunities in offering pastoral care to children and adolescents dealing with loss, illness, disability, abuse and mental health issues.
This course explores historical and denominational aspects of major sacraments and rituals in the Christian faith. These customs and practices will be placed in conversation with those of other faith traditions.
MS PT 324
Gender Issues in Pastoral Theology
Marcia B. Bailey
The construct of gender influences the experience of everyone in society. This class will explore gender issues that are specific to women, girls, boys, men and transgender persons through class discussion in response to readings, film, music, and art. Students will become familiar with some common dysfunctions related to gender, and think together about specific strategies for ministry in light of gender experience. A look at gender realities post 9/11 and reflection on gender and ministerial leadership are also a part of this class.
CF PT 220
Business Ethics in Christian Perspective
Business affects the moral quality of life for more Americans than perhaps any other single institution, shaping us as persons through our various roles as workers, managers, shareholders, consumers, and as members of local, national, and international communities. This course addresses questions of social and moral significance arising in the contemporary business environment. As Christians, how should we respond to corporate culture? Should business account for the needs of a variety of constituencies or seek to maximize profitability for owners? To what extent are churches governed by business standards? What are we to make of current trends in economic globalization? As religious leaders, how might we relate to parishioners steeped in the contemporary business world? Using a case-study method, law and public policy will be our major touchstones as we analyze and discuss contemporary business ethics.
CF PT 259
Ministerial Ethics
Robert L. Muhlnickel and Susan S. Maybeck
Understanding and responding to ethical issues in pastoral ministry requires sensitivity to others, careful reasoning, awareness of multiple facts, and emotional and spiritual self-awareness. The requirements are: Know yourself. Know your God. Know the law. Know your responsibilities. This course helps students attain this knowledge in the person of the minister and the ideals of ministry. We shall discuss the foundations of ministerial ethics in moral principles, the values endorsed in the Christian traditions, and the minister’s personal strengths. Topics to be discussed include the concept of ministry as profession, calling, and office; emotions, needs, and ambitions; roles, boundaries, and responsibilities; wrongdoing and forgiveness; prophetic preaching; and doctrinal views that influence ministerial ethics. The course includes faculty presentations, reading and discussion, and writing to learn. Students are expected to make presentations and write a final paper.
CF 369
Divine Commands: Theological and Philosophical Issues
Robert L. Muhlnickel
Christian and Hebrew scriptures portray God‘s and Jesus’ words to us as ‘commands.’ There are Ten Commandments, Jesus’ love command, and the command to ‘pray always.’ This course explores three issues having to do with commandments. First, we analyze what it means for God to command, as understood in contemporary ethical theory. By carefully reading Robert M. Adams’ recent, sophisticated defense of divine command ethics, we shall consider whether the concept of a divine command is coherent, how we could know what are God’s commands, how a morality centered on God’s commands should be understood, and the radicalness of God’s commands compared to ordinary morality. Second, we consider the place of the Ten Commandments in Christianity including historical and contemporary theological reflection on inter-testamental relations, the relation of law to salvation, the place of the Ten Commandments in ethics and pastoral care. Third, we shall consider the command to “pray always” in Christian spirituality.
Electives
CF 121
Evangelism
Peter Agnew
The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to develop, for their own ministries, an understanding of evangelism that meets the criteria of (1) charity, (2) fidelity, (3) depth, (4) sensitivity to issues of context and justice, and (5) applicability.
CF 204
John Wesley
Christopher H. Evans
This course explores the ministry, theology, spirituality and ethics of John and Charles Wesley and the Wesleyan movement. It provides a basic introduction to the social context of the 18th century in which the Wesleyan movement developed, to its primary theological themes and controversies, and to its mission emphases. It builds an understanding of Wesleyan spirituality through the historical study and the contemporary practice of the means of grace. It is open to all students but fulfills a United Methodist denominational requirement.
CF 259
Religion and African American Literature
James H. Evans, Jr.
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of study which encompasses religion and literature. We will examine religious motifs and themes in selected 20th century novels and autobiographies. Emphases will include the impact of faith in the lives of authors as they find expression in their work. We will study the works of Richard Wright, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Ralph Ellison, among others. The objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the interrelationship between African American literary and religious expression.
CF 270
Theology of Baptism
James H. Evans, Jr.
This course is designed to introduce students to the history and doctrine of Baptism in the life of the Church. We will examine the development of the practice and theology of baptism in the Bible and through the early centuries of the existence of the church. Emphases will include the differences and similarities in the understanding of baptism in different faith communities. We will study both historical and contemporary works on the topic. The objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of this ancient Christian practice for the church today.
CF 352
United Methodist History & Theology
Christopher H. Evans
This course examines the development of United Methodist history and theology from the time of John Wesley to the present. In addition to acquainting students with significant historical and theological movements within the United Methodist tradition, the course will increase student awareness of how these movements have impacted denominational identity at the close of the 20th century.
CF 356 PT 358
Faith & Life of the Baptists
(TBA)
This course will survey the story of the Baptist witness and examine how this tradition became so theologically and culturally diverse. It will address questions about who Baptists are, where they came from and what they believe. Students will receive practical instruction in the pastor’s administrative role, current Baptist governance, and the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The course will also consider contemporary debates over Baptist identity and polity. Primary attention will be given to course members' needs in the ordination process.
CF 359
United Methodist Polity
Christopher H. Evans
This course will examine the development of United Methodist polity from a historical and theological perspective. Students will become familiar with the nature and implications of connectionalism, studying "The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church" as well as supplemental readings. Attention will be paid to how United Methodist polity relates to contemporary issues of ministry and mission.
CF 404
Walter Rauschenbusch and the Social Gospel
Christopher H. Evans
This course explores the American social gospel movement of the late 19th and early 20th century, with emphasis on the life and thought of Walter Rauschenbusch. The class will analyze the social gospel's theological roots and assess the movement's influence on 20th-century American religious history. Special emphasis will center on Rauschenbusch's impact upon later movements of 20th-century theology and ethics, including neo-orthodox, feminist, and African-American liberation perspectives.
CF 420
Faith, History, and Popular Culture
Christopher H. Evans
This course investigates how popular culture has influenced Christian faith and practice in North American religious history. Reviewing sources in film, television, music, and fiction, the course examines popular culture's influence upon contemporary North American understandings of faith. Additionally, the course explores popular culture's impact upon the theory and practice of ministry.
CF 458
Theology of Karl Barth
James H. Evans, Jr.
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an opportunity to study critically and assess the theology of Karl Barth. It will examine the nature of the theological task for Barth, his view of the history of modern theological thought, his exposition of the major theological doctrines, and later reflections on his theological career. The issues and concerns expressed in Barth's theology will be examined in light of historical and contemporary options.
This course is designed to explore the motivations for evangelism, to articulate Biblical and theological foundations for evangelism, examine the understanding and practice of evangelism in the last two centuries, develop a holistic understanding of evangelism in the contemporary world and to empower the people of God to evangelize with sensitivity and integrity.
MS CF 201
Women in American Religion
Christopher H. Evans
This course investigates the contribution of women in American religious history. Tracing women's participation in American religion from the colonial settlement to the present, the course analyzes ways that women's leadership has shaped the religious and cultural development of the United States. The class examines the leadership models developed by women of diverse racial, ethnic, and class backgrounds, investigating how the history of women in American religion informs a contemporary understanding of gender in the 21st-century North American church and society
MS CF 279
African Religions
Prince S. Conteh
This course examines the world view and religion of the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa. It will address the components, theology, rites and rituals of African Traditional Religion (ATR), its past and present interactions with other faiths and its place in inter-religious dialogue. Special attention will be paid to the modern practice of ATR in Africa and in the Diaspora, and to the responses of ATR to modern social issues.
MS CF 281
African-American Philosophy
James H. Evans, Jr.
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the major themes, methods, and motifs in African-American Philosophy. We will read selected texts in light of the Western philosophical tradition and attempt to critically assess the resources that these texts may provide for contemporary theological understanding. Special attention will be paid to the notion of "Africa" as a central concept and to the contribution of African-American philosophy to the development of African-American theology. Sessions will focus on thinkers, themes or both.
MS CF 333
Borderland Theology & Ministry: A Mexican-U.S Sojourn (Offered June 2007) Melanie A. May
This course will engage the lives of the people of God living in the borderlands along the Mexican-U.S. border. We will address issues of global economies, militarization, immigration, popular resistance to oppression and violence, together with theological reflection on these realities. The course will begin at CRCDS for discussion of pre-assigned readings. We will then travel to Tuscon to participate in a seminar organized by BorderLinks, a bi-national, non-profit organization that offers educational seminars along the border (June 2-9, 2007). The headquarters of BorderLinks “on the other side” is Nogales, where we will explore Mexican maquiladoras, labor conditions, environmental problems, health concerns, the U.S. Border Patrol, and women’s rights. The course will conclude with a time at CRCDS to reflect on readings and realities.
MS CF 562
Pornography, Prostitution, and An Iconography of Women in Christianity
Melanie A. May
An exploration of pornography and prostitution—in various historical and contemporary settings—in order to clarify and critique ways in which women have been and are represented in some strands of Christian tradition. With Mary Magdalene as companion, we will address theological understandings of the body, sexuality, and power. We will also address the ever more urgent issues of poverty and violence against women, asking about the role and responsibility of the churches. Throughout, we will engage the implications of these issues for ministerial practice.
CS 108
Biblical Hebrew I
George P. Heyman
An introduction to the elements of classical Hebrew grammar and vocabulary.
CS 109
Biblical Hebrew II
George P. Heyman
A continuation of Biblical Hebrew I. Basic grammar, chiefly irregular verbs. Reading, translation and exegetical reflection on selected texts of both prose and poetry from the Hebrew Bible. Systematic vocabulary-building.
CS 110
Biblical Greek I
Robert R. Hann
Biblical Greek I is the first semester introduction to the grammar, syntax and vocabulary of Koine Greek. Using the classic grammar of Machen, students will learn the fundamentals of New Testament Greek, mastering the tools prerequisite to accomplished reading of the Greek text, the focus of the second semester.
CS 111
Biblical Greek II
Robert R. Hann
Biblical Greek II builds on knowledge and understanding of the basic grammatical forms and constructions found in the Greek New Testament. Emphasis is also placed on examining the application of this grammatical understanding to actual New Testament texts, and on exploring how a particular grammatical form or usage can help the student in interpreting and understanding a specific text.
CS 209
The Gospel of Mark: A Story for Our Time
The Gospel of Mark was written to a community of Christians suffering from the shock of the First Jewish Revolt (sometime between 66-73 C.E.). War had turned their world upside down, especially the siege and eventual destruction of Jerusalem as well as the razing of the temple in Jerusalem. In the midst of this crisis, Mark fashioned a story of Jesus meant to speak to followers of Jesus in his day. This course will explore how Mark’s story of Jesus spoke to his time and how Mark’s story speaks to our time. How can the resources of this Gospel nurture and challenge our communities of faith also living through troubled times. Each Gospel is more than a story; it is a multitude of stories woven together. This seminar will seek to explore how Mark’s story of Jesus and the many stories contained therein speak to our day.
CS 262
Stories of Creation and the Old Testament: Genesis, Isaiah, and Other Selected Texts
Mark Brummitt
A study of creation stories from the ancient world with special attention on those in the Old Testament. While the course is primarily exegetical—engaged in close reading of the Biblical text—there will also be time for comparative, cultural, and theological reflection.
CS 272
Narrative Literature in the Old Testament: Ruth, Jonah, and Esther
Mark Brummitt
An exegetical study and study of exegesis, this course will not only involve a critical examination of three texts from the Old Testament, but also the reading strategies used to interpret them. As we read, we will take into account such things as narration, characterization, plot, and style, observing, too, the representation or production of ideologies such as national and sexual identities.
CS 290
Biblical Interpretation in a Multicultural World
The course will study how Christians throughout the global church are interpreting Scripture and struggling with the problem of hermeneutics (how we are to interpret Scripture). Students will read perspectives from men and women in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and North America. What can the church learn from these multiple voices and perspectives?
CS 351
The Letter of James
Gay L. Byron
This course will introduce the student to the historical, socio-political, cultural, and literary factors that occasioned the Letter of James. Special attention will be given to exploring the moral exhortations and theological instructions contained in the letter, with emphasis on clarifying the author’s teachings about faith. Analysis of the text in Greek is encouraged, but not required.
CS 363
The Gospel of John
Gay L. Byron
This course explores the ancient origins and development of Johannine Christianity. The students, via collaborative and independent research, will analyze the historical, cultural and theological concerns that occasioned the Johannine writings. The socio-political and rhetorical background of the writings will also be examined.
CS 454
Parables of Jesus (additional ½ credit with exegesis)
A study of Jesus' parables from a variety of perspectives proposed in current study of the parables. The parables will be studied in the context of modern short stories and poetry. How does one become a parable in ministry and in the prophetic tradition of truth telling in the contemporary world?
CS 457
Corinthian Correspondence
Gay L. Byron
This course analyzes the historical, socio-political, cultural and theological issues that occasioned the letters known as First and Second Corinthians. Special attention will be given to exploring the involvement of women in the Corinthian church, assessing Paul's views about the resurrection of Christ and the Lord's Supper, and analyzing Paul's effectiveness as a community builder and pastor. Students will be encouraged to identify the implications of these letters for contemporary church debates. Analysis of texts in original Greek is encouraged.
CS 479
Luke-Acts as Story and History
Luke-Acts is both early church history and a good story. It is literature and history. This course will explore these two ways of viewing Luke-Acts to learn what they can teach us about the storied nature of history and the importance of remembering our past for the sake of the present and future.
CS 484
New Testament Text Criticism (Greek Exegesis)
Gay L. Byron
This course is an introduction to the methods and principles of New Testament text criticism. Using a variety of Greek texts representing the diverse traditions that make up the New Testament, students will learn technical aspects of exegesis and explore the ways in which cultural assumptions influence interpretations of texts. Students enrolling in this class should have a working knowledge of Koine Greek.
CS CF 402
New Testament Ethics
Gay L. Byron
This course explores the origins of early Christian morality with particular attention to the different expressions of ethical discourse and behavior within the New Testament. We will examine how early Christian writers appropriated ideas from Jewish and Greco-Roman moral traditions related to gender, sexuality, community, poverty and wealth. Special attention will be devoted to understanding early Christian ethical teachings and their influence on contemporary Christian communities.
CS CF 422
Biblical Themes and Human Dilemmas in Cinema
A course that explores how film embodies biblical themes in its portrayal of human dilemmas. Students will explore the presence of themes found in Paul's letters, the Gospels and the Book of Revelation while learning the language and "grammar" of cinema.
CS CF 467
New Testament Ethics
Gay Byron
This course offers a survey of the ethical principles and mandates in the New Testament literature, with particular attention to the ethical discourses in the synoptic Gospels, the Pauline writings, and the Johannine corpus. We will also analyze in detail the Sermon on the Mount and the theological and ethical teachings of this text
CS CF 469
Revelation for the New Millennium
The Book of Revelation is a pastoral letter written to churches about to suffer Roman persecution. This pastoral letter, written in the form of an apocalypse, has provided hope for generations of Christians during times of deep stress, and it has captivated the human imagination with its vision of a millennial reign of God on earth. This course will explore the Book of Revelation in its own setting before examining some of the literature and social movements that have taken inspiration from this important book. Finally, we will ask what it has to say to us today.
CS CF 481
New Testament Theologies
The course will explore contemporary New Testament theologies and the variety of theologies found in the New Testament itself. The interplay of points of view and the conversations they generate will be explored as a model for how the church can deal with a variety of strong convictions.
CS MS 361
Ascetic Dimensions of the Black Church Tradition
Gay L. Byron
This course examines different early Christian ascetic experiments as evidenced in the New Testament and other early Christian literature mostly from Alexandria and the Egyptian desert. Students will be encouraged to analyze the intersection of spirituality and politics within the writings. Special attention will be devoted to exploring the usefulness of early Christian ascetic writings for understanding African American spirituality and the "Black Church Tradition."
CS MS 422
The Historical Jesus in Global Context
The course will explore the renascence of interest in the historical Jesus since 1980 and explore how Christians in Africa, Asia and Latin America have been pursuing their own "quests for the historical Jesus." The global context will provide perspective to the American "quest."
CS MS 521
Early Christianity with the Nile Valley
Gay L. Byron
This course will explore the origins of Christianity in the Nile Valley region of Africa. We will begin with a geographical, historical, and cultural overview of Egypt and Ethiopia and analyze the ways in which these places are represented in Biblical and extra-Biblical sources. We will then survey literary and archaeological sources from different parts of Egypt, including Alexandria and the Delta, the Fayyum, and Thebes, as well as various areas of Ethiopia, with special attention devoted to the Axumite Empire and the interactions between this empire and other parts of the Greco-Roman world. By the end of the course, students will understand the development of Nile Valley Christianity and its significance within the broad historical framework of what is considered early Christianity.
CS PT 260
Hebrews & the General Epistles
The Epistle to the Hebrews and the General Epistles (1 and 2 Peter, James, and Jude) represent slices of the diversity of early Christianity, which gained representation in the canon of the New Testament. Studying these documents (particularly Hebrews, 1 Peter and James) in conjunction with other, non-canonical Christian writings, we will explore alternative presentations of the Christian Gospel in the first century of the Christian era, and their distinctive contributions to the scriptural canon of the developing Christian church. With the backdrop of the multicultural world of early Christianity and the developing Christian church, students will be encouraged to reflect upon the nature, variety and adaptability of the Christian Gospel in the first and the 21st centuries.
CS PT 413
Preaching the Lectionary
A study and interpretation of the Revised Common Lectionary readings in preparation for possible preaching on the Sunday following the class.
PT 129
Preaching in the Black Church Tradition
James H. Evans, Jr.
We live in a multi-cultured, multi-faceted era where the need for clear and concise preaching is more necessary than ever before. The basic question we must ask is: “What does it mean to effectively preach in the Black church tradition in the 21st century”.
PT 190
Christian Education
Linda Evans
This course is a survey of Christian Education that spans the period of the Old Testament (as reflected in the Bible) through and including the 16th century. The course is also designed for students who seek to develop a theological understanding to teaching using historical materials, and increase capacity as it relates to teaching techniques in academic and/or church settings.
PT 242
Church Administration
Gail A. Ricciuti
The day-to-day and cyclical administration of the local church is influenced by a multiplicity of factors: among them, size, congregational makeup, leadership styles and expectations, gender issues, staff relationships, denominational and congregational understandings of leadership, decision-making style, communication, and community context. This course will explore these issues in relation to administrative styles and approaches that may borrow from the best wisdom of the corporate world but are specifically congruent with the Christian faith. Varied formats will be used for the class: role plays, case studies, discussion of readings, lectures, and use of evaluative tools to assist students in identifying their own leadership style and envisioning effective styles appropriate to the church. Guests from fields of pastoral ministry and organizational administration & finance will regularly visit the class to speak about their own leadership values and administrative work with regard to specific daily course foci.
PT 275
Preaching and the Arts
Gail A. Ricciuti
The course will examine how it is that preaching is an art and preachers, artists by exploring what characterizes the human endeavors routinely identified as art, and subsequently the affinity between preaching and other arts. Along the way, we will explore the biblical roots of the creative act, consider the artistic value of ambiguity, and compare the approaches of other artists with the task of sermon preparation, identifying practices that might be adopted intentionally by preachers in their own “studios,” while searching for a consequent artistic spirituality for the homiletician. Students will have the opportunity to preach in class (the number of preaching occasions dependent upon number of students enrolled), with a goal of understanding the difference between artful preaching and that which is cheaply sentimental and by what means preachers can avoid falling into that morass. In addition, a number of other pedagogical approaches will be employed in the course: lecture, discussion, at least one field trip, and “hands-on” exercises with artistic representations. Intro required; may be taken concurrently.
PT 360
Presbyterian Confessions & Worship
Pat Youngdahl
An examination of the Reformed theological traditions and biblical principles, which form the foundation of the Book of Confessions. Open to all students, but necessary for Presbyterians preparing for the theology exam in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
PT 365
Presbyterian Book of Order
Stephanie Sauvé
A study of Presbyterian Polity through the Book of Order.
PT 369
Intermediate Preaching
Gail A. Ricciuti
Beyond the basic approaches and skills for sermon development and preaching, a number of deeper questions and issues face the preacher in a parish context. Among them are:
- problematic biblical perspectives (and/or conundrums) appropriate to ancient peoples but begging reinterpretation for contemporary believers (including the meaning/use of myth; standpoints on violence; misogyny; universalism and particularity)
- the challenge of intra-congregational situations, frictions, and attitudes
- pastoral occasions related to significant rites of passage in life (baptism, confirmation and profession of faith, weddings, funerals)
- the task of addressing Christian social responsibility in the face of societal and global issues particular to our day (including domestic violence, militarism, war and peace, and issues of diversity); and
- ways to make preaching vital, engaging, and compelling in a media-soaked world.
While exploring and addressing these issues, the course will also work with other specific homiletical/contextual problems and predicaments brought to the table by students from within their current settings in ministry.
PT 414
Sexuality & Pastoral Care
Susan Maybeck
Information, experiences abound related to sexuality. Our denominations and churches spend a great deal of time on issues related to sexuality. But are pastors prepared for dealing with the wide array of the ramifications of sexuality? This course will consider some of the issues that pastors will meet on a daily basis and some that will come as a surprise. Biblical, theological, and psychological background will be discussed. Practical pastoral tools such as Bible Study, sermons, counseling, and case studies will be presented by the professor and students.
PT 457
Arts of Liturgy
Gail A. Ricciuti
The course examines theology and praxis of sacramental and liturgical occasions and events in the life of the church, incorporating perspectives of various traditions on baptism, eucharist, weddings, and funerals. Included are the structure and flow of the liturgical year, and constructing the order of service for the Lord's Day. The approach is both theoretical and practical, to equip students with the basic tools needed by worship leaders.
PT 480
Conflict Transformation in Faith Communities
Stephanie Sauvé
The course is built around a seven-step process for managing and/or resolving conflict. Preliminary utilization of this process is a clear understanding of conflict, its causes and consequences, and the usual societal response.
MS PT 303
Native American Spirituality
Stephanie L. Sauve'
This class will explore some aspects of Native American spirituality. We will look to the four directions, seeking as we strive to gain wisdom, insight and appreciation. This class will be an opportunity to learn of the ways of the First People of this continent, called “Turtle Island.” As we begin to honor these Sisters and Brothers, we will come to understand that “spirituality” is part of everyday life; it cannot be separated out. When Native people cook, dance, do beadwork, hunt, gather food or herbs for medicines, they are praying.
PT MS 330
Liberating Liturgy: Women as Celebrants
Gail A. Ricciuti
The course will explore, from a feminist perspective, the various modes of liturgy and ritual used in corporate worship and their history, theology and practice. Trinitarian formulations and alternative forms of corporate prayer will also be examined. Students will compose original prayers and experiment with creative rituals and liturgies addressing and expressing women's experience of the Holy.
PT MS 425
Advanced Feminist Preaching
Gail A. Ricciuti
The course will familiarize students with the evolving body of thought on homiletics from a feminist perspective and the feminist theologies that undergird such preaching, including a segment on womanist preaching. Particular attention will be given to reading strategies such as gender reversal, analogy and women as exchange objects, and to preaching on issues directly related to women's lives in contemporary society. Students will have opportunities to practice these methodologies by preaching in class.
Master of Divinity
INT 653, 654 Independent Study
INT 655, 656 Independent Study
Master of Arts
INT 651, 652 Thesis/Project
Required Courses for Doctor of Ministry
INT 701
Doctor of Ministry Seminar I: Discerning the Context for Ministry in the 21st Century Melanie A. May
Beginning with a historical and theological study of how the Church was at first active across the full range of human concerns, but in later centuries reduced its arena of concern to the "spiritual," this course then suggests a future for ministry which envisions a call once more for the practice of faith across the widest spectrum of social expressions. A biblical theology of creation-shalom will be explored as a resource for re-visioning ministry in the context of contemporary postmodern culture.
INT 702
Doctor of Ministry Seminar II: Transformative Leadership in the CRCDS Tradition
Christopher H. Evans
This course will provide students opportunities to reflect on the distinctive legacy of Colgate Rochester Crozer as a starting point for developing relevant and healthy Christian ministries for the early 21st century. Students will engage in congregational and cultural analysis, discuss contemporary theological issues in relation to these analyses, discuss the evolving role of ministries in their communities and explore the changing role of leadership. A goal of the course is to better enable students to contribute to the development of life bringing ministries that effect renewal within the tradition of Evangelical Liberalism and the Social Gospel tradition.
INT 703
The Prophetic Tradition in Biblical Leadership
Mark Brummitt
This course examines the prophetic traditions of Israel in the New Testament and its continuance in the contemporary world. What is the prophetic tradition? What are its elements? How have they been expressed in the Old and New Testaments? How are they alive and vibrant in the modern world? What does the prophetic tradition mean for the character of ministry? The course seeks to 1) gain an understanding of the prophetic tradition in ancient Israel, its various forms and its varied roles so that the seminar member can identify its ongoing vitality and changes over time, 2) assess the role of “prophesy” in the New Testament church, its various roles and its relationship to the prophetic traditions of Israel so that the student can compare the nature of prophesy and prophets in the Old and New Testaments and identify changes in the tradition and explore why they occurred, and 3) inquire where the prophetic tradition is alive in the church today, what forms it has taken, where it is to be found, on whose behalf it is exercised, and why it has assumed the forms it has, so that students can evaluate the ongoing importance of prophetic ministry for church in the world.
Elective Courses:
INT 704
The Global Economy: Theological & Biblical Perspectives on Wealth and Poverty
Melanie May/Anthony Ricciuti
Today’s global economy operates with economic assumptions and values that differ from and conflict with Biblical and theological understandings of economy. This conflict often leads congregations and denominations into preaching a theological message of caring for the poor, marginalized, dispossessed, while engaging in practices that are said to create poverty, marginalizations and dispossession. After exploring various theological interpretations of the present form of globalization and engaging in Bible study, we will focus on concrete issues around which the conflict in world views leads individual Christians and the church into areas of ambiguity and concern. We will then discuss individual and corporate strategies for practices that help us close the gap between what we preach and what we practice.
INT 705
Gender Analysis for Transformative Leadership
Marcia Bailey
The psychology of women, the advent of men’s studies, the politics of homophobia, new pastoral understandings of women and men, issues of sexual abuse and harassment, an emerging appreciation of gender myths and the escalation of violence, new appreciations of different styles of knowing have all transformed pastoral care and pastoral theology. We will examine the voices and challenges. This course will enable students t 1) become acquainted with some of the most influential literature in the area of gender studies as it impacts pastoral theology, 2) reflect on how pastoral care and pastoral theology have been transformed by awareness of gender issues, 3) reflect critically on how issues on gender enter/will enter into your exercise of pastoral ministry and transformative leadership.
INT 706
Doing Racial Justice: Theological and Strategic Resources
Gay L. Byron
This course is designed to help students to develop their ability to discover resources for combating the problem of racism. Students are expected to engage in reading, research, discussion, self-examination and prayer. Assignments are designed to reveal hidden perspectives, agendas, and knowledges. The practices of systems and organizations shall be examined to better understand how racism functions as a mega system, regions, social morality, and political fact in the modern world. The goal of this course is to discover the extent to which racism reigns in the lives of the participants, and how it can systematically be dethroned.
INT 707
Theological Practices of Political Advocacy, Community Organizing and Systems Analysis
James H. Evans, Jr.
As more and more ministers are responding to the call to public witness and public service, this course helps students: 1) “exegete” the context in which their ministry takes place, 2) articulate theological images, themes, traditions to support public and community ministries, 3) identify appropriate, effective, prophetic strategies for change. The course will include field visits and sessions with community and political activists and officials, as well as careful attention to theological reflection.
INT 711
Thesis Seminar
Stephanie Sauvé
Students will sharpen their research skills and hone the writing and editing abilities necessary to write a doctoral-level thesis or ministry project. Each student will develop a model thesis proposal.
Directed Studies
Students may take two courses as directed or independent study for the D.Min. degree if warranted by their program or circumstances. Directed or independent study may be taken only after the completion of at least three (3) courses.
Faculty Advisors and Mentors
Each student will be assigned a faculty advisor upon admission to the program. By the beginning of the student's fifth course, the student must identify and confirm a faculty mentor who will direct the student’s remaining course work and thesis writing. The faculty mentor may be the same as the faculty advisor, if appropriate. To assist the student in this selection, students will have the opportunity to meet all CRCDS faculty at a D.Min dinner during the second week of intensives and all faculty will post office hours during some portion of the intensive weeks.
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