Religion

Faculty/Staff

Jorge E. Rico Chair; Joaquim Azevedo, Gabriel Perea, Andrew Stojonovic

Adjunct: Arthur Chadwick, William Kilgore, Russ Laughlin, Anthony Penick, Kent Rufo, Theodore Stewart

Aims of the Department

Religious Education at Southwestern Adventist University facilitates the understanding, appreciation, and application of:

  • The Bible
  • A Christian worldview
  • Seventh-day Adventism

Specifically, our theological training emphasizes a Christ-centered and Bible-based education on campus, in the classroom, and in the community, balancing theory and practice and harmonizing the dynamics of the local church and global mission within a distinctive Seventh-day Adventist context. We integrate a multifaceted matrix that includes inspiration, implication, implementation, and involvement.

RELB 211 : Life and Teachings of Jesus

A study of the life and teachings of Jesus as outlined in the Gospels, including historical background, His principles, methods, and instructions in light of their application to modern life.

credits

3

RELB 322 : Daniel

An introduction to and survey of the book of Daniel. Special emphasis is given to the understanding and application of their prophecies to the modern Christian life. Some hermeneutical principles are included to help understand its content.

credits

3

RELB 323 : Revelation

An introduction to and survey of the book of Revelation.  Special emphasis will be given to the application of prophecies to the modern Christian life.  Some hermeneutical principles are provided to help understand its content.

credits

3

RELB 325 : Pentateuch

An introduction to the history, literature, and thought of the Pentateuch. Study is given to the contemporary objectives of each book and their application to life in modern times. Issues on creation, law, and the documentary hypothesis are discussed.

credits

3

RELB 328 : Survey of the Old Testament

An introduction to the history, literature, and thought of the Old Testament. Study is given to the contemporary objectives of each book and their application to life in modern times.

credits

3

RELB 335 : Introduction to the New Testament

An analysis of the world and literature of the New Testament, including the theme and purpose of each book and their application to Christian life. It addresses issues on law and grace and synoptic gospels.

credits

3

RELH 230 : History of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

A historical study of the Adventist awakening of the 19th century and the subsequent rise, growth, and worldwide expansion of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Special attention is given to the role of Ellen G. White in the growing church.

credits

3

RELH 233 : Biblical Archaeology

A study of the history of archaeology, recent achievements, and archaeological methods. It also discusses the role of archeology in biblical understanding.

credits

3

RELH 314 : Origin & Development of the Bible

A study of the history and development of the written material and canon of Scripture, covering the Old Testament, intertestamental literature, and the New Testament. It also reviews the development of the English Bible and evaluates different translations.

credits

3

RELH 320 : Ellen White Writings

A course designed to give experience and guidelines in the study of the writings of Ellen G. White. The four major foci of the course are the historical context of the life of Ellen White, the development of her major literary works, the themes that tie her writings together across time, and principles for sound interpretation and current application of her writings.

credits

3

RELH 331 : History of Christianity I

A study of the rise and impact of Christianity in the Roman world and western culture. Attention is given to theological and social movements, the influence of Islam, the crusades, expansionism, and religious adaptation to modern life. (Also taught as HIST 331

credits

3

RELL 240 : New Testament Greek I

An introductory study of the elements of New Testament Greek. Emphasis is given on the fundamentals of grammar and vocabulary. Special attention is placed on learning the complete noun system. There is some translation from selected New Testament passages. 

credits

5

RELL 241 : New Testament Greek II

An introductory study of the elements of New Testament Greek. Emphasis on the fundamentals of grammar and vocabulary. Special attention is placed on learning the complete verbal system. There is some translation from selected New Testament passages.

credits

4

Prerequisites

RELL 340 : Intermediate New Testament Greek

Continued reading in the Greek New Testament with emphasis on grammar, syntax, and text diagramming. Interpretive translation is done on selected portions of the New Testament. Includes preparation for the Seminary Greek exam.

credits

3

Prerequisites

RELL 343 : Biblical Hebrew I

An introductory course in the elements of Biblical Hebrew with emphasis on basic grammar and a working vocabulary. 

credits

3

RELL 344 : Biblical Hebrew II

This course includes a review of the grammar of Biblical Hebrew, but will focus on translation and analysis of selected Old Testament passages. Preparation for the Seminary Hebrew exam is also included. 

credits

3

Prerequisites

RELP 210 : Introduction to Missions

Required for all student missionaries prior to service abroad. An introduction to issues and ideas in missions. Examines cultures and religions from the perspective of the national and the student missionary.

credits

1

RELP 215 : Introduction to Pastoral Ministry

This class is designed to introduce beginning ministerial students into some aspects of church ministry and church life. It covers studies in pastoral leadership, spirituality in ministry, the pastoral family, planning and counseling.

credits

3

RELP 220 : Personal Evangelistic Ministry

A study of the biblical principles of the art and technique of personal evangelism. The student is taught to use the Scriptures effectively, to prepare and give specific Bible studies, to meet objections, and to gain decisions for Christ.

credits

3

RELP 271 : Ministries Internship

This course allows the student to earn credit through professionally directed mission, evangelistic, colporteur or youth camp programs. Arrangements must be made with the instructor prior to starting the internship and supervision will take place at the location of the internship. Credit earned will be elective only and will not apply to the general education religion requirement or toward a major or minor. Grading is on a pass/fail basis. May be repeated for a total of 3 hours.

credits

1 - 3

RELP 323 : Biblical Preaching I

A study of the basic concepts of biblical preaching and sermon preparation, including persuasion, human responses, the art of illustration and effective structure. Students will prepare and present sermons in class.

credits

3

Prerequisites

RELP 324 : Biblical Preaching II

A review of the basic concepts of biblical preaching and sermon preparation. Students are introduced to the different types of sermons. This course features actual practice in preparation and delivery in various church settings.

credits

3

Prerequisites

RELP 415 : Pastoral Ministry

This class is designed for senior ministerial students. It covers applied studies in church ministry, like pastoral leadership, care, visitation, and church administration with special attention to organization and finances. The course will be enriched by visits of specialists. This course also requires students to take the Seminary's Church Policy exam which is a pre-requisite for admission in the M.Div. program. Its successful completion is valid for two years.

credits

3

Prerequisites

RELP 420 : Pastoral Practicum

Supervised field work in area churches as coordinated by the department. Designed to give practical experience in a wide variety of pastoral situations. May be repeated once for credit upon approval of the religion faculty.

credits

1

Prerequisites

RELP 415 completed or taken concurrently

RELP 425 : Field Evangelism

This course provides classroom instruction in public evangelism and practical involvement in a main evangelistic crusade led by a successful professional evangelist. The evangelist's meetings are followed by the students' own two-week series in churches selected by the hosting Conference. All facets of the course are taught in the city where the series is conducted. Taught on an arranged basis.

credits

3

Corequisites

RELP 428 : Hospital Ministry

This course provides opportunity for students to develop professional ministry skills in the particular field of institutional health care. Concentration on communication, assessment, collaboration with health care professionals, and exploration of personal and professional identity is particularly emphasized.

credits

2

Prerequisites

Admission to junior or senior-level standing

RELT 101 : Christian Beliefs

A study of the basic concepts of the Christian faith and practice with emphasis on the fundamental doctrines held by Seventh-day Adventists.

credits

3

RELT 201 : Bible Study Methods

This course will teach students various strategies in studying and teaching the Bible. Students will learn different study methods like the thematic, biographical, and word study as well as creating learning environments and developing lessons using a model of teaching repertoire. This class is required for Seventh-day Adventist Denominational Certification and includes Encounter training for NAD teachers seeking re-certification requirements.

credits

3

RELT 212 : Introduction to Christian Ethics

An introduction to the theory and practice of Christian morality: its biblical origins, norms, and sources of authority, including Christian approaches to basic issues such as decision-making, church-world relations, abortion, reproduction technology, euthanasia, marriage and divorce, and methods of social change.

credits

3

RELT 312 : Christian Ethics

A more in-depth study on the theory and practice of Christian morality: its biblical origins, norms, and sources of authority, including Christian approaches to basic issues such as decision-making, church-world relations, abortion, reproduction technology, euthanasia, marriage and divorce, and methods of social change.

credits

3

RELT 325 : World Religions

The course explores major world views and religious traditions, beliefs, and practices. Each religion will be examined with regard to basic human problems along with proposed solutions. From a Christian perspective, this class seeks to discover common ground and challenges between these major world religions and to encourage respect for diverse beliefs and practices. This course requires research and writing a major paper (Also taught as HNRS 325).

credits

3

RELT 327 : Integrated Wellness Connections

This course focuses on therapeutic communication with emphasis on developing meaningful connections with people in the context of diverse social environments. The intent is to meet the felt needs of individuals, with attention to those who might be dealing with a life crisis. Includes exploration of personal and professional identity and values related to a whole-person approach with application of CREATION Health and other positive lifestyle principles.

credits

3

Prerequisites

RELT 360 : Philosophy and the Christian Worldview

An introduction to philosophy from a biblical perspective and toward the formation of a Christian worldview. This course addresses the major questions of life such as: What is real? What is true? Who is God? Who am I? Why evil? Philosophical answers to these questions will be critically engaged from the standpoint of a distinctively biblical worldview. Attention is given to analytical tools for evaluating the truth of ideas and understanding the nature of existence and reality within the context of mature faith.

credits

3

RELT 406 : Christian Theology I

This course is an in-depth study of the 28 Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Beliefs. The course furthermore serves as a general introduction to Biblical theology covering a wide range of topics, with special focus upon Biblical inspiration and interpretation, the doctrine of God, Trinity, and hermeneutics. Attention is furthermore given to the way selected writers have handled theological issues along with pertinent Biblical material.

credits

3

Prerequisites

RELT 407 : Christian Theology II

This course expands upon Christian Theology I to provide further study about the 28 Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Beliefs. The course serves as a general introduction to Christian theology by covering additional topics, notably the doctrine of church, eschatology, the cross of Christ and the Incarnation, and sanctuary doctrine. Attention is furthermore given to the way selected writers have handled theological issues along with pertinent Biblical material.

credits

3

Prerequisites

RELT 410 : Biblical Conflict Resolution

An analysis of Jesus' conflicts with Jewish religious leaders and His approach to resolution. Emphasis is place on principles and methodology for resolution.

credits

3

RELT 419 : Philosophy of Science

A study of the philosophies and methodologies of science. Includes a review of the history of scientific and religious thought and the role each has played in the development of modern theories of origin. (Also taught as BIOL 419GEOL 419 or HNRS 404)

credits

3

RLGN 298 : Individual Study Topics

A study in an area of interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve research, laboratory or library work. May be repeated for a total of 2 credits.

credits

1 - 2

Prerequisites

Approval of department chair.

RLGN 299 : Directed Group Study

Intensive study of a single approved topic in the field of religion. The course takes the form of a seminar, preparation of a research report, or other guided study as arranged with the department. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 2 credits.

credits

1 - 2

Prerequisites

Approval of department chair.

RLGN 498 : Individual Study Topics

A study in an area of interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve research, laboratory or library work. May be repeated for a total of 2 credits.

credits

1 - 2

Prerequisites

Approval of department chair.

RLGN 499 : Directed Group Study

Intensive study of a single approved topic in the field of religion. The course takes the form of a seminar, preparation of a research report, or other guided study as arranged with the department. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 2 credits.

credits

1 - 2

Prerequisites

Approval of department chair.