History/Theology (12 units)

Introduction to Global Christian Traditions (SF502, 4 units)

What is theology? And what are the implications of theology for the practice of ethics, public life, and Christian witness? The theological task involves entering into the centuries-long and worldwide conversation of the church about what it means to live faithfully in the present in light of how God has moved in the past. This course provides an orientation to issues, events, and figures in church history and theology, reaching from early Christianity through the Middle Ages and European Reformations to the modern world. Its aim is to equip students with a foundational understanding of the development and discourses of Christian doctrine and history. Also taught in Spanish.

Choose ONE of the following:

Trinity, Revelation, and Salvation (ST505, 4 units)

Systematic Theology 1 is a survey of systematic (doctrinal or constructive) theology that focuses on the doctrines of revelation, Trinity (patrology, christology, pneumatology), and salvation. In keeping with systematic theology’s nature as an integrative discipline, the course considers biblical, historical, philosophical, and contemporary theological materials, with a special focus on global, contextual, and diversity issues. Interdisciplinary connections are pursued and investigated throughout, beyond theological disciplines. The implications of trinitarian faith to current issues such as liberation, justice, equality, gender, environment, and religious plurality are considered, with the ultimate goal of helping the students learn to practice “embodied” theological thinking for the sake of the global church.

OR

Creation, Church, and Consummation (ST506, 4 units)

Systematic Theology 2 is a survey of systematic (doctrinal or constructive) theology that focuses on the doctrines of the creation, providence and divine action, theological anthropology, the church and her mission, and eschatology. In keeping with systematic theology’s nature as an integrative discipline, the course considers biblical, historical, philosophical, and contemporary theological materials, with a special focus on global, contextual, and diversity issues. Interdisciplinary connections are pursued and investigated throughout, beyond theological disciplines. The implications of trinitarian faith to current issues such as liberation, justice, equality, gender, environment, and religious plurality are considered, with the ultimate goal of helping the students learn to practice “embodied” theological thinking for the sake of the global church.

Choose ONE of the following:

Christian Ethics (ET501, 4 units)

This foundational course examines the core Christian ethical vision, its values, and the convictions (telos, norms, and virtues) that shape and guide Christian moral agency, decisions, and ecclesial practices. The course discusses methods of ethical decision making, the authority of Scripture, formation of moral agency, and norms of love and justice, and their implications for issues of economic, racial, and ecological justice, the sanctity of life, sexual faithfulness, and violence and peacemaking. Special attention is given to global, pluralistic contexts of Christian ministry today.

OR

Orientation to Theological Study (ST511, 4 units)

This course prepares beginning theology students for seminary studies. It introduces them to the academic environment and ethos of Fuller Seminary, with particular focus on developing the skills of research and writing that are necessary to participate and thrive in this environment.

OR

Youth, Learning, and the Digital Age (YF521, 4 units)

This course explores the intersection of theology, developmental theory, teaching and learning, and contemporary digital culture. It provides an understanding of how youth learn, as well as the aspects of digital culture that inform and shape the ways we minister to and with youth. This course is designed to help students think through contextualizing the teaching ministry of the church based on the developmental needs of youth in a rapidly-changing, globalized, and post-pandemic world.

OR

Emerging Adult Spirituality (YF522, 4 units)

This course seeks to understand the unique opportunities and challenges of the emerging adult stage of life (ages 18–29). We explore emerging adults’ faith journeys, spiritual struggles, and relationships with the church. Together we reimagine ministry that is good news to emerging adults and attempt to answer one of the most common questions asked in churches today: “Where have all the 20-somethings gone?”

OR

Youth, Race, and Culture (YF534, 4 units)

Using practical theological reflection, this course examines the ways churches might address the ever-changing relationship between youth ministry and culture. Together we discover the various ways young people pursue, express, embody, and grasp for flourishing, and explore how we might accompany youth on their quest. Creativity is a central feature of this course. Art, in particular, is used to explore and curate youth culture. Necessarily, we also ask: What does it mean for young people to flourish in light of issues that emerge in a racialized society? To this end, we explore basic terminology, personal narratives, theoretical language, and redemptive practices related to race, class, and young people’s flourishing.

OR

Any 4-unit TC Class

Any class with a TC (Theology and Culture) prefix