Courses of Study

+COURSES OF STUDY AT WHITHORN

Courses of study at Whithorn School of Theology are designed to reflect a fundamental commitment to systematic scholarship and free inquiry which are essential in preparing students for ministry of any kind. The curriculum is designed to be at once thoroughly professional and rigorously academic, providing a balance between academic reflections and field experience. Faculty expectations in the various courses are clearly outlined at the beginning of the study and a flexible curriculum for the achievement of these expectations has been designed.

+LICENTIATE IN SACRED THEOLOGY
(View the Reading List)

The Licentiate in Sacred Theology is designed as a professional non-degree program for the preparation of students who intend to serve in Orders of Ministry (Minor Orders) or for those who intend to seek Holy Orders but do not hold an undergraduate to qualify to be admitted to the Master of Divinity degree program. In the licentiate program we follow the old English tradition of reading for orders during 8 terms of study corresponding to the conventional orders for ministry.

Church History and Celtic Spiritual Tradition
(First Term: Tonsure)

Introduction to Church History and Celtic Spiritual Tradition. This is a basic survey class in the history of the Church, but much of it is uniquely directed toward the history of the development of the Christian mission among the Celtic tribes of Cornwall, Wales, England, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Ireland and Brittany. It focuses on the ancient Celtic beliefs at the arrival of the Christian mission. The curriculum includes a detailed look at Celtic Art, both Christian and non-Christian. The course takes a detailed look at the Arthurian legend and Saint Joseph of Arimathea. The curriculum will look at the lives, writings, and teachings of many Celtic saints, with specific concern for the unique nature of Celtic Spirituality.

The Church and the World
(Second Term: Porter)

This course focuses on the faith and doctrine of the church as it attempts to meet the needs of the modern world. The practical skills of church finance are included. The major focus is the impact Christians have, specifically Celtic Christians, on the world about them and the contribution Celtic Spirituality and the Christian Faith has in reclaiming this broken world. An overview of the historic positions of the church on various social issues of the past along with a detailed survey of the issues that face the modern church will be studied. The class will delve deeply into the writings of major Christian theologians on social issues, plus students will be expected to analyze at least one major contemporary problem area with a full suggested approach developed (including practical financing).

Biblical Studies
(Third Term: Reader)

Introduction to the Bible. Basic introduction into the history and development of the Bible. General knowledge of the content of the Old and New Testaments including a working knowledge of the exegetical method and exegetical experience in selected Biblical texts. The student is expected to exercise a general familiarity with the history and theology of the Old and New Testaments.

Spiritual Healing
(Fourth Term: Exorcist)

The course will attempt to teach all of the dynamics available to the pastor for spiritual healing and study of the resources available in the community for referral. There is emphasis on the danger of amateur and nonprofessional psychological counseling. A detailed look at the history and practice of Celtic Christians in healing the whole personality of people of faith by prayer and sacrament. The scope of the course will examine the methods and use of exorcism, the Sacrament of Unction, and the laying on of hands and other principles implicit in the “cure of souls.” The course will look at the specific use of spiritual counseling for bereavement, preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage, and the many spiritual problems that arise as the members of the community turn to their clergy for spiritual strength. Emphasis will be placed upon the use of professional resources in the community for specific needs in medicine and psychology and how to use these services to the fullest. The Rite of the Sacrament of Unction will be learned. This course will discuss and develop techniques in the use of effective prayer as a healing process.

Liturgics
(Fifth Term: Acolyte)

This course is an introduction to an understanding of the principles of liturgy. There is specific study of the various aspects of Celtic Christian liturgy. Students are expected to provide a demonstration of an understanding of the liturgy and liturgical structure. They will study the significance of the calendar, the use of liturgical symbols and colors, and the historic use of music and liturgical dance. The nature and meaning of the ritual of the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart will be studied, and the student will be expected to perform the various rituals of the Church. An understanding of the importance of all the Sacraments of the Church will be included in this course and the student will be asked to exhibit a working understanding of the doctrine and theology behind each of them.

Theology
(Sixth Term: Sub Deacon)

An introduction to the positions of the wider autocephalous sacramental movement on various theological issues. This course deals with an understanding of the systematic positions of the major theologians of the Christian Church. A close look at the theology of Shepherd’s Heart Ministries is attempted. There is a focus on the students ability to discuss doctrine in terms of one’s own convictions as well as the historic traditions of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church and Shepherd’s Heart Ministries as a part of it.

Mysticism and Religious Experience
(Seventh Term: Diaconate)

This contemplative term is specifically designed for an overview into the great mystics of the Church, various prayer traditions, and meditations. Mysticism has been a respected, though often misunderstood, religious tradition throughout Christendom in all ages, but most assuredly within the context of historic Celtic Christianity. It is a keystone of human religious experience in general, personal, cultural and universal contexts. This course engages and studies the nature, role and meaning of mysticism, meditation, and prayer in our everyday Christian lives. This term is designed for a “walk on the mystical side of the faith.”

Social Gospel and Liberation Theology
(Eighth Term: Priesthood)

This final term is offered in the effort of training men and women in preaching the Gospel in thought, word, and deed and to aid him or her in mirroring God’s love to a broken world within the sacred order of the priesthood. During this term the student will come face to face with the Social Gospel and become familiar with Liberation Theology and its application in today’s society.

+ASSOCIATE IN BIBLICAL STUDIES (A.B.S.)
(60 Credit Hours)

The Associate of Biblical Studies program is designed to provide an introduction to and study of Holy Scripture. The
program is 60 semester hours in length and provides a Biblical foundation of study for all Christians and especially
for those desiring to enter into the pulpit ministry.

Old Testament Survey

Section 1 Creation and Blessing (5 credits)
ABS01 Creation
ABS02 The Image of God in Man
ABS03 The Fall
ABS04 The Covenant with Abraham
ABS05 The Patriarchal Blessing

Section 2 The Giving of the Law (6 credits)
ABS06 Joseph, Moses, and the Exodus
ABS07 The Passover
ABS08 The Giving of the Law
ABS09 The Tabernacle
ABS10 Arron and the Priesthood
ABS11 Old Testament Sacrificial System

Section3 The Land and its People (6 credits)
ABS12 Joshua and the Conquest of Canaan
ABS13 The Cycle of Judges
ABS14 The Monarchy
ABS15 David
ABS16 Solomon and the Temple
ABS17 The Divided Kingdom

Section 4 The Prophets Part I (6 credits)
ABS18 Elijah
ABS19 Isaiah
ABS20 Jeremiah
ABS21 The Exile
ABS22 Ezekiel
ABS23 Daniel

Section 5 The Prophets Part II (3 credits)
ABS24 Ezra and Nehemiah
ABS25 Amos and Hosea
ABS26 Joel, Micah, and Habakkuk

Section 6 The Wisdom Books (5 credits)
ABS27 Characteristics of Wisdom Literature
ABS28 Psalms
ABS29 Ecclesiastes
ABS30 Job

New Testament Survey

Section 7 The Coming of Christ (4 credits)
ABS31 The Intertestamental Period
ABS32 John the Baptist
ABS33 The Birth of Jesus
ABS34 The Early Years of Jesus’ Life

Section 8 The Early Ministry of Christ (6 credits)
ABS35 The Baptism and Temptation of Christ
ABS36 Jesus’ Inaugural Address and Public Ministry
ABS37 The Teachings of Jesus: Parables
ABS38 Interpreting Parables
ABS39 The Miracles of Jesus

Section 9 The Later Ministry of Christ (6 credits)
ABS40 The Caesarea-Philippi Confession
ABS41 The Transfiguration
ABS42 The Triumphal Entry
ABS43 The Cross
ABS44 The Resurrection
ABS45 The Ascension

Section 10 Messages to the Early Church (4 credits)
ABS46 Pentecost
ABS47 Expansion of the Early Church – Acts
ABS48 The Conversion of Paul

Section 11 Messages to a Growing Church (6 credits)
ABS49 Romans
ABS50 1 and 2 Corinthians
ABS51 Prison Epistles
ABS52 1 and 2 Timothy
ABS53 Hebrews
ABS54 General Epistles

Section 12 The End Times (3 credits)
ABS55 Introduction to Revelation
ABS56 The Christ of Revelation
ABS57 The Glory of God

+BACHELOR DEGREE IN THEOLOGY (B.Th.)
(60 Credits in Biblical Studies and 60 Credits in Systematic Theology)

The Bachelor of Theology Program is designed to resume the basics of Bible study and systematic theology for the continuing seminary student. The program is 60 semester hours in length and provides a Biblical foundation of study for all Christians who want to know more about theology.

Systematic Theology (60 Credits)

Section 1 Nature of Theology (3 credits)
BT201 What is Theology
BT202 Scope and Purpose of Theology
BT203 General Revelation and Natural Theology

Section 2 Scripture (5 credits)
BT204 Special Revelation
BT205 Inspiration and Authority of Scripture
BT206 Infallibility and Inerrancy
BT207 Canonicity
BT208 Scripture and Authority

Section 3 Nature of God (5 credits)
BT209 Knowledge of God
BT210 One in Essence
BT211 Three in Person
BT212 Incommunicable Attributes
BT213 Communicable Attributes

Section 4 Acts of God (3 credits)
BT214 Decrees
BT215 Providence
BT216 Creatio Ex Nihilo

Section 5 Creation (2 credits)
BT217 Angels and Demons
BT218 The Creation of Man

Section 6 Reality of Sin (3 credits)
BT219 The Nature of Sin
BT220 Original Sin
BT221 Transmission of Sin

Section 7 Promises of God (1 credit)
BT222 The Covenants

Section 8 Christology (8 credits)
BT223 The Christ of the Bible
BT224 The Christ of the Creeds
BT225 The Names of Christ
BT226 The States of Christ
BT227 The Offices of Christ
BT228 The Substitutionary Atonement
BT229 Why Did Christ Die
BT230 The Extent of Atonement

Section 9 The Holy Spirit (6 credits)
BT231 The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
BT232 The Holy Spirit in the New Testament
BT233 The Paraclete
BT234 The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
BT235 The Gifts of the Spirit
BT236 The Fruit of the Spirit

Section 10 Faith for Today (8 credits)
BT237 Are Miracles for Today
BT238 Common Grace
BT239 Election and Reprobation
BT240 Effectual Calling
BT241 Saving Faith
BT242 Justification by Faith Alone
BT243 Adoption and Union with Christ
BT244 Sanctification

Section 11 One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church (10 credits)
BT245 Perseverance of the Saints
BT246 The Church: One and Holy
BT247 The Church Catholic and Apostolic
BT248 Biblical Images of the Church
BT249 Worship in the Church
BT250 The Sacraments of the Church
BT251 Baptism
BT252 The Lord’s Supper
BT253 Death and the Intermediate State
BT254 The Resurrection

Section 12 Kingdom Come (6 credits)
BT255 The Kingdom of God
BT256 The Millennium
BT257 The Return of Christ
BT258 The Final Judgment
BT259 Eternal Punishment
BT260 Heaven and Earth Made New

+MASTER OF DIVINITY (M. Div.)

The Master of Divinity is ultimately the most respected graduate degree for pastors since it involves a wide array of course areas. The purpose of the degree is to provide leadership for the worldwide church by educating women and men in the classic disciplines of theological and biblical training, historical perspectives, and ministry skills.

The Master of Divinity program, 60 semester hours, is designed primarily to provide professional training for church related ministries leading to ordination. It could be considered the MBA of religious degrees. The heart of this program is the required biblical, theological, and practical course subjects which provide a broad foundation in the disciplines essential for an effective ministry especially within the autocephalous sacramental movement.

+DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY (Th. D.)

This degree is designed for students with a graduate degree in religion, a M. Div., or its equivalent, who wish to pursue research in original research in areas within the scope of Independent/Old Catholic or Celtic Christian belief and practice. This requires two full years (24 months) under the direction of assigned members of the faculty program. A dissertation must be submitted at the end of the research experience, contributing original work to the body of understanding in the field of study. All research work may be completed at the student’s location, but the defense of the dissertation must be done on campus and in person. This provision does not suggest that the student’s research committee may not require personal meetings in on campus.

+DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (D. Min.)

This is a degree for the professional clergyman, who can demonstrate no less than twelve (12) years in active Christian Ministry but has not had any formal academic training. Admission to this program requires an entrance examination and the 12 years of ministry must be documented to be of a full time, professional nature. The student is expected to undertake degree work much the same as for the Th. D. requirements.

+DOCTOR OF DIVINITY (honorary) (D. D.)

The Doctor of Divinity degree is presented to people in the general community who have made significant contribution to religion and Christianity by their work and/or activities. This degree is an honorary degree and can not be earned by academic means. The person selected for this degree must demonstrate major contributions in Christian care and love, reflecting the highest standards of devotion and self sacrifice over the course of a lifetime. The candidate for this degree must be approved by the President, Dean, and Board of Trustees of Whithorn School of Theology and by the Abbot-Bishop of Shepherd’s Heart Ministries. The degree is seen by Whithorn School of Theology to be a degree issued in Episcopal Recognition and Honor for a Christian life well lived.