Religion - Faith Builders Educational Network

Organization

Faith Builders Educational Programs, Inc.

Credit Course Categories:

Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences

Anabaptist Life and Thought THE 232

Length:

45 hours (8 weeks).

Dates:

February 2009 - Present.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: describe the theology of the 16th century Anabaptists within its broader social, religious, political, and economic realities of the day; analyze the theology of the Anabaptist reformers and apply their experience to the student's own decision making; discuss and analyze the theology of the Anabaptists in relation to other Reformers, the Catholic Church of the Reformation, and the biblical message;and identify and analyze the emphases that constitute Anabaptist worldview in context of its strengths and weaknesses.

Instruction:

The course involves lecture, reading, writing (final essay and short response), and discussions to explore the values and beliefs of the Anabaptist worldview. It entails a descriptive and analytical study of 16th century Anabaptist theology within the context of the other Reformation theologies with reflections on the relevance of this heritage for contemporary doctrinal, congregational, and personal issues; the second part of the course deals broadly with writings, stories and practices of Mennonites from diverse traditions and times.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Religious Studies (11/10) (10/15 revalidation) (10/20 revalidation).

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Cross-Cultural Communication ICS 342

Length:

60 hours in 4 weeks.

Dates:

August 2019 – Present.

Objectives:

Identify the steps to servanthood that undergird cross-cultural interactions; initiate and sustain Level 1, 2 and 3 conversations; utilize “The Diamond” as a method of assessing and directing spiritual conversations with non-believers; and demonstrate an ability to initiate and sustain spiritual conversations with nonbelievers.

Instruction:

This course will take students on a journey from the basics of initiating conversations through increasingly sustained dialogue with people different than themselves. A particular focus will be on communication of the Christian faith to nonbelievers. Students will practice the skills of communication in a variety of settings culminating with several days of face-to-face ministry to prison inmates.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Humanities, Cross-cultural Communications, Social Science, Theology, or Christian Ministries (10/20).

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Ethics PHI 310

Length:

45 hours (12 weeks).

Dates:

February 2009 - Present.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explore the biblical claim that God is in Himself the standard by which we understand right and wrong; compare and contrast ethics as rules separate from being with ethics that derive from being; explore the effect of sin on the understanding of ethics and the experience of ethical choices; compare and contrast common ethical systems; wrestle with ethical questions; discuss a framework for making ethical choices; explore and discuss the ethics of Jesus and the value of community in understanding and clarifying ethical choices; and analyze ethical implications in the development of technology.

Instruction:

Through class discussion, extensive readings, and a research paper, this class provides a context and framework with which to wrestle with ethical issues and determine moral standards. Maintaining the premise that morality is rooted in the character of God, the course examines a number of ethical systems and explores the ethics of Jesus.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Philosophy or Religious Studies (11/10) (10/15 revalidation) (10/20 revalidation).

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Historical Theology THE 210

Length:

45 hours (5 weeks).

Dates:

January 2009 - Present.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: recognize the reasons for the development of theology in the early church; identify and recognize the importance of the development and expression of important Christian doctrines; analyze the interaction of church and culture in the formulation of doctrine; discuss the various strands of Christian orthodoxy; and analyze one's own beliefs in context of two thousand years of the development of the church's expression of her faith.

Instruction:

This course investigates the beginnings of Christian theology, how the church developed expression for her beliefs concerning Christ and the Trinity, the division of the Great Tradition between East and West, medieval and Reformation developments, and the effects of modernity on the expression of the beliefs of the church.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Philosophy or Religious Studies (11/10) (10/15 revalidation) (10/20 revalidation).

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Introduction to Ministry (with tour) MIN 160T

Length:

39 hours (4 weeks); plus required 80 hours of lab work.

Dates:

August 2011 - Present.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: articulate values and beliefs that guide the educational experience at Faith Builders Educational Programs; investigate their personal calling and evaluate ministry opportunities accordingly; analyze service opportunities in our world today and propose effective means of meeting human needs; summarize New Testament principles and techniques of serving others, especially as exemplified in the ministry of Jesus; identify common temptations in ministry and evaluate personal vulnerabilities; develop and demonstrate leadership and teamwork in ministry teams; and develop group-building activities for ministry teams.

Instruction:

Major topics covered in the course are: the discipleship philosophy of Faith Builders; calling and servanthood in the church and in the world; five essentials for service; understanding the heart of a servant; common temptations; spirit-filled service; and team work. Methods of instruction include: lecture and group work. Evaluation criteria include response papers, a final exam, and journaling.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ministry Studies (10/15) (10/20 revalidation).

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Introduction to Worldviews PHI 201

Formerly Worldviews Survey I PHI 201; also Worldviews Survey I PHI 201 (PHI 201); also Worldviews Survey I

Length:

Version 1: 45 hours (5-15 weeks). Version 2 and 3: 45 hours (5-12 weeks).

Dates:

Version 1: August 2000 - April 2007. Version:2: May 2007 - December 2007. Version 3: January 2008 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: understand and discuss seven major philosophical categories of a worldview, describing the major options in each category and defending a Christian perspective. These categories are truth, reality, meaning, right and wrong, reason, beauty and origins (Epistemology, Ontology, Metaphysics, Ethics, Logics, Aesthetics and Cosmology) (cont. in PHI 202); understand and discuss two major theological categories of a worldview, describing the major options in each category and defending a Christian perspective. These categories are God and Sin and Salvation (Theology, Soteriology) (cont. in PHI 202); understand and discuss three major anthropological categories of a worldview, describing the major options in each category and defending a Christian perspective. These categories are mankind, man and purpose (Sociology, Psychology and History) (cont. in PHI 202); describe in detail the tenets of humanism/modernism, postmodernism and eastern thought; recall the contributions to a western mind set of a few significant philosophers from the Greeks to the present; and explain and use principles of logical thinking. Version 3: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: understand and discuss seven major philosophical categories of a worldview, describing the major options in each category and defending a Christian perspective. These categories are truth, reality, meaning, right and wrong, reason, beauty and origins (Epistemology, Ontology, Metaphysics, Ethics, Logics, Aesthetics and Cosmology); Understand and discuss two major theological categories of a worldview, describing the major options in each category and defending a Christian perspective. These categories are God and Sin and Salvation (Theology, Soteriology); understand and discuss three major anthropological categories of a worldview, describing the major options in each category and defending a Christian perspective. These categories are mankind, man and purpose (Sociology, Psychology and History); describe in detail the tenets of humanism/modernism, postmodernism and eastern thought; recall the contributions to a western mind set of a few significant philosophers from the Greeks to the present; and explain and use principles of logical thinking.

Instruction:

Version 1: Major topics covered in the course are: a world view primer; netaphysics; a brief history of ideology; Epistemology; reason-logic; Theology-God; cosmology-origins. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion. Evaluation criteria include tests and student presentations. Version 2 and 3: Major topics covered in the course are: a world view primer; metaphysics; a brief history of ideology; Epistemology; reason-logic; Theology-God; cosmology-origins, history-purpose. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion. Evaluation criteria include tests and student presentations.

Credit recommendation:

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Worldviews Survey I (10/03). Version 2 and 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Philosophy I (04/07) (11/10) (10/15 revalidation) (10/20 revalidation).

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Old Testament Survey BIB 101

Formerly Old Testament Survey BIB 101 (BIB 101); also Old Testament Survey

Length:

Version 1: 45 hours (5-15 weeks). Version 2: 45 hours (5-12 weeks).

Dates:

Version 1: June 1997 - April 2007. Version 2: May 2007 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify and categorize the Old Testament canon, discuss the content and major themes of each book with special attention given to Genesis 1-11, God's promise to Abraham, the Exodus, the Kingdoms, the Exile and post-exilic Judaism, discuss the overall theme of the Old Testament and how it relates to the New Testament, fit the Old Testament themes and events into a geographical, chronological and historical context; and understand the development of several topics important to an Anabaptist perspective, including non-resistance, church-state issues and the resurrection.

Instruction:

Version 1: Major topics covered in the course are the canon, the historical and geographical setting, and the chronology of the Old Testament; what archaeology has brought to light concerning the Old Testament; what God has done (the historical section of the Old Testament); and what God has said (the wisdom literature and the prophets; a special focus on the worldview of the writers of Ecclesiastes, Job, and Song of Songs. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion, oral presentations, round table discussions, examinations, presentations, and book summaries. Version 2: Major topics covered in the course are: introduction of the canon, the historical and geographical setting, and the chronology; what archaeology has brought to light concerning the Old Testament. The rest of the course is divided into 2 foci of the Old Testament: What God has done (the historical section of the Old Testament) and What God has said (the wisdom literature and the prophets). The section on what God has done focuses on the historical development of God's promise to his people. The section on what God has said focuses on the instruction given by the prophets or other writers in relation to their own historical context and in relation to Christian faith. There is special focus on the worldview of the writers of Ecclesiastes, Job and Song of Songs. Methods of instruction include: lecture, discussion, independent study and practicum. Evaluation criteria include: examinations, projects, reading, and book summaries.

Credit recommendation:

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Old Testament or Religious Studies elective (1/01) (4/07) (11/10 revalidation). Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Old Testament or Religious Studies (10/15 revalidation) (10/20 revalidation).

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Reading the Bible BIB 150

Formerly Reading the Bible BIB 250; also Bible Study Methods BIB 250; also Bible Study Methods BIB 250 (BIB 250); also Bible Study Methods

Length:

Version 1: 30 hours. Version 2: 30 hours (5 weeks). Version 3: 30 hours (3 weeks).

Dates:

Version 1: June 1998 - April 2007. Version 2: May 2007 - February 2008. Version 3: March 2008 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: apply methods of effectively reading the message of Scripture; recognize the major approaches to scriptural interpretation; use commonly accepted methods for determining the meaning intended by the author of a biblical passage; and apply the teachings of Scripture to contemporary life. Version 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: recognize and avoid the misreading, misapplication, and misinterpretation of Scripture; use commonly accepted methods for determining the meaning intended by the author of a biblical passage; understand and use a variety of tools (including study aids) for more effective Bible reading, interpretation, and application; explain several significant issues surrounding the interpretation and application of Scripture; encourage appropriate applications of Scripture to contemporary life; encourage a lifelong commitment to a study of God's word as well as accuracy, integrity, and practicality in that pursuit. Version 3: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: see with greater breadth, depth, and understanding what is written in Scripture; use commonly accepted methods for receiving the intended meaning by the author of a biblical passage; understand and use a variety of study aids to more effectively read, interpret, and respond to the Bible; explain several significant issues surrounding the interpretation and application of Scripture; make appropriate responses to God's revelation in the scriptures; and develop a lifelong commitment to the study of God's word, carefulness, integrity, and practicality in that pursuit.

Instruction:

Version 1: Major topics covered in the course are: the relationship of the Testaments; a Christocentric view of Scripture; principles of interpretation; methods of application; word studies; and Bible study resources. Methods of instruction include lecture, workshops, study guides, discussion sessions, written projects, and a final cumulative written and oral presentation. Version 2: Major topics covered in the course are: the relationship of the testaments, a Christocentric view of scripture, principles of interpretation, methods of application, word studies, and Bible study resources. Methods of instruction include: lecture, discussion and collaborative learning. Evaluation criteria include presentations and projects. Version 3: Topics in Version 1 and 2. Methods of instruction include: lecture, discussions, collaborative learning, free-form diagrams, outlining.

Credit recommendation:

Version 1 and 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Biblical Interpretation or as a Religious Studies elective (1/01) (04/07) Version 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Biblical Interpretation or as a Religious Studies elective (11/10) (10/15 revalidation) (10/20 revalidation).

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Systematic Theology THE 220

Formerly Systematic Theology THE 220 (THE 220); also Systematic Theology

Length:

Version 1: 45 hours (5-15 weeks). Version 2 and 3: 45 hours (5-12 weeks).

Dates:

Version 1: June 2002 - April 2007. Version 2: May 2007 - May 2008. Version 3: June 2008 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify and discuss the great doctrines of Christianity, and their relationship to each other; understand and appreciate the Anabaptist perspective on the issues and doctrines of Christianity; evaluate his own faith understandings critically in light of the scriptures and the development of doctrine throughout the history of the church; develop a greater understanding of God's salvation in Christ; develop a greater ability to articulate to others his faith about this great gift; understand and discuss essential theological terms and issues. Version 2 and 3: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify and discuss the historically central doctrines of Christianity, and their relationship to each other; understand and appreciate the Anabaptist perspective on the issues and doctrines of Christianity; evaluate the student's own faith understandings critically in light of the scriptures and the development of doctrine throughout the history of the church; develop a greater understanding of God's salvation in Christ; develop a greater ability to articulate to others the student's faith about this great gift from the evangelical and Anabaptist perspective; and understand and discuss essential theological terms and issues.

Instruction:

Version 1: Major topics covered in the course are in four areas of study: the topic of Theology in general, the Trinity with a focus on the Father, the Son, with a focus on those issues which he effects most such as sin, humanity and redemption, and then finally, the Spirit, focusing on his role in salvation, the church and last things. Methods of instruction are: lecture with questions and discussion encouraged. Special readings to be discussed in class (e.g.: Immortality of the Soul or Resurrection of the Dead by Cullmann). Evaluation criteria include three tests, discussion of the assigned readings, and a paper or project. Version 2 and 3: Major topics covered in the course are: Theology in general; The Trinity and the Father's role; Jesus Christ; humanity, sin and redemption; the work of the Spirit in salvation and the church. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion. Evaluation criteria include examinations, discussion of assigned readings, and a paper or project.

Credit recommendation:

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Systematic Theology (10/03). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, or in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Systematic Theology (04/07). Version 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Systematic Theology (11/10) (10/15 revalidation) (10/20 revalidation).

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Teaching the Bible BIB 160

Formerly Teaching the Bible BIB 115

Length:

30 hours (12 weeks).

Dates:

January 2009 - Present.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: examine Jesus' use of the Scripture in His teaching; the Apostles' use of the Scripture in their teaching and writing; develop skills for exploring the context of a text; identify various genres of Biblical text and use appropriate means to understand and teach the text; practice the OCIA method of exploring a text; identify and use appropriate resources to explore Biblical texts and contexts; name the strengths and uses of common Bible translations; practice the expository method of teaching the Bible; practice the discovery method of teaching the Bible; identify and use effective introductions and conclusions when teaching the Bible; identify various types of questions to facilitate discussion and learning; lead meaningful discussions of a Biblical text; and understand characteristics of children and adolescents and incorporate those in lessons when teaching the Bible.

Instruction:

The course involves lecture, discussion, reading, lesson plans, and presentations in order to practice skills for exploring context, identifying the main idea, and interpreting text. The two types of learning to be examined are exposition and discovery.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division associate/baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Bible or Religious Education (11/10) (10/15 revalidation) (10/20 revalidation).

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