Timetable for Graduate Certificate in Theology

This course examines the nature of Old Testament prophecy, the language of prophecy, and the eighth century prophets with special reference to the book of Amos. Either a) exegesis of selections of the English text of Amos, or b) translation and exegesis of selections of the Hebrew text of Amos.

This course explores questions about human suffering and the God who engages with humans at the level of their despair. It engages with how the scriptures acknowledge human suffering, and looks at hope from a biblical/theological/anthropological/relational perspective.

Aim: To explore systematic theology and teach learners to think theologically. It examines God’s self-revelation, how that revelation can be understood, and why it is foundational for Christian faith. To then explore the arrangement of this revelation into a set of core beliefs and their application to everyday living.

This course explores how we can genuinely know and authentically live out the truth contained within the Biblical narrative. Recognising that all truth is indwelled truth leads to a posture of “proper confidence” in the gospel. This “proper confidence” is contrasted with alternative constructions of truth and meaning common in contemporary New Zealand society and beyond. The course provides and encourages the development of new examples and practical outworking’s of an indwelled gospel truth which is directly applicable to the student’s everyday experience.

This course aims to help learners reflect on personal and communal spiritual formation, through engagement with Scripture, theological understandings and a variety of Christian spiritual traditions. This reflection will include (1) evaluation of key aspects of their own formation, (2) evaluation of their experiences of personal and communal strategies intended to facilitate spiritual growth, and (3) the development of spiritual practices which will strengthen their contribution to enhancing human wellbeing within their own social and cultural contexts.

(NOTE: no campus attendance available if enrolled as a Distance Learning student)

This course offers an introduction to cultural anthropology as an aid to mission and ministry in multi-cultural contexts. The course focuses on the use of anthropological tools and concepts as a means of understanding one’s own culture and being able to engage effectively with people in other cultural settings.

This course aims to develop and apply a broad understanding of Old Testament foundations, and their interpretation and application within church, mission, and community contexts.

This course explores the life setting, text, and theological perspectives of selected New Testament epistles from either Philippians, the Thessalonian letters, James, or 1 Peter. After exploring the background to the epistle, the letter will be thoroughly exegeted, key themes will be identified and explored, and the message of the letter will be applied to contemporary life and ministry.

To explore Māori responses to the introduction of Te Rongopai—the Gospel—to Māori society. The message of the Gospel contends with utu, war, and the law/lore of tapu. Initially, chiefly mana resisted any Christian pacifist ideas which were seen as a part of conversion. This course provides an overview of 'peace-orientated Christianity' and its impact on Māori society through the agency of the bible as a book of peace.

This course introduces students to ecclesiology: biblical and historical perspectives. Attention will be given to the development of the church’s self-understanding as the people of God and to a range of approaches to ministry and sacraments.

This course offers a survey of major developments in the history of Christianity from the early church through to the 21st century with attention to the life and thought of key individuals.