Doctorial candidate: for Theology/PhD
Email the assignments listed below to students@wisdomschoolofchristiantheology.org.
Doctoral candidate: for Theology/PhD
Assignment 11
Write a 5000-word paper on:
The Divine Presence in Every Aspect of Daily Living
Welcome to your doctoral studies in ministry! In this course, you will be exploring the concept of "The Divine Presence in Every Aspect of Daily Living" through a detailed analysis of each book of the Bible. This research will allow you to understand how the teachings and narratives within each book can be applied to our modern day lives and the constant presence of God in our daily activities.
To begin, we recommend starting with the book of Genesis. In Genesis, you will find the creation story and the foundation of God's plan for humanity. Explore how God's presence is evident in the beauty of creation and the intimate relationship He desires to have with His people.
Next, move on to Exodus and examine the theme of liberation and freedom. Look for examples of how God's presence was with the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness and how He provided for their every need.
As you progress through the books of the Bible, pay close attention to the themes of redemption, forgiveness, guidance, and provision. Each book offers unique insights into the ways in which God is present in our lives and desires to be actively involved in every aspect of our daily living.
In your research, be sure to use a variety of resources such as commentaries, concordances, and study guides to deepen your understanding of the text. Take notes on key passages and consider how they can be applied to modern day situations.
Doctoral candidate: for Theology/PhD
Assignment 12
Write a 5000-word paper on:
The nature and practice of a preaching ministry
Show the Bible to be the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God.
As a potential ministerial doctoral candidate, it is essential to have a solid understanding of how to use every book within the Bible to demonstrate the nature and practice of a preaching ministry, while also affirming the Bible as the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to achieve this:
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the overarching themes of the Bible, such as redemption, grace, justice, and the sovereignty of God. Understand how these themes are woven throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Start with the Old Testament and consider how each book contributes to the understanding of God's character, His relationship with humanity, and His redemptive plan. For example, use Genesis to showcase the importance of creation, the fall, and God's promises to His people.
Move on to the historical books, such as Exodus, Joshua, and Kings, to illustrate the faithfulness of God, His deliverance of His people, and the consequences of disobedience. Highlight how these narratives serve as examples for modern-day believers.
Study the wisdom literature, including Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, to emphasize the importance of seeking God's wisdom, living with integrity, and trusting in His sovereignty. Use these texts to inspire and instruct your congregation on how to live a godly life.
Explore the prophetic books, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, to demonstrate the role of prophets in delivering God's messages to His people, foretelling future events, and calling for repentance. Show how these prophecies were fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ.
Transition to the New Testament and examine the Gospels, particularly Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, to reveal the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Emphasize how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and exemplifies God's love and grace.
Delve into the Acts of the Apostles to highlight the spread of the early church, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the courage of the apostles in proclaiming the gospel. Show how the apostles' preaching ministry is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the Old Testament scriptures.
Doctoral candidate: for Theology/PhD
Option 1: Assignments 13/14/15
Write 3 papers on 3 subjects of your choosing within the confines of Christian Theology, ministry, or Christian living. Papers must align with biblical teachings and not endorse anything that Scripture identifies as sin, such as promoting an LGBTQ+ lifestyle.
Doctoral candidate: PhD
Assignment 16
The Doctoral Candidate is to write
Use the videos below these instructions to write a 5000-word paper
Choose one of the theology conferences or symposiums listed below and write a comparative analysis of the theological perspectives presented. Consider the key themes, arguments, and conceptual frameworks discussed by the speakers. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective and discuss how they contribute to the broader theological discourse. Additionally, reflect on how the presentations align with your own theological beliefs and research interests. Your analysis should demonstrate a deep understanding of the theological content presented and offer insightful reflections on the implications for contemporary theological scholarship.
Wheaton College Scot McKnight | Everyday Sacrifice as Everyday Life | 2019 Theology Conference
Wheaton Theology Conference | Panel: Wright, Vanhoozer, Begbie, Bockmuehl, and Humphrey
Southeastern Seminary Phil Newton | PHD Colloquiums | Current Trends in Pastoral Theology
Southeastern Seminary Ph.D. Colloquiums Videos 1-43
ACTS Seminaries Theology Symposium - The Many and the One
ACTS Seminaries The Reality of God in a God-Forgetting Age
Doctoral candidate: PhD
Assignment 17
Verse-by-Verse Commentary on the Book of Ephesians
For this assignment, Doctoral candidates are tasked with providing a verse-by-verse commentary on the Book of Ephesians. Ephesians is a rich and theological letter written by the Apostle Paul that addresses various themes such as unity in the body of Christ, the mystery of the gospel, spiritual warfare, and instructions for Christian living. Candidates are encouraged to explore the historical context, theological significance, and practical applications of each verse in this epistle.
Provide background information on the authorship, date, and audience of the Book of Ephesians.
Discuss the cultural and historical context of the letter, including the religious and social landscape of Ephesus during the time of writing.
Exegetical Analysis:
Conduct a verse-by-verse analysis of the text, examining the word choices used by Paul.
Consider the literary structure of the book and how each verse contributes to the overarching themes and message of Ephesians.
Theological Reflection:
Explore the theological themes present in each verse, such as the predestination of believers, the unity of the body of Christ, the purpose of spiritual gifts, and the armor of God. Discuss how the verses in Ephesians contribute to the broader narrative of salvation history and God's redemptive plan for humanity.
Practical Application:
Provide practical insights and applications for contemporary readers based on the teachings found in Ephesians. Reflect on how the principles and instructions given in the book can be applied to personal faith, Christian community, and ministry in the present day.
Additional Resources:
Candidates are encouraged to consult scholarly commentaries, theological resources, and academic sources to enhance their understanding of the text and deepen their analysis. Citation and reference all sources used in the commentary to ensure academic integrity.
Doctoral candidate: for PhD
Assignment 18
Use the readings below the instructions to write a 5000-word minimum paper.
The doctoral candidate will give a comprehensive literature review of various hermeneutical approaches used in New Testament exegesis, including historical-critical methods, literary approaches, theological hermeneutics, and others. The candidate will analyze and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, considering their implications for interpreting and understanding the New Testament texts.
The candidate will then select a specific passage or theme from the New Testament and apply at least three different hermeneutical approaches to interpret and analyze it. The candidate will compare and contrast the results of each approach, discussing how they impact the interpretation of the passage and the theological significance of their findings.
The research project should culminate in a comprehensive paper detailing the methodology, findings, and conclusions of the comparative analysis, as well as implications for future research in the field of New Testament exegesis.
This assignment will require the candidate to demonstrate a mastery of key concepts in hermeneutics, critical thinking skills, and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis at a doctoral level.
Biblical Studies.org.uk Approaches To New Testament Exegesis
Biblical Studies.org.uk Biblical Hermeneutics in Theory and Practice
The Gospel Coalition Hermeneutics: a brief assessment of some recent trends
Primary Sense and Plenary Sense
The Interpretation of Nature & the Bible
Doctoral candidate: for PhD
Assignment 19
A Verse-by-Verse Commentary on the Book of Galatians: Exploring Paul's Letter in Light of New Testament Theology"
Use the book of Galatians and any resources you may need to provide the following.
The doctoral candidate will conduct an in-depth verse-by-verse commentary on the Book of Galatians, engaging with the text, historical context, and theological themes present in Paul's letter. The commentary should include citations and references to scholarly sources used in the analysis.
The candidate will examine each verse of Galatians, providing detailed explanations, interpretations, and reflections on the original Greek text, historical background, and theological implications of Paul's message to the Galatian churches. The commentary should explore key themes such as justification by faith, the role of the law in salvation, the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the new covenant community, and the implications of freedom in Christ.
The candidate will be expected to offer insights into Paul's argumentation, rhetorical strategies, and the broader theological perspectives of the New Testament regarding the gospel, grace, and the Christian life. The commentary should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the text, critical engagement with scholarly debates, and the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and scholarly manner.
The assignment should be submitted as a written document, following the scholarly conventions for citations and references. The commentary should be a substantial work that showcases the candidate's exegetical skills, theological acumen, and capacity for original research and analysis in biblical studies.
Doctoral candidate: for PhD
Assignment 20
The Influence of Gnostic Thought on Modern Churches
The doctoral candidate will conduct a comprehensive study on the historical development of Gnosticism, its core beliefs, and its condemnation by the early church. The candidate will analyze how Gnostic thought has influenced modern churches, particularly in areas such as theology, spirituality, and ecclesiology.
The candidate will then examine at least three contemporary theological movements or church trends that exhibit Gnostic tendencies and analyze them in depth. The candidate will compare these movements with historical Gnosticism and evaluate their impact on modern Christian doctrine and practice.
The candidate will also provide a biblical response to Gnostic influences, using Scripture and theological reasoning to refute Gnostic errors. The research project should culminate in a comprehensive paper detailing the historical background, theological analysis, and practical implications of Gnostic influence in modern churches.
This assignment will require the candidate to demonstrate a mastery of historical theology, critical thinking skills, and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis at a doctoral level.
Examples:
1. Denial of the Trinity.
2. Denial of Christ as the Son of God.
3. The Rejection of the Material World and Physical Resurrection.
4. The Reinterpretation of Christ’s Nature and Mission.
5. The Influence of New Age Spirituality in Churches.
6. The Denial of Sin and the Need for Repentance.