Course Descriptions - Good News Theology
Good News Theology Program Description
Good News Theology will help students possess a fully developed spiritual formation, extensive knowledge of both the Old and New Testaments, and essential skills needed for the next step of their careers, whether in the ministry, or short/long-term world missions. The program lasts a total of 60 weeks, spanning four 15-week instructional terms. Students are given one week at the end of each term for final examinations.
This educational program is designed to offer both an immersive in-class experience where students learn a wide range of Biblical topics, and genuine field experience through witnessing, community outreach, and event planning and implementation. The Good News Theology program offers no electives and is designed to be completed at the exact specifications of the program layout below. Mahanaim is excited to offer prospective students an educational experience that is relevant to our times, and grounded in the roots of Bible-based theology.
Genesis I
[THEO 110]
An in-depth examination of significant events throughout the first eleven chapters of Genesis, specifically the creation process, the fall of man, Cain and Abel, the genealogy of Adam, the events behind the greatest damnation to humankind, the reasons for God’s specific providence during this period, and the true heart of God.
Genesis II
[THEO 210]
An in-depth examination of significant events throughout the first eleven chapters of Genesis, specifically the creation process, the fall of man, Cain and Abel, the genealogy of Adam, the events behind the greatest damnation to humankind, the reasons for God’s specific providence during this period, and the true heart of God.
The Pentateuch I- Exodus and the Tabernacle
[THEO 120]
Prerequisites: NONE
The first course of a two-term course sequence that covers the Exodus of the Jews, and the structures, functions, and significances of the Tabernacle which leads to the discovery of the heart of God in each component of the Tabernacle, such as the Ark, bread table, veil, altar, laver candlestick, and incense table. The unfolding of the revelation of the person and work of Jesus Christ within the first few works of the Pentateuch will be closely examined.
The Pentateuch II
[THEO 220]
Prerequisites: THEO 120
The final course of a two-term course sequence that covers the last three works of Moses: Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, while continuing to unfold the revelation of the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Old Testament History
[THEO 240]
Prerequisites: NONE
Old Testament History is a theology course that provides accurate account of the history of Israel as well as the journey of the Ark of the Covenant to the establishment of the Temple, beginning with the prophet Samuel, until Babylonian captivity. This course also provides exegesis of significant events from the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 2 Kings, describing the heart of God towards Israel, and the comparability of that heart towards modern man.
Romans
[THEO 150]
Prerequisites: NONE
The book of Romans is often called the greatest book on Earth, the Diamond of the Bible, and a summation of its sixty-six books. Martin Luther was inspired by it, leading to the biggest religious reformation in history. This course will observe how and why Romans has garnered this reputation among other Biblical works through examination of the nature of man, the intricacies of righteousness versus sin, the true meaning of the law, and the state of man after the death of Christ.
The Acts
[THEO 190]
Prerequisites: NONE
This course not only tracks the works of the saints, but also traces the providence of the Holy Ghost. Also covers how Peter, Paul, and Phillip, all who lived completely different lives from Jesus Christ, became His living manifestations through the divinity of the Holy Spirit upon His ascension.
The Four Gospels I
[THEO 130]
Prerequisites: NONE
Jesus ministered on the Earth for three years and His life is exclusively depicted in the first four books of the New Testament. Through His ministry, many people were changed, and through His death, the entire world. This course will detail Jesus’ life, including the beginning of His ministry, healings, miracles, death, and resurrection, all of which are recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The Four Gospels II
[THEO 230]
Prerequisites: THEO 130
Jesus Christ often times conveyed His sermons through parables in order for layman comprehension. Through these original stories and examples of Jesus, we can understand and appreciate His precious heart. This course will analyze key parables of Jesus Christ, including the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, as well as their implications on salvation and spiritual life.
The Pauline Epistles
[THEO 170]
Prerequisites: NONE
In his Epistles, Paul deals with spiritual life, rather than religious life. This course allows us to closely observe the structure of the early church, as well as appropriate Christian and church conduct, life after salvation in the Holy Spirit and the Gospel, and the analysis of the law in relation to grace.
Church History I: The Early Church
[CHIS 110]
Prerequisites: NONE
This is the first course of a three-term course sequence, outlining key periods in the establishment of the church after the death of Christ, including the first church, the persecutions, the rise of heresy, and the development of Roman Catholicism during the Middle Ages.
Church History II: Religious Reformations
[CHIS 210]
Prerequisites: CHIS 110
This is the second course of a three-term course sequence that examines Martin Luther and the Reformation, the missions of Hudson Taylor, the works of John Wesley and John Calvin, and the birth of American Christianity.
Church History III: Modern Religious Movements
[CHIS 310]
Prerequisites: CHIS 210
This is the third and final course of a three-term course sequence that covers post-modern individuals that have made a lasting impact on the Gospel throughout the world, including Charles Studd, Norman Grubb, and D.L. Moody, as well as influential organizations such as WEC, Shield of Faith, and the Good News Mission.
Systematic Theology- Repentance and Faith
[SYST 110]
Prerequisites: NONE
This is the first course of a two-term course sequence that deals with the systematic study of salvation, Christology, and Ecclesiology regarding the specific path a born-again believer must take for a genuine spiritual life.
Systematic Theology- Soteriology
[SYST 210]
Prerequisites: SYST 110
This the final course of a two-term course sequence that specifically deals with the study of Soteriology, Christology, and Ecclesiology regarding the specific path a born-again believer must take for a genuine spiritual life.
Church Event Management
[CEM 110]
Prerequisites: COMP 010, SCOM010, two semester completion of WTNS 001
This course is designed to cover planning, implementation, and effective management from start to finish for a variety events including Bible conferences, Bible seminars, Bible crusades, youth camps, and community functions.
Individual Counseling
[INDV 110]
Prerequisites: NONE
This course involves the study of spiritual counseling, topics in Christian anthropology, and conversational strategies for leading non-believers to Jesus Christ.
Witnessing*
[WTNS 001]*
Prerequisites: NONE
Students will experience remote village witnessing, street and slum witnessing, hospital witnessing, door-to-door witnessing, while learning and practicing strategies for each type of witness setting.
ENGLISH FOR THEOLOGICAL STUDIES STUDENTS
English Composition*
[COMP 010]
Prerequisites: Satisfactory English Proficiency
A basic course in writing with an emphasis on pre-writing, revising, and editing. Students will explore and analyze the work of scholars, essayists, and creative writers in order to use their prose as models for their own. Students will complete critical essays on a variety of topics and be provided an opportunity to submit their work for review and discussion with peers and the instructor.
Speech Communication*
[SCOM 010]
Prerequisites: Satisfactory English Proficiency
This course explores theories of civic discourse and the role of language in public life. Students will develop skills in applying the principles of effective public speaking in structured speaking situations. A number of speeches on a variety of topics will be presented and analyzed to enable students to critically evaluate one another to become effective public speakers. A preaching practicum will also be integrated.
Bible Study for Non-Theology Students I, II, III
[BIST 010, 020, 030]
Prerequisites: NONE
This institutional course is required for all non-theology studies students for all terms of their respective programs. This course allows students to create depth in their hearts and minds while learning the ethos of Mahanaim from a spiritual perspective. This course meets five times a week, one hour per session.