COURSE DESCRIPTIONS – Asia Lutheran Seminary The following is a general guide that describes courses currently taught at ALS. This list can be supplemented at any times as needs require. Note that most are 3-hour per week courses which run for 13 weeks and earn 3 credits. Due to staffing and scheduling issues, or to more limited course content, shorter courses may be held from time-to-time which earn 1 to 2 credits. Some intensive language courses may also earn more than 3 credits. Core courses recommended by the faculty for all pastoral students have their course number and title bolded.
Translation The following sequence of five 3-credit courses in theology and translation are currently run as one-week (six-day) intensive modules. While it is suggested that they be taken in order, exceptions can be made with student sponsor/ALS permission. TRA -101 Intercultural Communication. Creates a broad frame-of-reference for translation based on the main principles of communication by overviewing the crucial dimensions and challenges of interactive (team-based), interlingual, intercultural, inter-medial communication; TRA-102 Translation Methodology. Develops a practical methodology for translation by introducing the basic principles, procedures, and problems involved in translating, moving from illustrative passages of Scripture to sample texts from a theological sourcebook. TRA-103. Translational English. Teaches the principles of pre-processing a text for targeted translation by practicing the methods of (re-)writing texts in “translational English,” including selected exercises in more substantial text adaptation and/or recomposition (from English into a student’s mother-tongue). TRA-104. Translation Problems. Explores some of the most common problem areas in translation, e.g., finding meaning “equivalence,” enhancing text format, evaluating illustrations, adding supplementary “helps,” adapting (translated) texts for the mass media, dealing with key theological terms and controversial or sensitive passages of Scripture. TRA-105. Culturally Appropriate Translation. Applies the notion of a cognitive framework in translation by considering the impact of different aspects of the social,
ethnic, and religious context of a “mixed” culture, with special reference to Asia. This last module will review the theories and methodologies surveyed in the entire program while students work on preparing a final translation project approved by the instructor (student sponsor). TRA-106. Final Research & Writing Project. A capstone paper or project (3 credits) required for all AATT degree students and optional for certificate students. Completion of the preceding five modules is a prerequisite. Credit will be given for either 1) a research paper which reviews, studies further, and applies a particular aspect of translation theory or practice as learned in the previous modules; 2) a report on a specific translation project which explains “potential problem points” (PPPs) and how they can be resolved; or 3) preparing a manual on basic principles of translation for new colleagues. TRA-11_. Special Topics in Translation.
Language and Research God has committed his message to mankind through the written word and has chosen us to spread that message through human language. The ALS language curriculum gives students the opportunity to read the Bible in its original languages. It also provides students with instruction in how to do theological research, to improve their ability to read theological texts in English, and to learn how to share the gospel in Mandarin RES-101 Theological Research (1.5 cr.) An introductory course in the goals and techniques of research in the various disciplines of biblical and theological study. Special attention will be paid to locating books and journal articles in libraries and online. A basic introduction will also be given to computer based tools for biblical and theological study. Required of all B. Th., M. A. R. and M. Div. students. RES-102 Theological Writing (1.5 cr.). An introduction to the proper techniques used in writing seminary-level theological and biblical research papers and essays. Attention will be given to proper formatting, citation of sources, organization and communication of the material. Required of all B. Th., M. A. R. and M. Div. students. GRE-101, 102, 103, 104, 105 Biblical Greek – An interactive approach to learning the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of the language used to write the New Testament. Speaking, listening, story-telling and other techniques allow the student to
read and translate biblical Greek as a tool for exegesis and the preparation of preaching ad teaching materials. Instruction is through week long immersion modules (GRE-101 [3 weeks, 6 cr.], GRE-103 [1 week, 2 cr,], GRE-105, [1 week, 2 cr.]) alternating with 3-hour per week internet reading session (GRE-102 and GRE-104 [1 cr. each]. Greek proficiency is required for all New Testament exegesis courses. GRE-106 Advanced Reading of the Greek Bible HEB-101, 102, 103, 104, 105 Biblical Hebrew – An interactive approach to learning the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of the language used to write the Old Testament. Speaking, listening, story-telling and other techniques allow the student to read and translate biblical Hebrew as a tool for exegesis and the preparation of preaching ad teaching materials. Required for all Old Testament exegesis courses. Instruction is through week long immersion modules (HEB-101 [3 weeks, 6 cr.], HEB-103 [1 week, 2 cr,], HEB-105, [1 week, 2 cr.]) alternating with 3-hour per week internet reading session (HEB-102 and HEB-104 [1 cr. each]. HEB-106 Advanced Reading of Hebrew Bible ENG-101, 102 Theological English – English is a tool for theological reading and research. With each degree, students will be given tasks connected with coursework that improve theological English ability. MAN-101, 102 Mandarin for Outreach – Learning key theological terms so as to be able to communicate law and gospel in Mandarin.
8.4 Biblical Theology The Biblical theology curriculum faithfully examines the Old and New Testaments. The curriculum honors the intention of the original authors who revealed in their inspired writings the expectation and coming of Jesus Christ as the all-sufficient savior. BIB-101 Hermeneutics – Canon History (1.5 cr.). The study of the how the Old Testament and New Testament books were written, gathered, and passed down to the church today. Required of all M. A. R. and M. Div. students.
BIB-102 Hermeneutics – Historical Grammatical Interpretation (1.5 cr.). The study of the method used by interpreters through the ages to properly interpret the God’s Word. Required of all M. A. R. and M. Div. students. BIB-103 Hermeneutics – History of Bible Interpretation (1.5 cr.). The study of how the Biblical text has been interpreted with special attention to methodologies used in the present and recent past. All such methods will be evaluated in the light of Scripture itself. Required of all M. A. R. and M. Div. students. BIB-104 Hermeneutics – Textual Criticism (1.5 cr.). The study of how the Old and New Testament texts were copied by hand, how the ancient manuscripts have been discovered and edited, and how to use the modern critical editions of the Hebrew and Greek Bibles. Required of all M. A. R. and M. Div. students. BIB-10_ Hermeneutics – Special Topics. BIB-109 Holy Land Study Trip. (credits will vary). – Study trip to explore the environment, geography and archeological remains of the land of Israel. BIB-110 Early Church Study Trip. (credits will vary). – Study trip to explore the environment, geography and archeological remains of Greece and/or Turkey and/or other lands to which the early church spread. BIB-111 Old Testament Survey / The Torah of Moses – The study of God’s revelation of himself and his plan of salvation to Israel in the first five books of the Bible. BIB-112 Old Testament Survey / Former and Latter Prophets – An overview of the historical content and religious message of the Old Testament books from Joshua to Esther and the religious message of the prophets from Isaiah to Malachi. BIB-113 Old Testament Survey / Poetry – The study of the poetry and religious message of the books of the Old Testament from Job to Song of Songs, plus Lamentations. BIB-121 New Testament Survey / The Four Gospels – The study that brings out the emphasis of each Gospel writer and draws the four accounts together into a coherent story of the life of Jesus.
BIB-122 New Testament Survey / Acts and Pauline Epistles – The study of the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome presenting the life and teaching of the missionary Paul BIB-123 New Testament Survey / Non-Pauline NT Letters and Revelation – The study of the content of the letters of James, Peter, John, Jude, the letter to the Hebrews, and Revelation. BIB-17_ Old Testament Topics – Directed study as proposed by a student and approved by the ALS faculty. The study explores some aspect of God’s Word and its message in the Old Testament. BIB-18_ Other books of the Old Testament studied in translation – From time to time, other books of the Old Testament will be offered for study as electives. BIB-190 Old Testament Apocrypha. A study of the various writings from the intertestamental period that have become known as the Apocrypha and which are contained in Roman Catholic translations of the Bible. BIB-191 Intertestamental Period. A study of the 400 years between the two Christian testaments. Special attention will be given to the development of the Pharisees and Sadducees and other historical developments that help Christians better understand the New Testament period. BIB-27_ New Testament Topics – Directed study as proposed by a student and approved by ALS faculty. The study explores some aspect of God’s Word and its message in the New Testament. BIB-28_ Other Books of the New Testament studied in translation – From time to time, other books or groups of the New Testament will be offered for study as electives. BIB-291 New Testament Apocrypha. A study of the non-canonical gospels, letters, acts and apocalypses that circulated in the early church. GRE-221 John – The study of selections of John’s Gospel and its theological insight, on the basis of the original Greek text.
GRE-222 Galatians – The study of Paul’s short exposition of the relationship of works and faith on the basis of the Greek text. GRE-223 Romans – The study of the Paul’s complete exposition of justification and sanctification, with selections studied on the basis of the Greek text. GRE-23_ – From time to time, other books of the New Testament will be offered for study in Greek as electives. HEB-201 Genesis – The intensive study of the Hebrew text of the first book of the Old Testament—God’s revelation concerning creation and the time of the patriarchs. HEB-202 Psalms – The intensive study of the Old Testament book of prayer, praise, and Thanksgiving on the basis of the Hebrew text HEB-203 Isaiah – The intensive study of the Hebrew text of the prophet who foresaw with great clarity the coming of Jesus Christ HEB-21_ – From time to time, other books of the Old Testament will be offered for study in Hebrew as electives.
8.5 Systematic Theology The systematic theology curriculum presents an orderly and thorough study of God’s plan for redeeming the world through faith in Christ Jesus. The biblical doctrines are presented over a series of 12 courses of 1.5 credits each. In this way the student will learn to comprehend the truth of God so that he can in turn communicate in clearly and completely. The main textbook for these course is L. Lange’s God So Loved the World. SYS-301 Scripture – A Systematic treatment of the theological implications of God having revealed himself to mankind in the written documents called the Bible. SYS-302 Theology: Our Triune God – A systematic treatment of what God’s Word teaches us about God’s essence, his attributes and will, and his revelation of himself, and the mystery of the Trinity.
SYS-303 Anthropology – A systematic treatment of what God’s Word teaches about human beings, sin, human nature before and after the fall into sin, and mankind’s home here on earth. SYS-304 Christology – A systematic treatment of what God’s Word teaches about Jesus Christ in his state of humiliation and exaltation, his true divinity and humanity, and his work as God’s perfect prophet, priest, and king on our behalf SYS-305 Faith, Conversion, and Justification: God’s Plan of Salvation – A systematic treatment of what God’s Word teaches about the way God saves sinners by creating faith. The doctrines of conversion and justification are thoroughly studied. SYS-306 Sanctification – A systematic treatment of how conversion results in a life of faith and fruits of the Spirit. SYS- 307 Good Works, Adiaphora, Prayer and Election – A systematic treatment of four areas of the sanctified life that have often been misunderstood and controversial within the church. SYS- 308 Means of Grace and Baptism – A systematic treatment of the concept of the Means of Grace as well as the sacrament of Christian initiation known as Baptism. SYS- 309 The Lord’s Supper – A systematic treatment of the doctrine and practice o Holy Communion and its importance in the life of the believer. SYS-310 Church and Ministry – A systematic treatment of what God’s Word teaches about what believers do together in the church, how the church is opposed in this world, and how God provides spiritual leaders to nurture believers and reach out to unbelievers SYS-311 Eschatology and the Antichrist – A systematic treatment of what God’s Word teaches about death, the end of this present world, Judgment Day, and eternity in heaven or hell. The doctrine of the Antichrist is also studied. SYS- 312 The Two Kingdoms and Marriage – A systematic treatment of the doctrine of the Church and State. Also a study of the role of marriage in God’s plan for the world.
SYS-37_ Topics in Systematic Theology and Doctrine – From time to time, systematic treatments of specific doctrines may be offered as electives.
8.6 Historical Theology The historical theology curriculum surveys the record of believers who have gone before us, learning from their lives and testimony how God graciously preserves and extends his church by means of the unconditional gospel. HIS-401 Church History to A.D. 1400 – A study of the struggles, triumphs, and weaknesses of the Christian church from the time of the Apostles until the eve of the Reformation. HIS-402 The Reformation – A study of the events which led to the Reformation. Special emphasis will be given to the life and teachings of Martin Luther and the other 16th-century reformers. HIS-403 Modern Christianity – A study of the Christian world in the last four centuries and how the legacy of the Reformation was tested by religious movements such as pietism, rationalism, liberalism, fundamentalism, and ecumenism. HIS-404 History of Christianity in China – A study of the Christian witness in China against the background of non-Christian belief and custom. HIS-411 Lutheranism since the Reformation HIS-47_ Topics in Church History – From time to time, other historical studies or Lutheran Confessions may be offered as electives. HIS-480 Church History Study Trip. (credits will vary) – Study trip to explore the environment, geography and archeological remains of some specific periods of church history. HIS-502 Ecumenical Creeds – A study of the historical development and doctrinal content of the Apostles, Nicene and Athanasian Creeds as well as some of their competitors in the early church.
HIS-503 Augsburg Confession and Apology – A study of the two statements of the Lutheran Reformation that define what it means to be a Lutheran HIS-504 Luther’s Large and Small Catechisms – A Study of Luther’s two catechisms and their role as key documents in the development of the clergy and laity of the church. HIS-505 Smalcald Articles – A study of the historical situation behind Luther’s composition of the Smalcald articles, their doctrinal content, and the role they played in uniting the German church. HIS-506 The Formula of Concord – A study of the last and most comprehensive of the Lutheran confessions and how they reunited a divided Lutheran church, as well as their subsequent history in preserving divine truth in the face of subtle heresy HIS-560 Denominational Creeds and Confessions – A study of creeds and confessions used by various churches across the centuries, including the Thirty-Nine Articles, the Westminster Confession, and the Belgic Confession. HIS-57_ Topics in the Confessions – From time to time, other studies of the Lutheran Confessions or other confessional statements may be offered as electives.
8.7 Pastoral Theology The pastoral theology curriculum nurtures leaders to be competent ministers of a gathered flock, making use of the sacraments and the Word to preach, teach, equip, comfort, direct. Pastoral theology courses earn two credits each unless otherwise noted. PAS-601 Introduction to Pastoral Life – A study of the office of pastor, the different functions he performs, and the servant leadership of Christ he is to emulate. PAS-602 The Pastoral Epistles – Portions of the New Testament books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are used as the basis for discussion of the work of a public minister of the gospel. PAS- 611 Homiletics 1 – The student learns to plan, organize, prepare, revise, and deliver public proclamations of law and Gospel that are compelling, relevant, clear, and true.
PAS- 612 Homiletics 2 – Continued study in the preparation and delivery of biblical sermons. PAS-613 Teaching – The student learns to prepare and teach Bible classes at various levels. PAS-615 Understanding and Leading Worship – A study of the historical development of Christian worship, the principals of Lutheran worship, and a practical guide for how to lead Christ-centered worship services. PAS-617 Counseling – The student learns the principles which make counseling by Christians spiritually appropriate. The student will learn the skills and techniques used by professionals in personal, family, marriage, substance abuse, and other counseling situations. PAS-625 Church Leadership and Administration – Exploration of current church leadership and administration models. Students will analyze strengths and weaknesses of these models and compare them with their own existing models. Students will consider appropriate adjustments to their own situation in light of Scripture and learning in the course. PAS-630 Children’s ministry – A study of how to share the Gospel with children at an appropriate level and with appropriate formats. PAS-631 Women’s ministry – A study of the unique challenges and blessings of Gospel ministry to and among the sisters in God’s kingdom. PAS-632 Small group ministry – A study of the particular challenges and opportunities provided when Gospel ministry is conducted in small groups. PAS-633 Designing the Sunday worship – A study of the important elements that are the core of every Christ-centered Christian worship service. PAS-634 Designing and conducting special services – A study of how to design and conduct special worship services, including evening services, marriages, and funerals.
PAS-635 Administering the Sacraments – How to properly administer Baptism and the Lord’s Supper in a congregational setting; questions on the proper preparation of candidates as well as proper performing of the actual rites will be covered. PAS-640 Music for Congregational Worship – A study of the selection and performance of music for congregational singing; how to critically evaluate the quality of both music and lyrics in Christian hymnody. PAS-641 Organizing and directing a Church Choir – A study of the purpose and functions of the church choir, as well as how to successfully organize and direct a choir. PAS-642 Art and Technology in Worship – A study of the use of sight, sound, and smell in furthering Christian worship and the opportunities to enhance these through the use of traditional and modern technologies. PAS-643 Principals of design and organization of worship space – A study of the visual and practical challenges in designing and decorating a space so that it enhances the public worship services which take place in it. PAS-660 Leadership Skills – A study of leadership principals and styles in light of God’s Word. PAS-661 Administration – A study of the proper organization and administration of Christian congregations and other organizations and programs that promote Christian service. PAS-662 Time Management – A study of time management techniques that can assist the Christian leader in maximizing thus service for God’s kingdom. PAS-663 Volunteer management – A study of how to properly manage and maintain the Christian volunteers who serve in Christ’s kingdom; how to put their gifts to use in the best way while avoiding “burnout.” PAS-665 Stewardship – A study of the biblical concept of stewardship and how the Christian leader can apply that to his own life and those God has placed under him.
PAS-67_ Topics in Pastoral Ministry – Special topics chosen for their pertinence to ministry in the modern world. PAS-68_ Practicum in Ministry – Supervised practical experiences in ministry of any kind. All such experiences must be pre-approved by ALS if the student wishes to be granted credit for it. (See the ALS secretary for enrollment and approval procedures).
8.8 Missiology The evangelism and missiology curriculum equips leaders to bring the good news of Jesus Christ as mankind’s only Savior to those who have not yet heard God’s truth, whether that be near to home, within one’s culture, or elsewhere in God’s world. MIS-710 History of Missions – When, where, and how the Christian Church brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the many nations of the world. MIS-711 Paul the Missionary – An introduction to the Acts of the Apostles, and an intensive study of chapters 13-28 with particular emphasis on Paul’s developing mission strategy. MIS-712 World Religions – A study of the major world religions which are competitors of Christianity; special attention will be given to Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Daoism, Confucianism, and materialism. MIS-721 Evangelism: Organizing and Running Evangelism Programs – How to train lay evangelists and then organize them into an effective outreach program in a community. MIS-722 Apologetics: Meeting Objections – How to address the questions of unbelievers and for meeting the attacks against Christianity from the pagan world. MIS-723 Media Evangelism – How to use the various mass media – print, personal media devices, radio and television, and the internet – as important tools for Gospel outreach. MIS-730 Church Planting – How congregations and their leaders can plan and implement the planting on new churches.
MIS-740 Communicating the Gospel Across Cultures – A study of the principals of cross-cultural communication and then an application of those principals to the sharing of the Gospel with people of other cultures. MIS-741 Church Planting Across Cultures – How evangelism to people of another culture can be turned into the planting of new churches to serve the people of that culture. MIS-77_ Missiological Topics – From time to time, special courses may be offered that train pastors and evangelists to do mission work in their community and in the world MIS-780 Mission Study Trip – (credits will vary). Study trip to visit existing mission work or to explore potential mission opportunities. MIS-871 Practicum in Hong Kong – A field work project is developed by the ALS professor and one or more students to do evangelism in Hong Kong. MIS-872 Practicum in the Wider Chinese-Speaking World – A field work project developed by the ALS professor and one or more students to do outreach among Chinese people outside of Hong Kong MIS-873 Cross-Cultural Practicum – An experience developed by the ALS professor that places the student in a non-Chinese mission setting with the goal of understanding the universal relevance of the Gospel in the midst of widely differing cultures MIS-903 Law and Gospel in Mission and Ministry. A final capstone course that will draw together all the strands of doctrine and practice for students
8.9 Thesis The thesis is to demonstrate evidence of mature theological thought. THE-901 Master’s Thesis (3 credits) – A study of a faculty-approved theological topic in one of the five areas of theological study offered at ALS. Approved topics may also be cross-disciplinary, involving more than one area of theology. Students
contemplating the completion of an advanced theological program of study at ALS should chose electives that contribute to their thesis. THE-902 Master’s Thesis (6 credits) – A study of a faculty-approved theological topic in one of the five areas of theological study offered at ALS. Approved topics may also be cross-disciplinary, involving more than one area of theology. Students contemplating the completion of an advanced theological program of study at ALS should chose electives that contribute to their thesis.