THEOLOGY
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// #MOREATDORDT
The Dordt Difference In the theology major, we study God’s mission to and for the world in Jesus Christ. At Dordt College we believe that all of creation has been made to live in relationship with God. Because of the brokenness and distortion of sin, God is at work in Jesus Christ, renewing and transforming every part of creation. By examining the ways in which God has acted throughout history we learn who God is and who we are as humans made in God’s image. We also come to know God’s promises and gain hope for the future of humanity and creation. The study of theology at Dordt College is grounded in the following principles: • Biblical interpretation. We help students develop the ability to interpret Scripture in order to bring the meaning and message of God’s Word into the realities of everyday life. • Reformational perspective. We help students interpret Scripture within the framework of the Reformation, bringing a Reformed worldview into conversation with the views and beliefs of other Christian perspectives. • Mission focused. We help students reflect upon what it means to live as Christians in and for the world by encouraging them to respond to God’s call in a variety of vocations and activities. Our focus is to help our students hear God’s call to love the Lord with every part of their being by loving our neighbors and thoughtfully engaging the significant issues people face within contemporary society.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Theology gives insight into how we relate to one another, making a major in theology valuable in many careers. Most graduates are pastors, youth pastors, missionaries, and teachers; others have gone into social work or counseling, become journalists, entered the business world, or pursued law or medicine. Every year, churches and non-profits contact the department looking for more graduates than the program can provide.
EMPHASES • Biblical studies • Systematics • Missions and evangelism • Ag missions • Youth ministry
THEOLOGY MINORS THE PROGRAM Our Perspective: Biblical, historical, theological, creational, cultural, communal, worshipful, missional Core theology major courses for all emphases Biblical Foundations • Christian Confessions • Reformed Theology • Senior Seminar
Bible education, biblical studies, historic/ systematic theology, and mission and evangelism Find out more about our program in Bible education on the education webpage at www.dordt.edu.
The way we teach theology testifies to the saving work of God in the world. Biblical testimony. Through Scripture, we hear the promise of redemption as we see what God has done through the people of Israel and in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Theology helps us communicate a biblical worldview and message. Theological reflection. Through historical and systematic theology we experience God’s faithfulness throughout history. Theology explores how Christians express their experience of God’s mission for the world throughout history. Studying how other Christians have experienced God at work in the world gives us clearer insight into how God is at work in our own lives and communities. Cultural engagement. We believe that Christianity is not just about saving souls, but that every part of our human experience is taken up and transformed by God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. God is at work in the world, so theology must engage the social and cultural experiences of humanity as an important part of God’s mission to the world. The Christian community must take seriously the cultural experiences that form and shape human identity. The mission of the church. Theology explores the purpose and meaning of the church. By examining the history and mission of the church, theology can help the Christian community better understand its role and mission for the world today. Theological reflection provides a foundation for practical forms of ministry that engage the significant issues facing the world today.
THE FACULTY Aaron Baart, M.Div., Regent College. Dean of Chapel, has served as a pastor of church plants in Canada and the United States. Provides direction for spiritual growth across campus, supervision for missions opportunities, and leadership for the worship arts program and campus worship events. Aaron.Baart@dordt.edu Wayne Kobes, Ph.D., Florida State University. Pre-seminary advisor and area leader for history, philosophy, and theology. Wayne.Kobes@dordt.edu Benjamin Lappenga, Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary. Teaches Bible courses and specializes in biblical languages and theological interpretation. Before his academic career, Dr. Lappenga volunteered with homeless youth in downtown Seattle and wrote and performed in a rock band. Benjamin.Lappenga@dordt.edu Jason Lief, Ph.D., Luther Seminary. Helps coordinate practicum and internship opportunities for youth ministry students. He has given presentations to teachers, youth leaders, and churches on popular culture and a Christian approach to teaching and learning. Jason.Lief@dordt.edu Jay Shim, Ph.D., Calvin Theological Seminary. Member of the Christian Reformed Church’s synodical ministerial candidacy committee and multicultural liason for the Christian Reformed denomination for many years. Shim was previously dean of research and professor of theology at Cheonan University in Seoul. Jay.Shim@dordt.edu September 2015