Biola University 2013–14 Catalog
to the doctrine of the Trinity as the organizing principle for Christian theology. Credit(s): 2.
RSPY 740 - Special Topics in Psychology Occasional seminars are offered under this course description that specifically identify current issues relevant to the integration of theology and psychology. This designation is to be used for 1-4 day courses offered at various times per year. Note(s): Credit/No Credit. Credit(s): 1 - 3. RSPY 790 - Leave of Absence For students who have been granted an official Leave of Absence from the doctoral program. Credit(s): 0. Psychology: Theology/Biblical Studies (RSTH) RSTH 515 - Theological and Psychological Anthropology I This two semester, team-taught course has as its overall aim the development of a relational understanding of the human person. Contributions from theology include a discussion of the creation of humanity in the image of God, the subsequent distortion of that image due to the fall, an understanding of sin (both original sin, being sinned against, and habituated personal sins), and a relational understanding of Christian salvation as the deepest solution to the sin problem. This relational theology will be brought into conversation with a relational understanding of human nature from the vantage point of psychology and related disciplines in order to bring about a robust relational anthropology. This discussion will include integrating contributions from attachment theory, emotion research, neuroscience, infant research, and relational psychoanalysis. Special attention is given to helping the student come to their own depth understanding of the essential role human and divine relationships play in psychopathology and health, including the students’ own experience of and resistance to such an understanding. Note(s): Required of Ph.D., Psy.D. Credit(s): 2. RSTH 516 - Theological and Psychological Anthropology II This two semester, team-taught course has as its overall aim the development of a relational understanding of the human person. Contributions from theology include a discussion of the creation of humanity in the image of God, the subsequent distortion of that image due to the fall, an understanding of sin (both original sin, being sinned against, and habituated personal sins), and a relational understanding of Christian salvation as the deepest solution to the sin problem. This relational theology will be brought into conversation with a relational understanding of human nature from the vantage point of psychology and related disciplines in order to bring about a robust relational anthropology. This discussion will include integrating contributions from attachment theory, emotion research, neuroscience, infant research, and relational psychoanalysis. Special attention is given to helping the student come to their own depth understanding of the essential role human and divine relationships play in psychopathology and health, including the students’ own experience of and resistance to such an understanding. Note(s): Required of Ph.D., Psy.D. Credit(s): 2. RSTH 540 - Theology I: Theoretical Foundations of Integration This course serves as an introduction to the content, methods, task, and goals of systematic theology, particularly for those students who have had little to no formal training in theology. It will provide an overview of the basic concepts in each of the topics in Christian doctrine and will discuss their inter- relationship to each other. The relevance of theological theories and concepts to psychological theories and concepts will be noted throughout the course. Special focus will be applied
RSTH 550 - Theology II: Spiritual Theology and the Dynamics of Change This course treats the nature of new life in Christ, the role and meaning of the cross in the Christian life, and the process of formation in the Spirit. Particular attention is given to understanding the implications of life in Christ regarding guilt, shame, legalism, and loneliness as well as the New Covenant ministry of the Spirit in transforming the heart in light of the dynamics of original sin, early relational development, and the habits of sin developed over time. Attention is also given to the developmental stages of spiritual growth. Note(s): Required of Psy.D., Ph.D. Credit(s): 3. RSTH 603 - Theology III: Christ, Salvation and the Spirit An investigation into the person and saving work of Christ, particularly the nature and application of salvation and their relation to spiritual formation. Attention is given to the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit, particularly as it relates to His indwelling ministry within the psychological dynamics of the human soul. Special emphasis on the practice of sanctification in personal Christian living. Note(s): Required of Psy.D., Ph.D. Credit(s): 4. RSTH 604 - Theology IV: The Church and Eschatology The study of the broad kingdom purpose of God and the future events related to the destiny of history and individuals including Christ’s coming in its phases, the millennial reign of Christ, the resurrections, the judgments and eternal state. Emphasis will also be given to their relevance to spiritual formation and human guilt, anxiety and repression of these realities. The inception and nature of the church as the new kingdom community, both as a living organism and an organization, its function, ordinances and place and mission in God’s purpose and human happiness. Note(s): Required of Psy.D., Ph.D. Credit(s): 3. RSTH 613 - Theology III: Spiritual Theology and the Dynamics of Change II This course continues the discussion of spiritual formation/ sanctification with a focus on the means of grace. The course focuses on the Spirit’s use of the Word of God, the people of God, trials, and spiritual disciplines in Christian transformation. The interrelationship of natural formation and spiritual formation is also explored. Note(s): Required Psy.D., Ph.D. Credit(s): 3.
RSTH 614 - Theology IV: Biblical Interpretation and New Testament Psychology
This course is meant to assist the student in the investigation of what Scripture has to offer for the development of psychological theory and practice. The course covers the nature and authority of Scripture, the illumination of the Spirit, and biblical hermeneutics. The course will include a study of various biblical texts that are particularly relevant for psychological theory and practice as well as a hermeneutical project that requires each student to interpret, contextualize, and apply a biblical passage relevant to psychological theory and/or practice. Note(s): Required of Psy.D., Ph.D. Credit(s): 3.
RSTH 615 - Theology V: The Kingdom of God and Human Flourishing
This course develops a theology of the kingdom of God as providing a comprehensive vision of the Christian life in the present age and the age to come. Attention is given to how the
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