"Talbot's M.Div. program features a unique ministry emphasis on proclaiming God's word that is not found in many other seminaries. I would not be the man I am today if J hadn't gone to Talbot Theological Seminary." Kent Hughes, Talbot Alumnus President of Talbot's Alumni Association Senior Pastor, College Church of Wheaton Master of Divinity Program PHILOSOPHY OF THE DIVINITY PROGRAM Since the faith of today does not stand alone, but is rooted in past centuries during which God has preserved and instructed His people, cognizance of this heritage is taken in a study of the history of the church and its doctrine. Previous interaction be tween faith and the world provides a basis for understanding modem times. · It is the seminary's aim that this knowledge of the faith first grip the life of the student himself, and then motivate him to share it with the world. In accord with this latter aim instruction is given in vital areas of ministry and communication. From the prepara tion and delivery of sermons to individual involvement in counseling, the curriculum is designed to provide instruction which will facilitate propagation of the faith in the various fields of God's call.
With recognition that the Great Commission commands the church to go into the world to minister to all peoples, the cross currents of modem thought are considered relevant to the prepa ration of God's minister. Throughout the course of instruction, interaction is provided with various perspectives for the purpose of inculcating their contributions and understanding their di vergencies. All the while they are measured by the pattern of the Word. The goal of the various disciplines discussed above is reached in the exposition of the Word. With the broad foundation thus laid the servant of God is able to minister to people effectively, by drawing from the various segments of his exposure and expound ing the Scriptures both accurately and in a manner that is interest ing and pertinent to his listeners. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants, to be accepted, must hold the Bachelor of Arts degree, or its academic equivalent. They must have a 2.6 (on a
The M.Div. curriculum of Talbot Seminary is designed to foster the purposes for which the seminary was established - the preparation of men for the propagation of the faith. This purpose entails an accurate knowledge of the Word of God, the source of faith, and the effective means of its communication. The course of study is therefore designed around these two basic foci. Believing firmly that God in love and grace has provided an answer for the needs of the world in Jesus Christ and that this ·Jesus is none other than the Christ of the Scriptures, Talbot emphasizes a knowledge of the content of the Word of God. So that the Word may be known and expounded accurately and authoritatively, matters of biblical background, including the languages of the Old and New Testaments, are studied. Sound principles of literary interpretation are also explored as a basis for the next logical step which is the interpretation of the Scriptures. On the basis of such interpretation there comes systematic study so as to organize various parts of the Word into theological categories.
This diagram is an outline of the philosophy of the M.Div. program:
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
CHURCH HISTORY
BIBLICAL LANGUAGES
MISSIONS
BIBLICAL INTRODUCTION
PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION
HOMILETICS AND COUNSELING
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