2012 Postgraduate Papers

Master of Theology

A two-year Masters programme with both research and taught options:

120-credits taught papers level 8
120-credits thesis level 9
180-credits taught papers level 8
60-credits dissertation level 9

Entry: BApp Theol, BMin, BTheol, BD or Grad Dip with 7.0 (B) average in levels 6-7

Please Note: All courses are subject to the availability of places. Places on any given course are not guaranteed until enrolment processes are completed and fees paid.

Modes of MTh Course Offerings

Mode 1: Weekly daytime or evening lectures with concurrent reading and assignments over one semester.
Mode 2: A single intensive block of teaching with required reading and assignments prior to and following the teaching session over the equivalent of one semester.
Mode 3: Non-consecutive blocks of intensive teaching with reading and assignments prior to and following teaching sessions over the equivalent of one semester.

Semester One 2012

R651.830 Theology of Work

(Only available for Course Selection prior to 23 December 2011)

7–17 February 2012 at Laidlaw College (Mode 2)
Dr William Messenger and Alistair Mackenzie

People are created to work with God and each other to bring God’s creative purposes for the world to fruition. Yet most Christians say they don’t get enough guidance about how their work matters to God and how to work towards God’s purposes. This course equips students to identify God’s purposes and guidance in non-church-related workplaces and to help others do the same. Topics include the meaning and value of work, career and calling, leadership, business ethics, economics and society, and provision and wealth.

R403.830 Inner Healing

1.45pm-4.45pm, Mondays 5 March – 28 May 2012 at Carey Baptist College (Mode 1)
Dr Philip Halstead

This course offers a theological and psychological study of the theory, practice, and implications of Christian inner healing. It is founded on the belief that Jesus liberates persons from a broad range of psychological, emotional, relational, and spiritual wounds. The course is designed to ground students in the theory of Christian inner healing, as well as deepen the understanding of those already involved in this important ministry.

R401.830 Theological Research and Writing

(This is a compulsory MTh course) 12–16 March; 28 May – 1 June 2012 at Laidlaw College (Mode 3)
Dr Nicola Hoggard-Creegan

This is a course on methodology and practical aspects of advanced theological research. Students will reflect on the theological, ethical and missiological implications of research whilst developing advanced skills and methods which will support a research project. A range of scholars will relate their own research experience and projects and students will engage with a number of contemporary approaches to critical research and writing. Students will develop and hone the skills of theological research and writing by designing and implementing a research project in the field of their interest.

R211.830 The Ethics of Community

11–22 June 2012 at Laidlaw College (Mode 2)
Dr Christine Pohl and Dr Nicola Hoggard-Creegan

Recognising the importance of community for Christian growth, formation, accountability, and witness, this course examines virtues and practices necessary for the flourishing of congregational life and Christian community. To help students reflect morally and theologically on challenges encountered in congregational ministry, it looks closely at the interaction between contemporary culture and the practices of promise-keeping, truth-telling, hospitality and gratitude. It also considers the impact of the deformations of practices in the forms of betrayal, deception, envy, entitlement.

Semester Two 2012

R124.830 Isaiah: Preaching in the shadow of the Empire

20–24 August; 5–9 November 2012 at Laidlaw College (Mode 3)
Dr Tim Bulkeley

This course is a study of the text and key themes of the book of Isaiah. Attention will be paid to the literary quality and theological unity of the book. The background to the book and its messages will be considered with particular interest in how the work addresses contexts of life under the shadow of imperial powers, as vassal state, exiled community and Persian province. From this comes also an appreciation of the ministry and vocational relevance of Isaiah to our own day.

R145.830 The Epistle to the Hebrews

16–20 July; 8–12 October 2012 at Laidlaw College (Mode 3)
Philip Church

This course focuses on the Epistle to the Hebrews, and encourages the student to gain a thorough appreciation of the Epistle’s content, developing argument, and theological stance. Attention will also be paid to recent secondary literature, to foster interaction with current discussion. At the same time, special attention is paid to the use of the Old Testament in Hebrews, in an attempt both to grasp the author’s hermeneutic, and to wrestle with still larger questions regarding the nature of canonical theology and of biblical theology.

R601.830 Roots, Shoots and Fruit in the Pacific: from Mission Heritage to Pacific Theology

13–17 August; 15–19 October 2012 at Laidlaw College (Mode 3)
Dr John Hitchen

This course explores, evaluates, and critiques the present-day relevance of the theological, historical and missional roots contributing to the spread of Christianity across the Pacific Islands in the period 1796-1880 (Roots); selected patterns of theological education and ministry formation which shaped the ministry and outreach of the Pacific churches from 1840-1900 (Shoots), and trends and developments in the ways present-day Pacific Islander theologians are contextualizing theology (Fruit). We focus on the London Missionary Society’s work for the historical periods and students choose theologians from particular Island groups to study the contemporary scene.

For more details, please contact the LCGS Registrar, Anne Aalbers at registrar@laidlaw-carey.ac.nz.