Theology

The department of theology, philosophy and classical languages, through the discipline of theology, seeks to strengthen and illumine programs in general education for all students, to provide major concentrations of study in theology, to provide academic background for those preparing for professional ministry in the church, to provide support and stimulus for the Christian and academic communities of the university and to serve the broader community.

Acknowledging the various perspectives of faith within our own community and beyond, the department provides for the community a well-articulated expression of the Lutheran Christian tradition. This tradition, initiated nearly 500 years ago in a university setting, celebrates the liberating power of the Christian gospel of the grace of God, applied freely to all of life.

In support of the general education goals of Texas Lutheran University, the theological faculty works with other disciplines and with the Campus Ministry Program to assist students in developing and enhancing their understanding in the following areas:

Scriptural studies: Critical analysis of biblical texts in their own settings, the processes of their development, their genres, purposes and content, with primary emphasis on the biblical texts of Christians and secondary emphasis on the texts of persons in other religions.
Historical theology: Discovery of connections with the wider church across time and throughout the globe and of the various cultural manifestations of the church through the study of Christian history and the use of empathetic imagination and experience.
Systematic theology: Reflective, critical and coherent communication of faith out of engagement with Scriptures, Christian traditions, contemporary life and ethical concerns.
Christian ethics: The relationship between Christian belief and action by understanding the ways in which the bible, theology, tradition and reason inform moral judgments about the goals we ought to seek, the duties that govern and limit the means we take to those goals and the traits of character we regard as virtuous.
Practical theology: The development of skills that enhance the application of the Christian tradition in all areas of life, with emphasis on worship, study, service and sharing, most fully in youth and family ministry.

Church-Related Occupations

The ecumenical theologies of the 20th century have recovered for our day the apostolic and reformation understanding of Christian vocation; the whole people of God are called to participate in a common life of worship, testimony and service for the world. Within this context a wide variety of church-related occupations have developed.

Pastors serve as ministers of Word and Sacrament primarily in congregations, but also in specialized settings such as university and seminary campuses, the military, hospitals, prisons and synod and church-wide offices. Other rostered leaders, including ELCA deaconesses, diaconal ministers and associates in ministry, carry out ministries of Word and Service. Students interested in a professional career in the church are encouraged to plan their academic programs in consultation with their advisors. Students wishing to serve as ministers of Word and Sacrament will be well prepared for seminary with a major in theology (pre-seminary concentration). Those wishing to serve the church in ministries of Word and Service are encouraged to earn a major in their field of service (education, music, business, psychology, etc.) and a minor or a major in theology. The requirements for the minor or the major in theology may be tailored to meet the educational requirements for the Associate in Ministry certification in the ELCA. Those who wish to earn a major in theology because of their interest in the subject as a venue through which to study and examine all aspects of life, but do not feel called to serve as ministers of Word and Sacrament, ministers of Word and Service, as youth ministers, etc. should complete the major in theology (liberal arts concentration).

Programs

Major

Major in Theology, B.A.

Minor

Theology Minor

Courses

Theology