Christian Thought

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Program Overview

Why Study Christian Thought at TFC?

Students in the Christian Thought major are equipped with the knowledge, skill, and character pertinent to detailed knowledge of the structure of Christian beliefs and practices. The Christian Thought major provides students with an understanding of the logic and theological beliefs of the Christian faith. Students will learn to apply course material to the formation of Christian beliefs and critically analyze and evaluate advanced theological ideas and arguments.

Students will graduate with advanced skills in the personal and practical application of the principles and practices found in Scripture and the Christian faith’s theological heritage. Students will also graduate with fundamental skills in research, writing, and presentation of material appropriate to students’ professional goals.

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Minors:
  • Biblical Languages
  • Greek, Hebrew
  • New Testament
  • Old Testament
  • Religion
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Bible & Theology

“The Bible and Theology program will help lead students to understand the Bible better and lead them into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. We highly value biblical thinking and so a lot of our students really want to understand how the Bible speaks today and how to apply that in a Christian context.”

Dr. Kevin R. Burris
Bible and Theology Department Chair, Professor of Biblical Studies & Languages

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Degree Layout

Bible & Theology Courses

The Christian Thought major is a 126 hour program that includes 69 hours of general education courses (including 30 hours of Bible & Theology), 18 hours of open electives, and 39 hours in Christian Thought-specific courses.

Featured Courses:

  • Ethics
  • Philosophy of Religion
  • Catholicism & Orthodoxy
  • Apologetics, and Modern Theology
Alexander Hurtsellers

Testimonial

I look back on my time studying Christian Thought at TFC with immense gratitude. This major equipped me with resources and spiritual confidence to ask questions attuned to scripture, history, and personal experience. My professors received me warmly and respectfully, and they showed me that every theological answer is a call to go deeper! In fact, all of my favorite moments involve the great professors of Bible and Theology. Learning the Psalms with Dr. Burris who carries himself with levity and friendliness, learning about Paul and motorcycles with Dr. Juncker, understanding wisdom literature and the art of a good joke with Dr. Turner, addressing issues of late modernity with Dr. Vena who would listen carefully to my many questions for hours, and learning about interpreting scripture with Dr. Heringer who showed me hospitality and friendship… there are too many to choose from! TFC’s professors led me further into love of God and of neighbor. If you are a curious type and want to learn more about God, study Christian Thought!
Alex Hurtsellers, Class of 2018
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Career Options

What can you do with a Christian Thought Degree?

When you earn a Christian Thought degree, you will find that there are many career opportunities available to you. Graduates are qualified for a wide range of jobs, such as:

Pastor

Many graduates who earn a bachelor’s degree in Christian Thought go on to pursue their calling to become a pastor. There are opportunities to specialize as a pastor, such as working as a youth pastor or serving as a teaching pastor. In most cases, the pastor serves as the leader of the church organization, managing the administration of the church as well as providing spiritual insight and guidance for all parishioners.

Educator

Those who earn a Christian Thought degree are particularly passionate about the Bible and its teachings, which makes them well-suited to a career in education. Most bible & theology graduates teach in Christian environments at the elementary, secondary or collegiate level.

Human Resources Professional

The Christian Thought degree program not only provides students with advanced, detailed knowledge of the Old and New Testaments, but it also often encourages students to live a life of service. As a result, many graduates go on to work in the human service industry. Some job opportunities that may be available for Christian Thought graduates include working as a guidance counselor at a high school, working as a social worker at a Christian organization or working in leadership at non-profit organizations. These job opportunities allow graduates to live a life of service while relying on the knowledge of the Bible that they acquired during their degree program to provide actionable, faith-based advice.

Church Director

In many churches, there are a variety of directors who serve under the Pastor, such as the Worship Director, the Youth Ministry Director or the Christian Education Director. Graduates with a Christian Thought degree are the perfect fit for these positions, as they have an intimate understanding of the Christian faith, and they know how to practically apply the lessons that are found within scripture.