Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Philosophy
Overview
Explore Christian Studies from a Philosophical Perspective
The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Philosophy offers a comprehensive theological education, providing you with the skills and knowledge essential for faithful ministry. You focus on the inward development of character based upon Christian values and principles. Throughout the Christian philosophy degree program, you also gain the ability to serve with wisdom and sensitivity, while ministering within the local church and other Christian settings.
The Christian philosophy emphasis prepares you for ministry requiring ethical and ideological engagement in the public arena. You also have intimate exposure to competencies necessary for service as effective ministers who are capable of engaging the public square and leading others to do the same.
You will engage in the following critical competencies:
- Critical thinking: Understand and use basic principles of biblical hermeneutics, including the nature of the Bible interpretation and application of contemporary issues
- Effective communication: Apply theory and methods of oral and written communication with emphasis on skills development to apply in ministerial contexts
- Christian worldview: Understand aspects of the Christian worldview as outlined in the Old and New Testaments; acquire an in-depth study of revelation, God, humanity, sin, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the person of Jesus Christ and more
- Leadership: Apply best practices for mission strategies; understand and incorporate contemporary trends in global Christianity
- Global awareness, perspective and ethics: Understand biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, theological themes and global Christianity
Students must meet standard GPA and academic requirements for admission into the Christian studies degree program. You are expected to affirm the Doctrinal Statement and College of Theology Covenant during the beginning of your program of study.
Degree Outcomes
Share Your Knowledge and Understandings
Graduates of the Christian philosophy degree program have deepened understanding of biblical and theological knowledge, along with spiritual and professional development. Upon graduation, your skillset will include the communication and leadership abilities necessary for influential ministry. You may also further your study at the graduate level in preparation for a career in the church or academy.
Coursework for the emphasis in Christian philosophy introduces you to philosophical studies in key areas including knowledge (epistemology) and reality (metaphysics), ethics and philosophy of religion. Training includes analyzing and assessing ideas and ethical systems, as well as the skills to express understandings effectively to others. You explore biblical foundations, theological and historical foundations, professional and spiritual formation, contextualization and philosophy.
What You Will Learn
Examine Philosophy and Ethics within Ministerial Contexts
Emphases course topics include:
- Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics
- Knowledge and Reality
- Applied Ethics
- Philosophy of Religion
Career Outcomes
Pursue an Impactful Career in Ministry
With a Bachelor of Arts in Christian studies with an Emphasis in Philosophy, you may pursue career opportunities for ministry within the church or Christian organizations, or on the mission field. With a specialty in philosophy of religion and ethics, you may serve as a ministry or mission leader who can engage others in the public square and help others to make the same impact. You may also have the opportunity to provide leadership in various religious activities, teaching and preaching.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4 credits
- UNV-303, University Success: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4 credits
- INT-244, World Religions: 4 credits
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the Old Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the New Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the discipline of philosophy through a study of representative philosophical problems. Students are introduced to analytic tools that enable them to practice critical thinking, evaluate knowledge claims, and establish a rationale and justification for other academic disciplines. Topics to be considered include logic, epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics.
Course Description
This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of revelation, God, humanity, sin, and the person of Jesus Christ with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.
Course Description
This writing intensive course helps equip students to understand and use basic principles of biblical hermeneutics, including an introduction to the nature of Bible interpretation and the application to contemporary issues. The majority of the course focuses on developing practical procedures and step-by-step skills in exegesis of Scripture. Prerequisites: ENG-105, BIB-106, and BIB-107.
Course Description
This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of the works of Jesus Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last times with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the first major division of the Old Testament with an emphasis on the application of hermeneutical principles. The class focuses on the interpretation of selected passages from the Pentateuch. Attention is also given to textual issues and major theological themes. Prerequisites: BIB-106 and BIB-355.
Course Description
This course examines the biblical truths, spiritual disciplines, virtues, and habits that contribute to the process of discipleship, form Christian character, and result in Christ-likeness. Special attention is given to the doctrine of sanctification and teaching related to ministerial ethics and the cultivation of Christ-like character. Prerequisites: BIB-106 and BIB-107.
Course Description
This is an advanced study of the nature of knowledge and our knowledge of self and world. It investigates sources and theories of knowledge and rational belief, the role of intellectual virtues in knowledge. Attention will also be given to topics such as the nature of human persons, whether persons have free will, whether there is life after death, and the meaning of life. Prerequisite: PHI-103.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the initial books of the New Testament with an emphasis on the application of hermeneutical principles. The class focuses on the interpretation of selected passages from the Gospels and Acts. Attention is also given to textual issues and major theological themes. Prerequisites: BIB-107 and BIB-355.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course systematically studies the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of Christian ethics as compared with other ethical systems that shape public discourse on ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on personal morality and an exploration of contemporary issues relevant to the Church’s public witness.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a survey of global Christianity that examines the mission and purposes of God and His people among the nations. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of recent mission movements, best practices for mission strategies, and contemporary trends in global Christianity. Prerequisites: HTH-201 and HTH-202.
Course Description
This course is a study of the theory and methods of oral communication with emphasis on the development of speaking and listening skills for application in ministerial contexts such as preaching, teaching, small group discussion, and interpersonal communication. Prerequisites: BIB-106, BIB-107, and BIB-355.
Course Description
This course examines difficult moral questions related to challenging bio-ethical and social issues in order to identify the morally correct course of action in various areas of human life. Prerequisite: PHI-103.
Course Description
This course surveys the major developments within the history of Christianity that have shaped Christian doctrine. Emphasis is placed on key events, personalities, theological developments, and movements. Prerequisites: HTH-201 and HTH-202.
Course Description
This course investigates fundamental issues related to religion and religious experience from a philosophical perspective. Attention will be given to arguments for the existence and nature of God, the problem of evil, faith and reason, and the coherence of theism. Prerequisite: PHI-301.
Campus
Online
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Online and Evening program disclosures (48 months) On-campus program disclosures (48 months)* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.