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MA (Theology)

The MA (Theology) will provide you with an in-depth understanding of Christian theology—its development over time (historical theology), the systematic interrelation of its doctrines (systematic theology), and its relations to different cultural and philosophical forms of thought (philosophical theology).

Our faculty of internationally recognized scholars and experienced instructors will take you through advanced courses in systematic, historical, and philosophical theology. This lean program of study—of usually 10-12 courses—can be completed on-campus and/or online in as little as a year and a half. Advanced standing is considered for students with previous undergraduate work in theology.

Joining with students from diverse backgrounds, you will find a welcoming and edifying community here at LCU where our goal is that you graduate with a deeper and deepening understanding of our Triune God, of His work in the world, in us, and through us. We want you to look back and see that you made friends, mastered some amazing ideas, and found your passion—whether that be as an academic, as a lay minister, or as a pastor-theologian.

Potential Careers

Campus Minister
College Professor
Christian Education Minister
Preaching and Teaching Minister
Missionary
Writer

Course List

CH 500
Understanding the Stone-Campbell Movement and My Own Heritage
An introduction to the history and theology of the Stone-Campbell Movement or Restoration Movement, designed primarily for those without a previous Restoration Movement course. Assignments concentrate on implementation of principles; some are specific to whether the student’s congregation is from the Stone-Campbell Movement or another Christian heritage.
CH 600
Christianity Through the Ages
A comprehensive overview of Christianity from its beginning to the present day. The course, which includes discussion of the theological implications of the philosophy of history, introduces students to the church’s history and theology, preparing them to face contemporary concerns in preaching, teaching, and evangelism.
TH 600
Systematic Theology
A graduate study of systematic theology, seeking to understand the bases, meanings, and relations of Christian doctrines, with attention to the controversies about and inner unity of the Christian faith.
TH 701
Modern Theology I
A study of the unfolding trajectory of theological reflection in the modern world- specifically covering the period of the emerging modern world through the nineteenth century. Examined are such thinkers and movements as: the Enlightenment, Kant, Schleiermacher, Hegel, Newman, Romanticism, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Neo- Thomism, and Classical Liberalism.
TH 702
Modern Theology II
A further study of the unfolding trajectory of theological reflection in the modern world – specifically covering the period of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Examined are such thinkers and movements as: Barth, Bultmann, Tillich, Rahner, Nouvelle Théologie, Liberation Theology, Process Theology, and various Postmodern Theologies.
TH 710
Understanding Contemporary Mindsets
An analysis of the development, nature, and “spiritual disposition” of contemporary mindsets, whether they be more philosophical in nature (e.g. Modernism Postmodernism) or more cultural in nature (e.g. Pluralism, Secularism, and different mindsets influenced by historical era, geographical location, subcultural affiliation, age, education, science, technology, gender, race, politics, economic status). Providing historical context since the 17th century, this class involves an extensive “audience-analysis” of today’s world as foundational to communicating effectively the basic truths of the Christian faith.
Additional Courses (18 HRS)
Electives in Apologetics, Church History/Historical Theology, Philosophy or Theology

Student Testimonials

Hear from students who've earned an MA (Theology)
  • The years I spent in Lincoln allowed me both the freedom and the direction to explore the Christian theological and philosophical tradition, and to find in it a vision of life and thought worth making my own. In my subsequent years of graduate study, I have found my formation to have been as or more rigorous than that of peers from some of the most elite American universities. The combination of outstanding faculty and a culture of collegiality between students and professors make the life of learning at Lincoln both rich and rare.
    — Ryan T. Hemmer,PhD Candidate in Systematic Theology and Ethics at Marquette University
  • At LCU I learned to think and live my life along with the Church, through the ages, and for today. My theological and philosophical horizons were greatly expanded and enriched in terms of exposure, access, and personal development in the vast riches of the Christian tradition…I have been prepared for my doctoral education and whatever lies ahead as a Christian leader in the world today.
    — Justin Aaron Schwartz,PhD Student in Systematic Theology at Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto
  • The theology program at Lincoln Christian Seminary is quite unique because its professors see very little reason to separate theology from philosophy, ergo the richness of the Christian tradition is discovered in and with the tradition of Western thought. And although the instructors are terrific scholars and researchers – many having published important works – each of them has a sincere interest in the life of the church, both in lived experience as well as in theory. This in particular has helped to shape me for my current role as both a pastor as well as a theologian.
    — Rev. Jarrod Longbons, Senior Pastor at Peachtree Christian Church (D.O.C) in Atlanta, Georgia,PhD candidate at the University of Nottingham
  • It was a great pleasure to study with the professors of theology at Lincoln Christian University. The collective range of expertise here is vast and heavily interdisciplinary, so I was never without guidance, despite the peculiarity of my interests. The faculty is held in high regard by the wider scholarly community, making them an invaluable resource for alumni endeavoring to find opportunities for further education, publication, and employment. Most importantly, they care for the good and well-being of every student—a profound rarity in the world of academics.
    — Corey Tutewiler, Account Development Representative at Gaggle in Bloomington, Illinois
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