Courses in the Systematics Department deal with doctrines in a topical manner, covering all the loci of theology.

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ST11 – Introduction to Reformed Theology (3 Credit Hours)

No Prerequisites
Lecturer: Dr Donald John MacLean
Description: A survey of the system of Christian thought using the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms as guides, with the intent of grounding students in biblical Reformed theology. Includes required readings in Calvin’s Institutes, as well as catechism memorisation.

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ST31 – Prolegomena & Theology (3 Credit Hours)

Prerequisites: ST11, OT14, NT12
Lecturer: Dr Peter Sanlon
Description: Prolegomena treats the doctrine of Scripture and the doctrine of God as providing the fundamental principles undergirding theology as a discipline. Stresses definitions of theology and the doctrine of Scripture in particular. Theology proper treats the doctrine of God, the Trinity, divine decrees, the definitions of theology, and the doctrine of Scripture, highlighting the practical elements of trinitarian theology.

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ST32 – Creation, Man, & Sin (3 Credit Hours)

Prerequisite: ST31
Lecturer: Dr Peter Sanlon
Description: A study of the doctrines of creation, the creation of man, the Imago Dei, the covenant of works, the fall of man, and the effects of sin on creation, demonstrating the theological importance and pastoral usefulness of these truths.

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ST41 – Christ & Salvation (3 Credit Hours)

Prerequisite: ST32
Instructor: Dr Joseph Pipa, Jr. or Dr Ryan McGraw (GPTS)
Description: A study of the doctrines of the plan of salvation, the covenant of grace, the person and work of Christ, and the ordo salutis, with the application of salvation, from regeneration to assurance, demonstrating the theological importance and pastoral usefulness of these truths.

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ST42 – Ecclesiology & Polity (3 Credit Hours)

Prerequisites: ST41
Lecturer: Dr Joseph Pipa, Jr. or Dr Ryan McGraw (GPTS)
Description: The doctrine of the church in relation to the Trinity, covenant, and Pneumatology. Examines the doctrine of the church from Scripture and then shifts into the nature and practice of biblical polity, or church government, aiming in particular at developing a love for the church and the ability to participate in the courts of the church at every level.

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ST44 – Eschatology (2 Credit Hours)

Prerequisites: ST41
Lecturer: Dr Jonathan Master (GPTS)
Description: A study of the biblical teaching on the “last things.” The course follows the classic pattern of death, judgment, heaven, and hell. While the course treats contemporary questions, such as millennial views, its primary aim is to teach Divinity students how to preach the gospel and to minister to people in anticipation of standing before Christ’s judgment seat. This course brings the other courses in the Systematic Theology curriculum towards their fruition and goal.

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ST57 – Introduction to Reformed Scholasticism (2 Credit Hours)

No Prerequisites
Lecturer: Dr Ryan M. McGraw
Description: An introduction to the theological method of historic Reformed orthodoxy. Included is instruction on research methodology and an examination in an important period for the formulation and codification of Reformed theology. Students are enabled to ground contemporary Reformed theology on a classic foundation using primary source reading, research, and writing, with heavy emphasis on Latin texts of systematic theology and learning to express themselves well in writing on this topic. Latin language competency is helpful but not a requirement. Though there are no formal prerequisites for this elective, it may be an advantage for students to have completed ST11 and AT21 before enrolling in this course.

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ST58 – Theology of John Owen (2 Credit Hours)

No Prerequisites
Lecturer: Dr Ian Hamilton
Description: An introduction to the life and thought of John Owen, widely regarded as the greatest theologian produced by the British Isles. Students learn to read and digest the works of this massive doctrinal and practical thinker, focusing primarily on Owen’s historical context, his Trinitarian piety, his views of the knowledge of God and true theology, his covenant theology, the law and the gospel, Christology, and his exposition of Scripture. Though there are no formal prerequisites for this elective, it may be an advantage to students to complete ST11 and HT32 before enrolling in this course.