Diploma Courses & The Season

Christmas is a time of family and gifts but it is also a time of reflection and thoughtfulness about the true meaning of Christmas. It is a common misconception that you must be religious to participate in diploma courses in theology. Theology diploma courses investigate, in a scholarly manner, the life and times depicted in the Bible and the meanings of prophesies. Diploma courses in theology are fascinating for anyone, not just religious practitioners. In fact in recent years many theological students have been men and women interested in religious questions, but who have only loose connections (or no connection at all) with the churches.

Consider these benefits of diploma courses in theology:

1. Theology diploma courses are particularly useful for those working with one of the churches, and also for people in the teaching profession, social services, or other occupations that are concerned with people and their values.
2. The managerial and organisational levels of the volunteer sector are particularly interested in individuals with theological expertise.
3. Diploma courses may serve to enhance specializations in areas such as the philosophy of religion and ethics, church history or science and religion.
4. Students are taught to create clear written accounts of knowledge and arguments, to analyse texts, and to study questions which are of fundamental human concern

Diploma courses in theology teach a deeper understanding of individuals and communities who have been influenced by religious belief. Although Christianity is often the main religion studied in diploma courses there is usually a component of comparing and contrasting other religions within theology diploma courses.

Essentially a diploma course in theology will cover some or all of the following:

• Interpreting the Old Testament
• Interpreting the New Testament
• Introductory New Testament Greek Language
• Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis
• The Gospels
• Greek New Testament Exegesis
• Jesus in the New Testament
• Introductory New Testament Greek Language
• Old Testament Prophets
• Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis
• Women in Biblical Texts
• The Gospels
• Greek New Testament Exegesis
• The History of Christianity
• Doing Theology
• God and Ethics in the Modern World
• Modern Christianity
• Christology
• Issues in Theology
• Humanity and Creation
• Special Topic: Salvation in Christian Perspective
• Christianity, War and Violence
• The History of Christianity
• Doing Theology
• God and Ethics in the Modern World
• Medieval Christianity
• Christology
• Spirit, Church and Sacraments
• Christianity, War and Violence
• Studies in Chaplaincy
• Liturgical Theology
• The Person in Ministry
• Research Methods
• Judaism, Christianity and Islam
• Hinduism and Buddhism
• Religions and Globalization
• World Religions in Cinema
• The Religions of Southeast Asia
• The Religion of Islam
• The Body in Asian Religions
• The Dead Sea Scrolls
• New Religious Movements
• Ecstasy, Trance and Possession
• Religion, Science, and Magic
• Religion & Internet
• Representing Islam
• Islamic Law
• Qur'an and Hadith

Diploma courses in theology may be of particular interest to students completing degrees in subjects such as history, philosophy, political studies, classical studies, education, psychology, and anthropology or art history. These diploma courses may also appeal simply because the subject is compelling, global and interesting.