School of Religion and Philosophy

Lester W. James, Sr. Professor of Religion, Associate Professor Clinton Lowin, Dean

Professors Jeff Anderson, Don Ashley, David L. Bishop, J.M. Givens, Jr., Brent Schlittenhart, Glenn Simmons, Jeff Tillman

Associate Professors Michael A. Dain, Jerry Faught II, Thomas Fisher, David Maltsberger, Gary Mitchell, Joe Rangel, Jr., Richard Shaw

Assistant Professors Randy Rogers

Emeritus Professor Fred E. Meeks, Glenn Saul

Purpose

In keeping with the mission of the University, the purposes of the School of Religion and Philosophy are to provide education in religion and philosophy for all students; to provide theological education and training for students interested in ministry; and to provide services to persons, churches, and denominational entities.

The School of Religion and Philosophy offers majors in religion, religious education, intercultural missions, composite religion, double majors in religion and religious education, Christian ministry, and recreation and camp management. Within these degree programs there are a number of specializations in theological and ministry studies.

The minors in Christian Leadership, religion, and religious education are designed for persons desiring preparation in volunteer leadership positions in the local church and for persons entering other fields who are also deeply committed Christians.

Philosophy courses are essential for liberal arts education or for anyone seeking to understand the modern world. The courses in philosophy are designed to develop the student’s analytical and critical thinking skills, to broaden the student’s perspectives on the basic issues of life, and to acquaint the student with the major philosophical approaches to these issues. A minor in philosophy is offered for students who wish to concentrate in philosophical studies.

Goals

1. Students will demonstrate skills in critical thinking, analysis, and expression in the theological, historical, biblical, service, and practical areas of Christian studies.
2. Students will articulate clearly their personal faith in relation to historic Christian beliefs and practices.
3. Student will develop the insights, skills, and strategies to contribute entry-level expertise and service in ministry and mission vocations.
4. Students will qualify for admission (with advanced standing if available) into seminaries or admission into graduate programs.

Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) Ministerial Financial Assistance Program

All Ministerial Financial Assistance Program recipients must meet the following requirements:

1. Submit a completed application packet including all necessary documentation.
2. Declare a major in the school of Religion and Philosophy, or in church music; declare a minor in Religion or Religious Education; or enroll in the Bachelor of Christian Ministry degree program.
3. Be an active participant in a local church affiliated with the BGCT.
4. Renew the application each academic year.
5. Pass the following courses:
   • RLED 1301 - Introduction to Baptist Ministry  (taken at the first opportunity)
   • RLED 3309 - Spiritual Formation  
   • RLGN 4361 - Supervised Ministry  (taken in the final semester before graduation)

Pre-Seminary Students

All students preparing to attend seminary and seeking to qualify for advanced standing programs where these programs are available should declare a major in religion or religious education and take:

• GREK 1401 - Elementary Greek  
• GREK 1402 - Elementary Greek  
• GREK 2301 - Intermediate Greek  
• GREK 2302 - Intermediate Greek  

Programs

• Christian Leadership, Minor
• Christian Ministry, B.C.M.
• Christian Ministry, Children’s Ministry Specialization, C.O.C.M.
• Christian Ministry, Educational Ministry Specialization, C.O.C.M.
• Christian Ministry, Pastoral Ministry Specialization, C.O.C.M.
• Christian Ministry, Youth Ministry Specialization, C.O.C.M.
• Composite Religion, B.A.
• Intercultural Missions, B.A.
• Philosophy, Minor
• Pre-Christian Counseling Track in Religion
• Pre-Christian Counseling Track in Religious Education
• Pre-Seminary Track for the Master of Divinity Degree
• Recreation and Camp Management, B.A.
• Religion, Bivocational Ministry, B.A.
• Religion, Chaplaincy Ministry, B.A.
• Religion, General Christian Studies, B.A.
• Religion, Minor
• Religion, Pastoral Ministry Specialization, B.A.
• Religion, Youth Ministry Specialization, B.A.
• Religious Education, Education Ministry Specialization, B.A.
• Religious Education, General Specialization, B.A.
• Religious Education, Minor
• Religious Education, Youth Ministry Specialization, B.A.