The program aims to stimulate interaction between faith and theology on the one hand, and societal and daily life issues related to public affairs on the other.
Study face-to-face and remotely
The program aims to stimulate interaction between faith and theology on the one hand and societal and daily life issues related to public affairs on the other. The program addresses multiple issues within the Palestinian and Levantine Arab context from a Christian theological perspective. The program targets Christian leaders in society, in Palestine and the Arab World, in the church, ecclesiastical, civil and public institutions.
Program Goals:
- Promote critical and constructive thought on theological, ethical and social issues
- The ability to write academically based on scientific research methods.
- Strengthening the ability to place theology in the context of Arab culture.
- Deepening into the history and theology of the Church in Palestine and the East, and increasing the capacity for ecumenical work
- Gain a greater understanding of the Bible and relate it to issues of public concern.
- Forming a theological approach to engaging in justice and peace issues.
- Develop Christian leadership and management skills based on service, credibility, transparency and teamwork.
Program plan:
The duration of the program is three years (6 semesters), part-time, evening, two to three meetings per week
The program consists of 60 credit hours, distributed as follows:
- 11 courses equivalent to 35 credit hours
- 12 workshops equivalent to 9 credit hours
- Final research 6 credit hours (option A) or a comprehensive examination (option B)
- A biography of ecclesiastical / community / institutional service, equivalent to 10 credit hours
Teaching Mechanism
- For students from Palestine: Teaching is face-to-face in the evening shift at Bethlehem Bible College
- For students from outside Palestine: Join classes with students in a home by participating directly online in conjunction with students in Bethlehem at the college to ensure interaction and participation in discussions.
Admission Requirements
- The applicant must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- The applicant must fill out the application completely and bring a recommendation letter.
Course | Course Description | Credit Hours |
Scientific and Theological Research Skills | Foundations of working and writing academic research, documentation, research ethics, and foundations of scientific research methodologies
|
3 |
Institutional Management | Management principles from the Christian concept, the management of non-profit institutions, the management of meetings, financial management, the concept of transparency, the concept of internal regulations and workers’ rights, and the development of strategic plans
|
3 |
Christian and Community Leadership | Leadership from a Christian concept, the ethics of a Christian leader, group management, setting plans, goals and mechanisms of societal influence
|
3 |
Biblical Theology | Concept of biblical theology; The teachings of Christ in a contemporary context, and related theological issues such as: election, the church, the people, the earth, and the kingdom of God on earth.
|
3 |
Exegeses | Mechanisms and scientific methodological foundations for the interpretation of the Bible
|
4 |
Local Theology | Defining the Palestinian and Levantine context, delving into the concept of local or contextual theology, and exposure to the main theological issues facing the Churches of the East in general and Palestine in particular.
|
4 |
Public Affairs Issues 1 and 2 | Discussing various and multiple issues facing the church around the world today, especially in the Arab Mashreq, including: domestic violence /
Violence against children / Harassment / Homosexuality / Environment / Gender justice / Inheritance / Marriage and divorce / Guardianship / Honor killing Cybercrime / corruption in society / personal status laws / family education / children’s rights / justice / politics / poverty
|
6 |
Church and Public Affairs | The role and mission of the Church in society from a theological perspective, especially in the oriental context
|
3 |
The Church in Palestine and the Arab East: A History of a Liturgical Faith | Studying the history and theology of the Church in Jerusalem and the East, and identifying the ecclesiastical diversity in matters of faith, spirituality and liturgy
|
3
|
Theology of Peace and Justice | Mechanisms of political action and advocacy from a theological perspective in issues of community justice, reconciliation and peacemaking
|
3 |
Each workshop is 3 hours of actual time, with readings and interactive papers. It includes the following titles:
- Judaism
- Islam
- Christianity around the world
- Ecumenical Movement
- Social 1
- Social 2
- Christian Zionism
Post-Holocaust Theology
Liberation theology
- Theology of the South 1 / Latin America
- Theology of the South 2 / South Africa
- Theology of the South 3/ India
Accreditation
The program is accredited by
- The Association of Faculties of Theology in the Middle East and North Africa MENATE
- Asia Theological Association
Fees
- Those who live in Palestine and the Levant:
o The cost of the credit hour for the main courses is 50 US dollars per credit hour
o The cost of each workshop is 25 USD per workshop
- People living in the diaspora:
o The cost of one credit hour for major courses is $100 per credit hour
o The cost of each workshop is 50 US dollars per workshop
CONTACT US
registrar@bethbc.edu
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
1. The student must have a Bachelor’s degree.
2. The student should be involved in ministry for at least two years.
3. The student should pass a personal interview with the Academic Dean or the head of the department.
4. The student should write a report of 200 words explaining why they want to enroll in this program.