Ph.D. in Theology 철학 박사 과정

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology is an advanced academic degree focused on the systematic, scholarly study of Christian beliefs, doctrines, and theological traditions. It is designed for individuals seeking to engage in rigorous theological research, contribute original scholarship, and teach at academic institutions or serve in leadership roles within religious organizations. Here is an overview of what is typically taught in the Ph.D. in Theology program:

Advanced Biblical Studies

Old Testament Theology: In-depth study of the theology of the Old Testament, focusing on themes such as covenant, creation, prophecy, and the nature of God. Students analyze the theological significance of historical texts in their ancient context.
New Testament Theology: Advanced exploration of New Testament writings, focusing on the theological contributions of the Gospels, Pauline epistles, and apocalyptic literature. Topics may include Christology, soteriology, and eschatology.
Biblical Hermeneutics: Study of interpretive methods for understanding scripture, including historical-critical, literary, and theological approaches. Emphasis is placed on how these methodologies inform theological reflection and practice.

Systematic Theology

Doctrine of God (Theology Proper): Study of the nature and attributes of God, including discussions on the Trinity, divine omnipotence, omniscience, and the relationship between God and creation.
Christology: Examination of the person and work of Jesus Christ, focusing on the doctrines of the Incarnation, the atonement, resurrection, and how Christology has developed through history.
Pneumatology: Study of the Holy Spirit, examining its role in the Trinity, the life of the Church, and individual Christian experience. Topics include the Spirit’s role in sanctification, empowerment, and spiritual gifts.
Soteriology: Advanced exploration of the doctrine of salvation, including themes such as justification, sanctification, election, and atonement theories.
Eschatology: Study of Christian teachings on the end times, including views on the second coming of Christ, resurrection, judgment, and the new creation.

Historical Theology

Patristic Theology: Study of the theology of the early church fathers, such as Augustine, Athanasius, and Gregory of Nyssa, with a focus on how they shaped early Christian doctrine and practice.
Medieval Theology: Examination of key medieval theologians, including figures like Thomas Aquinas, Anselm, and Bonaventure, and their contributions to doctrines such as natural theology, grace, and the sacraments.
Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology: Study of the theological developments during the Protestant Reformation and its aftermath, with a focus on figures like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
Modern Theology: Exploration of theological trends and movements in the modern period, from the Enlightenment to contemporary thinkers like Karl Barth, Jürgen Moltmann, and feminist, liberation, and postmodern theologies.

Philosophical Theology

Philosophy of Religion: In-depth analysis of the philosophical issues surrounding religious belief, including arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, faith and reason, and the nature of religious language.
Metaphysics and Theology: Study of metaphysical questions that arise in theology, such as the nature of being, the relationship between time and eternity, and how theological doctrines intersect with philosophical concepts like substance, causality, and identity.
Ethics and Moral Theology: Exploration of moral theology and its philosophical foundations, including natural law, virtue ethics, and divine command theory. Topics might include Christian views on justice, love, and human flourishing.

Comparative Theology and Interfaith Dialogue

Comparative Theology: Study of how Christian theology compares and interacts with other world religions, such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. This often involves examining shared themes like salvation, the nature of the divine, and religious experience.
Interfaith Dialogue: Training in the theological principles and practices of engaging in dialogue with people of other faiths, focusing on respectful interaction while maintaining theological integrity.

Theological Anthropology

Doctrine of Humanity: Study of the theological understanding of human nature, including discussions on creation, sin, free will, the image of God, and the nature of human identity.
Grace and Sin: Examination of how theologians throughout history have understood original sin, human depravity, and the role of divine grace in human salvation and moral development.

Ecclesiology and Sacramental Theology

Ecclesiology: In-depth study of the nature and mission of the Church, including its structure, authority, sacraments, and role in salvation history. Topics may include denominational perspectives on church governance, the priesthood, and lay ministry.
Sacramental Theology: Exploration of the theology of the sacraments, such as baptism and the Eucharist, including their biblical foundations, historical development, and role in Christian worship and spirituality.

Missiology and Public Theology

Mission Theology: Study of the theology of Christian mission, including biblical foundations, historical development, and contemporary challenges. Focus on how mission intersects with culture, evangelism, and social justice.
Public Theology: Exploration of how Christian theology speaks to public issues, such as politics, economics, human rights, and environmental stewardship. Students learn to articulate theological insights in public discourse and address contemporary societal challenges.

Research Methodologies in Theology

Theological Research Methods: Training in academic research methodologies, including textual analysis, historical research, and philosophical argumentation. Students learn how to engage critically with primary sources and scholarly literature.
Writing for Theological Scholarship: Instruction in authoring academic papers, journal articles, and dissertations. Emphasis on developing a scholarly voice, argumentation, and contributing original research to the field of theology.
Discourse and Argumentation: Students learn advanced techniques for engaging with theological debates, constructing sound theological arguments, and responding to critiques.

Specialized Areas of Study

Ph.D. programs in theology often allow for specialization in particular areas of interest. These might include:

Liberation Theology: Study of the theology of liberation, focusing on how Christian theology addresses issues of social justice, poverty, and oppression, particularly in Latin American, African, and feminist contexts.
Political Theology: Exploration of how Christian theological concepts inform and critique political structures and systems, especially in relation to authority, power, and justice.
Feminist and Gender Theology: Study of how gender and feminist theory influence theological reflection, focusing on the role of women in the Church, the reinterpretation of traditional doctrines, and inclusive theology.
Trinitarian Theology: Advanced study of the doctrine of the Trinity, exploring its biblical roots, historical development, and contemporary relevance in both the West and East.

Dissertation Research

Original Contribution to Scholarship: The dissertation is the principal component of a Ph.D. in Theology. Students conduct original research on a specific theological topic, aiming to contribute new insights to the academic community. This often involves engagement with primary theological texts, biblical exegesis, or interdisciplinary research.
Dissertation Writing and Defense: Students author a comprehensive dissertation based on their research, which is then presented and defended before a panel of scholars. This process demonstrates the student’s expertise in their area of study and their ability to engage with critical theological issues.

Capstone Seminars and Colloquia

Advanced Theological Seminars: Participation in doctoral-level seminars, where students present their research, engage in discussions with peers and faculty, and receive feedback. These seminars often focus on contemporary issues in theology and encourage interdisciplinary dialogue.
Colloquia and Conferences: The programs encourage students to attend academic conferences and present papers, allowing them to engage with the broader theological community and contribute to current theological discussions.

Teaching and Academic Leadership

Pedagogy for Theological Education: Training in teaching methods, curriculum development, and academic leadership, particularly for those intending to pursue careers as professors in universities, seminaries, or divinity schools.
Mentorship and Academic Guidance: The programs include opportunities for students to mentor undergraduate or master’s students, preparing them for future roles in academic leadership and teaching.

Key Objectives of a Ph.D. in Theology:

Original Theological Research: Preparing students to contribute original research to the field of theology, developing new insights, and engaging with long-standing theological debates.
Scholarly Writing and Publication: Equipping students with the skills to publish their research in academic journals, books, and other scholarly outlets.
Teaching and Mentorship: Preparing students for careers in higher education, focusing on teaching theology and mentoring the next generation of scholars and religious leaders.
Critical Theological Engagement: Developing the ability to engage with contemporary theological issues and challenges, applying theological concepts to real-world problems in a meaningful and thoughtful way.

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Theology typically pursue careers in academia as professors, researchers, or scholars. Others may assume leadership roles in religious institutions, seminaries, or non-profit organizations, applying their theological expertise to teaching, leadership, and social engagement.

Please contact Dr. Suk Ho Moon (347) 749-4232