Westminster Theological Seminary

London based Th.M. in Historical Theology

Westminster Theological Seminary is offering a ThM-level degree course in association with the John Owen Centre for Theological Studies (JOCTS) of London Thelogical Seminary.

JOCTS has been established to promote evangelical scholarship of excellence for the good of the church and the advance of God's kingdom. Westminster is the doyen of intellectually rigorous Reformed seminaries worldwide, with over 700 students currently enrolled, and it has a proven track record of keeping faithfully to the historic Reformed faith. The modules for this ThM will be taught by visiting faculty members of Westminster and adjunct faculty members.

The purpose of the course is to increase the student's knowledge of a major field of theological learning - in this case that of the Reformed and Puritan periods - particularly through training and practice in the use of the methods and tools of theological research, and thus to further the student's preparation for pastoral or teaching ministry, or for more advanced graduate study. It is aimed especially at theology graduates, ministers and missionaries. Provision is made for those wishing to attend lectures without taking the degree.

Credentials for admission to the course will include a degree in theology or its educational equivalent, and evidence of knowledge of both Hebrew and NT Greek, as well as one other language relevant to theological study (e.g. Dutch, French, German, or Latin). An examination in this chosen language must be passed before the course's thesis can be submitted.

The course itself will consist of 6 taught modules, each of one week's duration, and the writing of a thesis. These 6 weeks will be spread over 53 weeks. The course can also be taken over 2 years.

Fees and accommodation:
The tuition and examination fees will be £3,750.

Accommodation if required will be available (single study bedrooms) during the teaching weeks. Residence at the John Owen Centre at other times is also possible subject to availability.

Library Resources

Master of Theology Course Curriculum 2007
Students are required to complete and pass the Theological Bibliography and Research Methodology course.

January 8-12, 2007: English Nonconformity (1660-1735), Dr. Rober Oliver
This course’s purpose is 1) to trace the development of English Nonconformity from the Great Ejectiion to the dawn of the Evangelical Awakening; 2) to consider the character of later English Puritanism and to trace its struggles to secure the freedom of the Church; 3) to consider the doctrinal challenges faced by Nonconformists and their response to these; 4) to help students to appreciate the importance of freedom under Christ. Topics covered include: the Clarendon Code and the Great Persecution; the contrasting leadership of John Owen and Richard Baxter; the contrast between comprehension and toleration; the challenge of Neonomianism, Arianism and early Hyper-Calvinism; the work of early Nonconformists including Benjamin Keach, Isaac Watts and Philip Doddridge; Nonconformist training for the ministry. There will be study of the memoirs of figures covered and a selection of their doctrinal writings.

Robert Oliver, Visiting Professor of Church History
B.A., University of London, 1959; Post-graduate Certificate in Education, University of Nottingham, 1960; Ph.D., London Bible College and Council for National Academic Awards, 1986; Teacher, United Kingdom, 1960-1976; Pastoral ministry, United Kingdom, 1971- ; Lecturer, London Theological Seminary, 1989- ; Visiting Lecturer, Emanuel University, 1993- ; Westminster, 2000- .

April 2-5, 2007: Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, Dr. Lane Tipton
This course will address the relationship between biblical eschatology and soteriology; the meaning of, and relation between, historia salutis and ordo salutis; the function of union with Christ in Reformed soteriology; the distinct-yet-inseperable benefits of union with Christ (e.g., justification, sanctification, and adoption); and historical conceptions of the plan of redemption. Special attention will be given, from an exegetical perspective, to the redemptive-historical character and systematic theological implications of Reformed soteriology.

Lane Tipton, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
B.A., Southwestern Oklahoma State University, 1992; M.Div., Westminster Seminary California, 1998; Ph.D., Westminster Theological Seminary, 2004; Westminster, 2003- .

June 18-22, 2007: Union with Christ in Calvin's Theology, Dr. Mark Garcia
This course is designed as an exercise in the responsible reading and interpretation of historical-theological texts by systematic theologians, or those interested in the systematic theological issues that arise in the course of such study. As the major theologian of the early Reformed tradition, Calvin’s rich and engaging theology of union with Christ has consistently drawn interest from theologians throughout the modern era. This course will pursue a faithful understanding of Calvin’s thought by attending to the exegetical, polemical, and historical-contextual facets of his teaching on this topic. The general interest will be in the function of the union idea in the way Calvin relates justification "sola fide" to the recognized necessity for good works, and the textual-contextual foci will be 1) his Romans commentary, which will involve a close examination of Calvin’s exegesis; 2) his expositions of sacramental union with Christ, which will involve developing a sensitivity to Calvin’s concern for theological implications and coherence; and 3) his extensive refutation of Andreas Osiander, which will bring many aspects of the first two foci to bear upon a highly important event in Calvin’s later work. This course will conclude with a discussion of proposals by contemporary theologians who interact with Calvin’s Christology and theology of union with Christ.

Mark Garcia , Adjunct Professor of Church History
B.S., Clearwater Christian College, 1998; M.A.R., Westminster Theological Seminary, 2000, Graduate studies, Westminster Theological Seminary; Ph.D., University of Edinburgh, 2004; Pastoral Intern, Lake Sherwood Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Orlando, Florida, 2004-2005; Teacher, 2005-2006; Adjunct Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, 2004-2006; Research Fellow, Craig Center for the Study of the Westminster Standards, Westminster Theological Seminary, 2006- ; Visiting Scholar, Cambridge University, 2006- ; Senior Member and Post-doctoral Research Associate, Wolfson College, Cambridge University 2006- ; Westminster, 2006- .

August 20-24, 2007: Scottish Covenant Theology, Dr. Andrew McGowan
This course will follow the rise and development of Scottish covenant theology from Robert Rollock onwards, concentrating particularly on the seminal work of Thomas Boston. T.F. Torrance’s views on covenant theology will be examined and a response offered. The nature of covenant theology will be spelled out in detail and the various internal disagreements (notably the Kline/Murray debate) will be examined in the light of the of the position taken by leading Scottish theologians.

Andrew McGowan, Visiting Professor of Church History
B.D., Aberdeen University, 1977; S.T.M., Union Theological Seminary, 1978; Ph.D., Aberdeen University, 1990; Pastoral ministry, 1977-1994; Principal, Highland Theological College, Scotland, 1994- ; Adjunct Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary; Westminster, 2001- .

August 27-31, 2007: The History and Theology of the Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn
This course’s purpose is 1) to acquaint students with the history of the Westminster Assembly in its various contexts; 2) to aid students in understanding the development of theology; and 3) to train students to think critically and write constructively as church historians. Topics covered include the calling, constitution and work of this great post-Reformation synod. This course also discusses some of the Assembly’s major debates in systematic and practical theology. Both lectures and discussions will seek to illustrate the complexity of creed-making and developments in the doctrines of God, the atonement, justification, Church government, and pastoral theology.

Chad Van Dixhoorn, Adjunct Professor of Church History
B.A., Huron College, University of Western Ontario, 1996; M.Div., Westminster Theological Seminary, 1999; Th.M., 2000; Ph.D., Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, 2005; Lecturer in Historical Theology, Westminster Seminary California, 2004; Lecturer in Theology, University of Nottingham, 2005; Member of the Early Modern History Subject Group, Faculty of History, University of Cambridge, 2004- ; Research Fellow, Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, 2004- ; British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of History, University of Cambridge, 2005- ; Associate Minister, Cambridge Presbyterian Church, 2006- ; Director of the Cambridge Summer Program, Westminster Seminary California, 2006- ; Visiting Professor of Historical Theology, Westminster Seminary California, 2006- ; Westminster, 2006- .

Master of Theology Course Curriculum 2006 (for reference)

January 9-13, 2006: Scottish Covenant Theology, Dr. Andrew McGowan
April 10-13, 2006: History of Atonement, Dr. Garry J. Williams
July 3-7, 2006: The Doctrine of the Church in Reformed Theology, Dr. A. Craig Troxel
August 28-September 1, 2006: The Life and Thought of Martin Luther, Dr. Carl R. Trueman
September 4-8, 2006: The Life and Thought of Jonathan Edwards, Dr. Steve Nichols

How to apply:

Applicants must submit their completed application form and supporting documents to the Director of JOCTS in London by October 31 for January entrance, January 15 for March or June entrance, and April 30 for August or September entrance.

Write to: The Director, John Owen Centre for Theological Study, LTS, 104 Hendon Lane, London N3 3SQ, UK. Telephone: 020-8346 7587.

E-mail to: johnowen@ltslondon.org, quoting Master of Theology (Westminster Theological Seminary Philadelphia, USA.) at The John Owen Centre for Theological Study.