3. DIVISION OF PRACTICS

3.2 INTERCULTURAL STUDIES (RELS)

PLEASE NOTE:

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) have been approved as university-equivalent courses by the Under-graduate Academic Council of Trinity Western University.

DS – indicates a potential Directed Study course.

F = Fall Semester

S = Spring Semester

Courses without a date are available every year

Q = Quorum – courses offered if enrolment quorum is reached

2008/2010 - indicates when a course is probably offered.
Courses with a date are offered on a rotation basis if enrolment quorum is reached.

* RELS 132 Cross Cultural Studies - S
3 sem. hrs.
This course is an introduction to the study of missiology and cross-cultural perspectives. Old and New Testament backgrounds for missions are explored in order to understand the importance of culture and God’s expectations for his people in regards to “mission.” An overview of the rise and development of missions in church history from the apostolic church to the present follows. Practical issues for involvement in missionary work are discussed in the light of ontemporary missionary activities and global challenges.

* RELS 133 Religious Conversion in a Multi-faith Society – F
3 sem. hrs.
This course is an overview of religious conversion from a sociological-religious perspective. It examines religious plurality and relativism in our Canadian context. It compares and contrasts Christian truth claims with those of other religions in order to enable Christians to sensitively and effectively dialogue with people of other faiths. This will involve understanding both Old and New Testament perspectives on other religions. Current cultural trends toward pluralism in Canada and its impact on the process of evangelism in an evangelical context are explored.

RELS 236 Intercultural Communication - S
3 sem. hrs.
This course is an introduction to matters of intercultural communication. It helps us to identify our own cultural perspectives and facilitates learning about interpersonal relationships with people of other cultures. Various principles and tools for communicating the gospel to people in a different environment from our own familiar culture are considered. Cultural attitudes, values, and ways of life are presented and compared. Important issues like communication skills, culture, reaching people within a different context, diverse ways of thinking and expressing, and variegated behaviour patterns will be discussed.

RELS 434 Missionary Principles and Practices [F 2010 /2012]
3 sem. hrs.
This course deals with perspectives and matters regarding preparations for the prospective missionary candidate [short term or career] as well as for those who desire to assist in the support and sending of such candidates. Discussion of roles, requirements, ministry, cultural adjustment, travel, health, qualifications, expectations, family, deputation, funding/finance, spirituality, interpersonal relationships, and nationalization will form much of the content of the course.

RELS 437 Comparative Religions and Cults [F 2010 / 2012]
3 sem. hrs.
This course explores the basic beliefs and practices of some of the non-Christian religions of the world. Christian views are compared with other perspectives in order to provide a better understanding and knowledge of other faiths. In addition to considering other belief systems, we will discover ways of sharing Biblical truth with people who according to the Bible are blind, deceived, or idolatrous. Also, some of the major cults will be considered in order to describe their tenets, practices, and proselytizing methods. This course endeavours to provide the basic tools required to interact with people of other faiths.

RELS 438 Special Topics in Missions [F 2009 / 2011]
3 sem. hrs.
This course deals with matters that affect contemporary missiological practice. The major part of the course covers a variety of trends, issues, and subjects that are relevant to a missionary’s tasks. Another part of the course focuses on matters pertaining to the contextualization of the gospel message across diverse cultures. Biblical content is applied to aspects of cultural analysis and the need to contextualize the gospel in diverse socio-cultural environments.

RELS 435, 436m Intercultural Ministry Internship
1-3 sem. hrs.
An organized program of Christian service in a cross-cultural setting, under the supervision of an experienced missionary or pastor, in a Canadian or foreign mission context. The program immerses the student in a foreign cultural and linguistic setting. In both the Fall and Spring semesters, interns may achieve 1.5 credits per semester for 10 hours of practical involvement per week. Normally internships are restricted to students in their third or fourth year of studies. Summer internships in foreign contexts are encouraged [3 credits].

If you have any questions about programs here at Summit Pacific College,
please feel free to contact Dan 604-851-7222 or Sarah 604-851-7224
(Toll Free 1.800.976.8388) or contact us through our Information Request Form.

Summit Pacific College • 35235 Straiton Road • PO Box 1700 • Abbotsford • BC • CANADA • V2S 7E7 • 1-800-976-8388 • (604) 853-7491