The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

ROME

RUSSELL D. MOORE

Systematic Theology III (27080)

A careful and systematic study of Christian doctrines, covering the person and work of the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and last things. Theology takes on a powerful perspective as we visit the Christian catacombs and the Colosseum where brothers and sisters died for their faith. Connect the words of Peter and Paul with the very steps where they walked. Many Bible references will gain vivid hues and deep texture.

Studies in Theology: City of God (27177)

Through a study of Augustine’s magisterial work, The City of God, we will learn how the citizens of the city of God should relate to the kingdoms and cultures of this world. As we tour the Roman “eternal city,” including its famed  Seven Hills, and see its ruins, we will gain deeper appreciation for the ways in which Augustine insightfully contrasted its pomp and greatness to the true eternal city of the Christians. We will also visit the ancient city of Ostia where Augustine and his Christian mother Monica shared her final days.

GREGORY A. WILLS

Intro to Church History I (25100)

The course will cover the history of Christianity from its inception to the Protestant Reformation. We will be reminded of challenges of the early church as we stand before the Roman Pantheon.  We will see how church and society intertwined the middle ages as we visit the city of Gubbio,see the birthplace of Francis Assisi, and hear a lecture at the Roman forum.

Issues in Church History: Popes and the Papacy (25177)

There is no better place to study about the Papacy than in Rome. We will be able to visit Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, and take a special trip to the city of Perugia. We will be able to visit locations where Popes flourished in power and stand in castles where popes fled from their enemies.

GREECE

RUSSELL D. MOORE

Theology of the New Testament (27820)

A study of primary theological themes of the New Testament exploring both the distinctive perspectives represented by specific compositions and the manner in which the New Testament presents Christ as the fulfillment, and culmination of the biblical witness as a whole.

Survey of Christian Ethics (29250)

An introduction to Christian ethics, with attention given to methodology, biblical foundations, types of Christian ethical thought, and Christian responsibility in relation to current social problems. Study Christian ethics on site at the ruins of Corinth and Athens. Lectures at locations such as Mars Hill, the Areopagus, the location of Lydia’s baptism, Mount Olympus, and the Parthenon.

GREGORY A. WILLS

Intro to Church History I (25100)

The course will cover the history of Christianity from its inception to the Protestant Reformation. We will be reminded of challenges of the early church as we stand before the Roman Pantheon.  We will see how church and society intertwined the middle ages as we visit the city of Gubbio,see the birthplace of Francis Assisi, and hear a lecture at the Roman forum.

Studies in Church History: Theologians of the Early Church (25177)

An introduction to some of the most influential theologians of the early church, with an emphasis on reading original works in the best English editions.The history of the early church comes alive as we follow in the footsteps of Paul and tour the historical sites where theologians of the past lived and died. During the tour we will visit an iconic monastery at Meteora. Understand the rich theological heritage of the Christian tradition and gain deeper understanding of the differences between the Orthodox and Evangelical traditions.

Studies in Church History: Persecution and Martyrdom (25177)

A study in the persecution of the church from its early begins to modern day. In Thessalonica, we will be able to explore the deep impact of Alexander the Great on the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan as you visit the royal tombs of Macedonia where his father Philip was buried, as well as see the places where early Christians faced persecution and martyrdom. This course will increase your love for Christ and give you a deeper understanding of His sovereign purposes in using the blood of the martyrs as the seed of the church.

PHILLIP R. BETHANCOURT

Systematic Theology I (27060)

A careful and systematic study of Christian doctrines, covering introduction to theology, revelation and Scripture, and the existence, attributes, and triune nature of God. An excellent course to take while visiting locations such as Mars Hill where Paul preached about the attributes of God to the philosophers.

Faculty Bios

Russell D. Moore
Dean of the School of Theology; Senior Vice President for Academic Administration; Professor of Christian Theology and Ethics (2009)

Dr. Moore has served in this role since January 2004. He is the author of Tempted and Tried: Temptation and the Triumph of Christ; Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches; and The Kingdom of Christ: The New Evangelical Perspective. He is a senior editor for Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity. He also speaks and writes frequently on issues ranging from the kingdom of God to global orphan care. Prior to entering ministry, he was an aide to U.S. Congressman Gene Taylor.

Gregory A. Wills
Professor of Church History (1997); Associate Dean, Theology and Tradition; Vice President for Research and Assessment; Director, Center for the Study of the Southern Baptist Convention

Dr. Wills was appointed to the faculty of Southern Seminary in 1997 after serving since 1994 as Archives and Special Collections Librarian with the seminary’s Boyce Centennial Library. Dr. Wills’s dissertation, Democratic Religion: Freedom, Authority, and Church Discipline in the Baptist South, 1785-1900, was published by Oxford University Press. Besides contributions to theological journals, Dr. Wills has also written Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1859-2009.

Phillip R. Bethancourt
Assistant Professor of Christian Theology; Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management

Dr. Bethancourt has served Southern Seminary since 2006, holding positions as Director of Academic Advising for the School of Theology and Director of Research Doctoral Studies and Academic Advising and Instructor of Christian Theology at Boyce College. Prior to his current role, he served as Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President for Academic Administration. In his current position, Dr. Bethancourt focuses on recruiting, student retention and strategic initiatives that enhance student enrollment.