Areas of Study

ICSI typically offers four core classes in each of four areas of study. However, if you don’t see a class you like, feel free to suggest a class. We may be able to design a class that meets your needs and interests. Our main areas of study are as follows…

Biblical Studies focuses specifically on understanding the content of Scripture, related cultural and historical background information and helpful ways to study and meditate on the Bible.

Theology focuses on the implications of the biblical message for Christian belief and practice.

Christian History focuses on major people and events and the development of Christian thought and tradition over the centuries.

Apologetics focuses on answering objections to the Christian faith and making a reasonable case for the truth of Christianity.

 

BIBLICAL STUDIES

  • God’s Plan in the Old Testament. Follow the story of Israel through the narrative books of the OT—Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, Ezra, and Nehemiah—and discover prophecies and typologies that point to the coming Messiah.
  • The Messiah in the Gospels. Follow the central figure of the Bible and indeed of all history through the Gospels and gain insight into the nature of discipleship.
  • Life in the Spirit: Acts & Paul’s Writings. Follow the development of the early Church through the lens of Paul’s ministry and writings.
  • Bible Study Methods. Learn to faithfully interpret the Bible in its proper contexts and understand its role in our spiritual formation.

THEOLOGY

  • What is God like? Consider God’s unique nature and attributes and those He shares with us.
  • Who is the God-Man? Consider the implications of the Incarnation through the writings of the apostles and early church fathers.
  • How does the Holy Spirit work? Consider how the Third Person of the Trinity applies the accomplished work of Christ to our lives today.
  • Enduring Debates. Consider various debates between orthodox Christians, such as faith and works, day/age theory, sacraments, predestination, spiritual gifts, and end times.

CHRISTIAN HISTORY

  • Ancient and Orthodox Christian Thought (A.D. 100-451). Explore key people, ideas, and events of the patristic era and learn how they have shaped the Greek Orthodox Tradition.
  • Medieval and Catholic Christian Thought (A.D. 500-1500).  Explore key people, ideas, and events of the imperial church and how they have shaped the Roman Catholic Tradition.
  • Modern and Protestant Christian Thought (A.D. 1500-1750) Explore key people, ideas, and events of the Reformation and learn how they have shaped the Protestant Tradition.
  • Current Trends in Christian Thought (A.D. 1750-2000) Explore key people, ideas, and events since the Enlightenment and learn how they shape the Church today.

APOLOGETICS

  • Answering Biblical Questions. Understand the nature of scripture, the formation of the Canon, the origin of apocryphal writings and how to choose a translation. Also compare the reliability of the Bible to the Koran and Book of Mormon.
  • Answering Cultural Questions. Understand Naturalism and Relativism as compared with Revelation and Reason.
  • Answering Scientific Questions. Understand and compare Creationism, Darwinism and Intelligent Design, and explore implications for public policy.
  • Answering Religious Questions. Understand and compare Islam, Buddhism, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witness, and New Age with the teachings of Christianity in order to respectfully and knowledgeably talk with people of other faiths.

EXAMPLES OF PAST CLASSES

  • Isaiah: The Fall of Jerusalem & Judgment of the Nations
  • The Attributes of God and the Reliability of the Bible
  • The Deity of Christ in the Gospel of John
  • Four Main Doctrines in Christian History
  • The Second Book of Acts: The Rise of Europe, Christian History, and the Advances of Islam
  • Comparing Christian Teaching with features of Major World Religions
  • Explaining Jesus to the Followers of Islam
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.