MASTER OF CHRISTIAN CREATION SCIENCES
Overview of the Program:
The Master of Christian Creation Sciences program offers a comprehensive exploration of creationist perspectives on the origins of the universe, Earth, and life. Grounded in biblical theology and scientific inquiry, this program equips students with the knowledge and skills to critically engage with creationist principles, conduct original research, and contribute to ongoing scholarly discourse within the field of Christian creation sciences.
NOTE: The program is organized such that all course assignments build a library of authored works. At the successful end of the program, the student will have materials appropriate to having written a book on the subject, which they can choose to publish if they like.
Program Details:
Prerequisites: None
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Completion: Successful completion of all required courses
Preparation: Graduates emerge as experts in the field of Christian creation sciences, prepared to engage in scholarly research, education, and advocacy within the creationist community and beyond.
Degree Program Objectives:
Gain a thorough understanding of the biblical foundations of creation and the theological principles underlying creationist perspectives.
Explore key concepts in intelligent design and irreducible complexity, and their implications for understanding design in nature.
Examine young Earth creationist viewpoints on cosmology and geology, including critiques of mainstream scientific theories.
Critically evaluate evolutionary theory from a creationist perspective, addressing scientific, philosophical, and theological objections.
Develop advanced research skills and conduct original research in an area of interest within Christian creation sciences.
Curriculum Progression
Course 1
Biblical Foundations of Creation
This course explores the creation narrative as presented in the Bible, emphasizing its theological, historical, and cultural contexts. Students will engage with the Genesis account, comparing and contrasting it with other ancient creation narratives, to understand its unique message and implications for Christian faith and theology. Through lectures, discussions, and critical readings, participants will examine key themes such as the nature of God, the significance of humanity made in the image of God, and the concept of stewardship of creation. This course aims to provide a foundational understanding of how the Bible articulates the origins of the universe and life within it.
Course 1
Course 2
Intelligent Design and Irreducible Complexity
This course offers an in-depth look at the Intelligent Design (ID) theory, focusing particularly on the concept of irreducible complexity as evidence for the existence of a designing intelligence in the universe. Through a series of lectures, readings, and debates, students will explore various examples cited by ID proponents, such as the bacterial flagellum and the blood-clotting cascade, to critically assess the arguments for and against ID. The course will also cover the philosophical and scientific underpinnings of the ID movement, its criticisms, and the broader implications for science and religion.
Course 3
Young Earth Creationism and Cosmology
This course delves into the Young Earth Creationism (YEC) perspective, which asserts that the universe, Earth, and all life on it were created by God, as described in Genesis, approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. Students will explore the scientific, theological, and philosophical arguments presented by YEC advocates, including interpretations of geological, biological, and astronomical data. The course will critically examine the challenges and controversies surrounding YEC, especially in relation to modern cosmological theories and findings. Discussions will also include the implications of YEC beliefs on education, science policy, and the intersection of faith and science.
Course 3
Course 4
Critique of Evolutionary Theory
This course critically examines the theory of evolution, focusing on the debates, controversies, and critiques that have emerged around it from various perspectives, including scientific, philosophical, and religious viewpoints. Students will explore the foundational principles of evolutionary theory, the evidence supporting it, and the major criticisms it has faced over time. Through readings, discussions, and case studies, the course aims to provide a balanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of evolutionary theory, the role of natural selection, the fossil record, and genetic evidence in supporting or challenging the theory.
Course 5
Advanced Studies and Thesis
This capstone course is designed for students who wish to pursue an in-depth research project on a topic related to creationism, Intelligent Design, or critiques of evolutionary theory. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, students will conduct original research, develop a thesis, and engage in scholarly writing. The course includes seminars on research methodologies, academic writing, and critical analysis, as well as opportunities for peer review and feedback. The culmination of the course is the presentation and defense of the thesis, contributing to the academic discourse on the intersection of science, faith, and philosophy.
Course 5
Program Description:
The Master of Christian Creation Sciences program stands at the crossroads of faith and scientific inquiry, offering a unique exploration into the creationist interpretation of the origins of the universe, Earth, and life itself. At its core, this program is designed to weave together the rich tapestry of biblical theology with the threads of scientific exploration, presenting students with a comprehensive understanding that challenges conventional scientific paradigms with creationist principles.
From the outset, students are immersed in a curriculum that seeks not only to educate but to inspire a deep and critical engagement with the world around them. The program is rooted in a profound respect for the biblical narrative of creation, presenting it as the foundational lens through which all scientific inquiry is viewed. This perspective offers a radical departure from mainstream scientific theories, inviting students to explore the universe through the eyes of faith.
One of the hallmark objectives of the program is to equip students with a robust understanding of the biblical foundations of creation. This foundation serves as the bedrock upon which all further study is built, ensuring that students are not merely recipients of information but active participants in the creationist dialogue. As they progress, students delve into the intricacies of intelligent design and irreducible complexity, concepts that challenge the random and unguided processes proposed by evolutionary theory. These studies aim to unveil the inherent design and purpose woven into the very fabric of nature.
Further exploration takes students into the realm of young Earth creationism, where they are invited to critically examine cosmological and geological phenomena through a lens that contests the deep time narratives of mainstream science. This segment of the program is particularly focused on fostering a critical and analytical mindset, encouraging students to engage with scientific data and theories with both skepticism and openness.
A pivotal component of the program is the critical evaluation of evolutionary theory. Students are encouraged to scrutinize both the scientific and philosophical underpinnings of evolution, engaging with the theory not as passive learners but as active critics. This critical stance is not about rejecting science but about questioning the interpretations and assumptions that guide contemporary scientific thought.
The capstone of the program is the opportunity for students to develop advanced research skills and conduct original research in an area that sparks their passion within the Christian creation sciences. This endeavor is not just about academic achievement; it's about contributing to the ongoing conversation, challenging and expanding the boundaries of creationist thought.
With no prerequisites required, the program is accessible to a wide range of students, from those with a deep-seated faith looking to explore the scientific dimensions of their beliefs, to curious minds seeking alternative perspectives on the origins of life and the universe. Spanning 6 months to a year, the program culminates in a degree that marks not just the completion of academic requirements but the beginning of a journey into the vast, uncharted territories of Christian creation sciences.
Graduates of the program emerge not just as holders of a degree but as ambassadors of a worldview that marries faith with scientific inquiry. They are prepared to step into roles of leadership within the creationist community, whether in scholarly research, education, or advocacy, bringing with them a message of faith, critical inquiry, and a profound respect for the divine craftsmanship of the universe.