Diploma in Theology
Objectives
- To provide a firm foundation in Biblical teachings.
- To inculcate a positive attitude towards the practical issues of the society with a true Christian perspective.
- To train them to defend their Christian commitment and take active part in mobilizing the people for Christian ministry.
Admission Requirements
- Any born again Christian, irrespective of denomination living in India, who has a passion to study God’s Word can apply.
- The candidate must have successfully completed the 10th grade or its equivalent.
- The candidate will have to pass an entrance examination in basic English, the Bible and General Knowledge.
- The candidate will have to be recommended/ sponsored by a Church/ or a Para-church organization.
Application and Registration
- Application forms and prospectus can be obtained on payment of Rs.200/-. The last date to receive the filled in application is on the 30th of April.
- Application after the due date will be considered with a late fee of Rs.50/- up to the 31st of May.
- Each student admitted will be given a Registration number and will be expected to complete Dip.Th program in two years from the year of registration. Extension of one year shall be considered if there is a valid reason and by paying the continuing fees.
Classes, Practical Work and Exams
- This a residential program conducted on the campus of BIHER. Classes are conducted from Monday to Friday between 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. with a chapel service and lunch break. Students must attend all the classes scheduled for them. Attendance is recorded for each period of class.
- Attending the chapel service and other practical work is a compulsory requirement and part of the training.
- During the academic days, students are expected to concentrate on their studies and maintain good marks. Those who do not show interest in studies and fail in the exams will be asked to leave the institution after evaluation.
- The Academic Dean must approve request for leave, to be absent from class or practical work.
- Exams for the first and second semester will be conducted in November and March. Those who have failed in papers can re-write the exam paying the fees.
- Students will be eligible to receive the degree after completing all the requirements and clearing the fees. The faculty evaluation committee will evaluate each student and make recommendation to the Board.
- 8 Sections
- 43 Lessons
- 48 Hours
Basic Christian Doctrines
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce Basic Christian Doctrines of the Bible. It deals with ten doctrines of Systematic Theology, focusing on topics such as Angelology, Anthropology, Hamartiology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology.
Course Objectives
- To help the student understand the doctrines of the Bible and their relation to other disciplines.
- To equip the student to develop a statement of faith and organize theology systematically.
- To enable students to have a comprehensive understanding of theology for a faithful Christian life and ministry.
- To help students relate Christian doctrines to contemporary situations.
Course Outcomes
- Comprehend the basic Christian doctrines scripturally, theologically, and contextually.
- Enhance the skills to defend against false teachings in modern times.
- Develop a life rooted in Biblical truth.
- Grow in a deeper relationship with the Triune God in a more knowledgeable and worshipful way.
Course Assessment and Evaluation
Class Participation and Reading Assignments (10 Marks)
Students must read the handouts beforehand and prepare for class interaction. Active participation, including asking questions and engaging in discussions, is highly expected. Each student must maintain class notes based on lectures. Overall comprehension of the subject and consistent reflection are expected at all times.
Quiz (20 Marks)
There will be a class quiz scheduled for Week 4. The quiz will be conducted online during the afternoon session.
Great Debate (10 Marks)
The class will be divided into two groups for a debate session. Students are expected to research and prepare supporting materials. The debate will take place during Week 4 (afternoon hour).
Topic: Can Salvation be lost in the life of a genuine believer?
Each student must participate and will be graded based on contributions. The debate will conclude with a Q&A session — come prepared.
Book Review (20 Marks)
Students will write a book review from one of the following books:
- Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns — Soteriology and Ecclesiology (Page 331–378, hard copy / 315–358, soft copy)
- Basic Theology by Charles C. Ryrie — So Great a Salvation (Page 319–392, hard copy)
Soft copies will be provided upon request. The review must be handwritten, 10 pages in length, and include a proper cover page.
Pattern / Outline:
- Pages 1–3: Clear summary of the chapter(s).
- Pages 4–6: Evaluation of the chapter(s), addressing questions such as:
- What is good or helpful in understanding the subject?
- What new contribution does this make to the field?
- What weaknesses or errors are evident?
- Do you agree with the author’s arguments? Why or why not?
- Who should read this, and why would you recommend it?
- Pages 7–10: Personal reflections:
- How does this chapter impact your thinking and ministry?
- Did it change or clarify your understanding of the topic?
- What changes will you apply in your life and ministry?
Due Date: Any day before the final exam.
Reflective Paper (10 Marks)
Students will write a 10-page (handwritten) reflective paper on “Salvation Outside of the Church.” This topic explores the nature of salvation, the role of the Church, and the scope of God’s grace.
While footnotes are optional, students may include citations where applicable. The paper should include a proper cover page, table of contents, introduction, and conclusion or application.
Due Date: Any day before the examination.
Final Exam (30 Marks)
The final examination, conducted in Week 5, accounts for 30% of the course grade and includes three sections:
- Objective: Digital-based assessment testing factual and conceptual knowledge.
- Subjective: Written questions assessing analytical and critical thinking.
- Reflective: A personal reflection on learning and the application of Christian counselling principles.
This structure ensures students are evaluated across cognitive, practical, and personal dimensions of learning.
Course Assessment Summary
Component Marks Pass Mark Frequent Assessment 70 28 Final CFE 30 12 Total 100 40 0- Unit 1 - DOCTRINE OF ANGELS & DEMONS (ANGELOLOGY & DEMONOLOGY)2
- Unit 2 - DOCTRINE OF HUMANITY (ANTHROPOLOGY)6
- Unit 3 - DOCTRINE OF SIN (HAMARTIOLOGY)9
- 4.1General Understanding on Hamartiology
- 4.2The Origin of Sin by Creature
- 4.3The Nature of Sin in Biblical Understanding
- 4.4Doctrine of Inherited Sin or Original Sin
- 4.5Major debates on Sin (Augustine, Pelagius, Arminian, Calvinism)
- 4.6Sources of Sin
- 4.7The Result of Sin
- 4.8Effects on the Sinner
- 4.9Strategies for Overcoming Social Sin
- Unit 4 - DOCTRINE OF SALVATION (SOTERIOLOGY)8
- Unit 5 - DOCTRINE OF CHURCH (ECCLESIOLOGY)10
- Unit 6 - DOCTRINE OF FUTURE (ESCHATOLOGY)8
- Bibliography
Basic Readings
- Enns, Paul. Moody Handbook of Theology. Chicago: Moody Press, 1989.
- Ryrie, Charles C. Basic Theology. USA: Victor Books, 1998.
Further Readings
- Allen, Michael (Ed.). The New Cambridge Companion to Christian Doctrine. Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2023.
- Abraham, Shaibu. Concise Notes on Systematic Theology. Othera, Kerala: India Bible College & Seminary, 2019.
- Crampton, W. Gary, & Richard E. Bacon. Built Upon the Rock: A Study of the Doctrine of the Church. Dallas, TX: Blue Banner Books, 2000.
- Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 1998.
- Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Leicester: InterVarsity Press, 2004.
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Contact
- +91 88833 08330
- PO Box 4, Palampur Post Office, Himachal Pradesh, India, 176061
- info@biher.education