MTh (Christian Apologetics)

MASTER OF THEOLOGY IN CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS

The MTh in Christian Apologetics was started in 2013 to meet the growing needs for more contextually relevant apologetical research in Asia. The study focuses on more modern issues relevant to this theological discipline with special emphasis on cross-cultural communication of faith.

The degree of Master of Theology (M.Th.) in Christian Apologetics is a post-graduate degree offered by Central India Theological Seminary. The primary purpose of this program is to train Christian leaders to biblically face the growing challenges of the modern pluralistic world. The degree is also a preparatory program for advanced study and research at the doctoral level.

1. Objectives

The main purpose of the M.Th. Degree program is:

  1. To train theological graduates in philosophical reflection on the Christian Faith.
  2. To equip the candidates with tools and skills for active and creative confrontation of challenges related to the confession and profession of faith.
  3. To help Christian leaders in the right process of the Cause of Unity of Faith in the Body of Christ.

2. Admission Requirements

  1. M.Div. or B.D. (II class) or its equivalent degree from a recognized institution.
  2. Proficiency in the English language for critical study and reflection.
  3. A ministerial experience of not less than the aggregate of 12 months over a period of 1-3 years.
  4. A valid medical certificate of fitness for higher studies.
  5. An indication of financial support for undertaking the program.
  6. Duly filled application form with copies of mark sheets, photographs, and recommendation letters from Christian leaders as required (the original mark sheet has to be submitted on admission).

3. Duration of Study

The M.Th. degree requires two years of full time study as an internal (residential) student in the Seminary. Any exception to this rule should have the prior permission of the Academic Committee failing which the candidate’s registration will be terminated.

4. Mode of Study

The mode of study shall be modular. Each module is a package of class lectures, discussions, tests, examination, and research work related to the module course.

5. Course Requirements

  1. A candidate shall be required to pass 10 required courses.
  2. He will also be required to submit a thesis of 30,000 words on a subject approved by the Dean of Academic Studies.

 6. Thesis
All M.Th. candidates are expected to take a common research methodology course on thesis writing.

The following rules must be observed regarding the preparation of the submission of the thesis:

  1. A candidate shall submit his or her thesis proposal to the Dean for approval immediately after the completion of the sixth module.
  2. A candidate writing the M.Th. thesis is expected to work under the supervision of a qualified member of the staff of Seminary.
  3. The thesis must be printed on one side of an A4 sized paper and bound in stiff covers.
  4. Three copies of the thesis must be submitted to the Dean of Academic Studies not later than March 31st of the Second year of M.Th. studies.
  5. The length of the thesis shall be about 30,000 words.
  6. The thesis should be written in the English language.
  7. The thesis should be the original work of the candidate and must be free of typographical and grammatical errors.
  8. Quotations and references should be acknowledged in footnotes or endnotes and a bibliography of books consulted should be appended to the thesis.
  9. In awarding grades for the thesis, examiners will take into consideration the following points:
    • Accuracy and range of knowledge of the subject as demonstrated by the subject-matter of the thesis.
    • Coherence of the argument.
    • Originality of thought.
    • Presentation (format, printing, etc.).
  1. Abstracts: A candidate shall also submit with the thesis three copies of an abstract of approximately 300 words. The abstract shall be a brief summary of the problem, the methodology followed in the research and the main findings. When a thesis is re-submitted following revision, three copies of a revised abstract shall also be submitted.
  2. Prior permission from the Seminary must be obtained before a writer publishes his/her thesis. When published, the author will be expected to deposit five printed copies to the Seminary with due acknowledgement.

Required Courses for the Master of Theology Degree in Christian Apologetics
CAPO01 Apologetics Research and Writing
CAPO02 History of Christian Apologetics
CAPO03 Philosophy of Religion
CAPO04 Epistemological Foundations of Christian Apologetics
CAPO05 Biblical Apologetics
CAPO06 Christian Identity in a Pluralistic World
CAPO07 Apologetical Theology
CAPO08 Scientific Apologetics
CAPO09 Contextual Apologetics
CAPO10 Apologetics Communication