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MISSION
To provide individuals in the
Christian community with logical and Biblically defensible reasons why
the bond between the Old and New Testaments supports a rationale for
Judeo-Christian synergism. |
PURPOSE
To empower leaders in the Christian
community through the delivery of an academically appropriate distance
education graduate degree focused on the Biblical/Hebraic foundations
of the Christian Faith. |
WHY THIS PROGRAM?
SYNERGISM -
syn-er-gism noun: interaction of discrete agencies, agents, or
conditions such that the total effect is greater than the sum of the
individual effects (www.m-w.com).
The Christian world is, for
the most part, poorly informed regarding the deep bond that exists between
God's irrevocable promises to Israel and the body of Christ. While
Christians believe in the Old Testament, they are widely conflicted over
the the place of Israel and the Church in God's plan for the future of the
world. In fact, many have been led to accept what has been called
"Replacement Theology," (that God has abandoned Israel in favor of the
Church). This un-Biblical misunderstanding has resulted in tension
between Christians and Jews; the result being that the two true peoples of
the Book have failed to express their common heritage.
However, when
challenged through unbiased Biblical inquiry, the notion that God has
rejected Israel reveals its faulty premise. The prophetic record of
Scripture demonstrates a remarkable unity between God's promises to
Israel, and His promises to the Church. This fact is powerfully
expressed by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians. "In
order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the
Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through
faith. Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it
is only a man's covenant, yet it has been ratified, no one sets it aside
or adds conditions" (Galatians 3:14-15 NASB). When the truth is
allowed to seek its own level, God's unchanging promises shine forth as
light. The courses in this unique degree program will highlight how
the many proofs of God’s plan for both Israel and the Church are
irrevocable.
Furthermore, the
social and spiritual implications of embracing the idea of so-called
"Replacement Theology," has a long history of tragic consequences.
The history of anti-Semitism is not without it supporters who at the same
time claimed to be Christians. While it may be correctly argued that
genuine Biblical Christianity gives no place for such wickedness, the
power of ignorance has often been the bludgeon of Satan. As the
Scripture warns, "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its
end is the way of death" (Proverbs 16:25) - which by the way, is a
Jewish proverb.
Who Should Consider This Program? Anyone with a desire to
become an apologist for Judeo-Christian Synergism, especially pastors,
Christian college faculty, administrators, evangelists, and other
Christian leaders/laypersons who want to become Biblically and
academically competent to be involved in building helpful relationships
between Christians and Jews worldwide.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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The Master of Arts in Judeo-Christian Synergism is made available
through a partnership with MISD and the Bridges for Peace
International Headquarters in Jerusalem, Israel. The degree is issued by Master's
International School of Divinity.
What are the entrance
requirements? Acceptance into the M.A. in Judeo-Christian
Synergism requires an acceptable *bachelor's degree from an approved
institution, as well as the skills/resources necessary to access the
Internet, and the ability to meet the short-term onsite study
requirements in Jerusalem, and other locations in Israel. In
addition to these requirements, both MISD and BFP reserve the right
to screen applicants to determine their suitability for the program.
*In
approved cases, individuals who have sufficient credits toward an
unfinished bachelor's degree may be considered for enrollment in the
combined bachelor completion/master's degree option.
Which institution
is responsible for teaching the courses?
The Biblical and theological
foundation courses are taken through MISD, while the onsite learning
and contemporary reading is completed through BFP. With the
exception of the two onsite learning requirements, all of the
courses are completed from the student's home or office. The
practical method of using Internet technology and directed study,
makes this an ideal venue for those in full-time employment or
active retirement.
Basically, how
does the program work? Students enroll first with MISD,
and begin taking courses. After their initial enrollment with
MISD, students are provided instructions on how to prepare to
satisfy the onsite requirements for the course through BFP in
Israel. In some cases, students may satisfy the Israel study
components by documenting BFP approved prior learning. It is
possible to complete courses simultaneously. The degree may be
earned in about two to three years, but students are initially given
up to five years. The flexible time schedule is ideal for
individuals who need to manage a busy schedule.
REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE PROGRAM
Courses taken through MISD
in black.
Courses taken through BFP in
light blue. |
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COURSE NAME |
CREDITS |
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Online
Orientation OR-MA - 0 Credits
Historical Geography of the Holy Land HGH-1500
Israel and the Church IAC-1510
Church History During the Formative Years (A.D. 70-400) CH-507
Biblical Apologetics from a Rabbinical Perspective BA-507
Israel Study Tour Practicum ISP-1500 (Seven days minimum in Israel.)
Bible
Mastery BM-501
Contemporary Readings (BFP
Literature/Manuals) BFP-CR1500
BFP Institute for Israel
Studies BFP-IIS1500 (Two weeks in Jerusalem.)
TOTAL CREDITS (8 courses) |
0
3
3
3
3
6
10
3
9
40 |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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COURSES TAKEN THROUGH MISD |
Historical Geography of the Holy Land
HGH-1500 - 3 Credits
Course Purpose: The purpose of this course is to serve as a
general survey to acquaint the student with the geography of the
Holy Land. All of the sites important to the development of the
Nation of Israel and the Ministry of Jesus are studied in context
with special emphasis on the unique geography of the Holy Land.
Course Objectives: 1. Become
familiar with the history and geography of the Holy Land. 2.
Assess and apply major geographical locations to the historical,
political, social and religious concepts contained in the biblical
record. 3. Gain an appreciation for the accuracy of the
historical data of the Old and New Testament. 4. Identify the
key geographical locations that support the biblical record. |
Israel and the Church IAC-1510 - 3 Credits
Course Purpose: The relationship between Israel and the Church
has been a central element of theological discussion for nearly 20
centuries. Today commonly-held positions about this relationship are
being re-examined as scholars turn their attention to the Hebraic
context of Scripture and the historical record of the early church
fathers. This effort has changed our understanding of the role of
Israel and the invitation to the Gentiles.
Course Objectives: This course
will exam several crucial topics related to the issue of Israel and
the Church, including: 1. The Jewish background of the writers
of the New Testament. 2. The Jewish background of the Messiah.
3. The historical circumstances surrounding the separation of Jewish
Messianic followers of Yeshua from the Gentile population of
Christians. 4. The subsequent theological development that led
to a separation of Israel and the Church. 5. Contemporary
re-evaluation of this separation and its implications for a renewed
relationship. |
Church History During the Formative Years (A.D. 70-400) CH-507 - 3
Credits
Course Purpose: The events that occurred between the
destruction of the Second Temple and official recognition of
Christianity by Rome are perhaps the most crucial events that have
ever occurred for both modern Judaism and Christianity. If one
wishes to build bridges between these two religions, one must have a
grasp of whatever material can be gleaned from the historical
record. Far too often the common assumptions on both sides are
simply not historically accurate. A much more careful examination
must be attempted.Course
Objectives: 1. To understand the relationship between Judaism
and the development of Christianity in the period between 70AD and
400AD. 2. To recognize the dependence of early believers on Jewish
paradigms and practices 3. To provide a background for an historical
bridge between contemporary Judaism and Christianity |
Biblical Apologetics from a Rabbinical Perspective BA-507 - 3
Credits
Course Purpose: Long before Christianity developed apologetic
arguments, Judaism was involved in defending its own understanding
of God, Man and the world. But while Christian apologetics typically
presents philosophically oriented explanations like the cosmological
argument for God’s existence, Jewish apologetics takes a decidedly
different approach. Jewish apologetics is far more interested in how
to live life under God’s sovereignty than it is in establishing
reasons for believing that God exists. Jewish apologetics begins
with a different set of presuppositions based not in the authority
of reason but in the authority of revelation. In order to understand
most of the biblical material concerned with God’s nature and will,
it is important to recognize that the Bible does not share the same
worldview as a Greek-based rational apologetic. Therefore, an
examination of the methodology and objectives of Jewish rabbinic
arguments is essential for the exegesis of the Jewish authors of the
New Testament. Such an examination reveals the significant
differences between our contemporary view of the defense of the
faith and the view found in Scripture.
Course Objectives: This course
will examine several crucial topics related to the issue of Israel
and the Church, including: 1. The Jewish concept of
apologetics. 2. The difference between Christian-Western
apologetics and Jewish-Middle Eastern apologetics. 3. The
examination of contemporary Jewish objections of Christian doctrine.
4. The historical background of rabbinic apologetics. 5. Paul
as an example of rabbinic apologetics. 6. The contemporary
interface between rabbi and pastor. |
Israel Study Tour Practicum ISP-1500 (Seven days minimum in Israel.)
- 6 Credits *
Course Purpose: The purpose of this Practicum is to provide
the student with a formal opportunity to catalog and present for
review, the experience of traveling throughout the Holy Land on an
approved study tour.Course
Objectives: 1. As a result of the successful completion of
this Practicum (course), the student will have experienced
first-hand the benefits of formal travel to the Holy Land. 2.
As a result of the successful completion of this Practicum, the
student will have gained a more comprehensive understanding of the
social and geographical forces that helped to shape the events
recorded in the Bible. 3. As a result of the successful
completion of this Practicum, the student will be able to more
effectively explain and interpret the historical happenings of the
Bible. 4. As a result of the successful completion of this
Practicum, the student will be able to more effectively share with
others, the historical, physical and metaphysical realities of the
Old and New Testament periods.
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MAY BE SATISFIED BY A PRIOR TOUR OF ISRAEL.
Individuals who have already taken a travel tour of Israel may apply
to have the tour evaluated for satisfying the requirements for this
course. Tours previously taken under the auspices of BFP or
MISD will automatically qualify. Others will be fairly
evaluated, with the hope of meeting the qualifications. In all
cases, the post-tour written requirements of the course must be
completed (unless the course was previously completed through MISD).
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Bible Mastery
BM-501 - 10 Credits
This course is the "capstone" course of the entire degree program,
and is taken only after all of the other courses in the degree
program have been completed. The Bible Mastery project will
provide the master’s level student with an opportunity to
demonstrate a personal comprehension of the Bible as a continuum
from the creation of the current heavens and earth to its recreation
in perfection and righteousness. |
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COURSES TAKEN THROUGH BFP |
Contemporary Readings (BFP
Literature/Manuals) BFP-CR1500 - 3 Credits
Course Purpose: There are a variety of topics and issues that
are integral to an understanding of God’s intended relationship
between Jews and Christians and how history has effected that
relationship. This course provides that foundation through various
books and publications produced by BFP as well as other selected
writings deemed essential reading by BFP instructors. Students will
gain the background needed to be successful “bridge-builders”
between the Jewish and Christian communities.
Course Objectives:
Students will
be exposed to a variety of issues surrounding Christianity’s
relationship with Israel including the Hebraic foundations of the
Christian faith, life in modern Israel, the Bible in its historical
context, the history of anti-Semitism and its on-going influence on
Jewish/Christian relations and the importance of modern Israel to
the church and the world today. For those students pursuing
certification as BFP representatives, the course will provide a full
understanding of the vision of Bridges for Peace and its historical
basis. |
| BFP
Institute for Israel Studies BFP-IIS1500 (Two weeks in Jerusalem.) -
9 Credits * Course
Purpose: Understanding the
current situation in Israel and connecting the modern state to the
Israel of the Bible are made possible through this intense practicum
by exposure to all levels of Israeli society. Students will gain an
understanding of the connections between Israel and the church, as
well as the complexities of modern interfaith relations.
Course Objectives: Through
this two week experience in Israel, students will participate in
lectures, course work, classroom interaction and field trips;
students will hear from Israel’s political, social, media and
religious leaders; students will examine the sensitivities involved
in Jewish/Christian relations and learn to articulate sensitive and
complex concepts in multi-faith environments.
*
MAY BE SATISFIED BY PRIOR BFP REPRESENTATIVE
TRAINING IN JERUSALEM. Individuals who have already taken the
two-week Representative Training in Jerusalem may apply to
have that training evaluated for satisfying the requirements for
this course. |
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STANDARD PROGRAM
FINANCIAL DETAILS
The M.A. degree
program cost is divided between MISD, the cost of the Israel Study
Practicum, and the BFP Institute for Israel Studies. Initial
enrollment is with MISD. The student begins by making the
minimum tuition down payment to MISD. Following enrollment
with MISD, the student is free to decide when to make arrangements
to fulfill the Israel Study Tour Practicum, and the BFP Institute
for Israel Studies.
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$50 MISD
Application Fee.
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$4,125 Standard
Course Tuition ($165 x 25 credits).
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$300 Credit Validation for Israel
Study Tour and BFP IIS ($20 x 15 credits).
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$200 Graduation
Fee.
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$4,675 TOTAL STANDARD PROGRAM COST*
*Total cost
may be reduced through student financial aid.
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ISRAEL STUDY
TOUR AND BFP INSTITUTE FOR ISRAEL STUDIES FINANCIAL DETAILS
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Israel Study
Tour. Students who are able to satisfy this requirement
through prior travel avoid this cost. Students planning on
attending an approved tour will need to budget the cost according
to their resources. Generally speaking, the cost of one
person to attend an approved tour of Israel is between $3,500 -
$4,500 (although cost may vary widely suggested amounts).
For up-coming tours offered through BFP/MISD:
http://www.tours.bfpusa.org/tours.html.
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BFP Institute
for Israel Studies. Students able to satisfy this
requirement through prior approved BFP Representative Training in
Jerusalem avoid this cost.
2012 dates - May
7 - 20 - Cost $1,799 plus $80 tips per person. (land arrangements
only)
2013 dates - May 20 - June 2 - Cost to be determined (estimate
similar to 2012 amounts)
Prices are based on a
minimum of 25 participants (higher if fewer apply).
Includes:
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6 Days Luxury
air-conditioned coach.
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3 Days Guide.
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13 Nights hotel
accommodation Ramat Rachel and Ha Goshrim in Northern Israel (4
star kibbutz hotels).
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Meals: Half Board
(including full Israeli buffet breakfast and set menu dinners at
hotels daily).
Excludes:
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Airfare.
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Meeting and
assistance on arrival and departure at Ben Gurion. Please
note that arrangements can be made through
intl.assistant@bridgesforpeace.com
at an extra cost, to pick up and drop off groups/individuals.
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Expenses of
personal nature.
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Lunches.
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Airport taxes,
border taxes, visa fees.
For 2012 - All
participants need to arrive on Monday, May 7th, in time for dinner
at 19:00 (7:00 pm) and orientation in the evening. Departures should
be scheduled for Sunday, May 20th, no earlier than 21:00 (9pm).
For 2012 - Check in at Ramat Rachel (Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, Ramat
Rachel Hotel, D.N. Tzfon Yehuda, 90900) is from 15:00 (3pm) on May
7th. Please note that should accommodation be needed prior to this
date and/or after May 20th, we will be able to assist in making
these arrangements which is not included in the cost. Details will
be provided on request.
~
For 2013 - All
participants need to arrive on Monday, May 20th, in time for dinner
at 19:00 (7:00 pm) and orientation in the evening. Departures should
be scheduled for Sunday, June 2nd, no earlier than 21:00 (9pm).
For 2013 - Check in at Ramat Rachel (Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, Ramat
Rachel Hotel, D.N. Tzfon Yehuda, 90900) is from 15:00 (3pm) on May
20th. Please note that should accommodation be needed prior to this
date and/or after June 2nd, we will be able to assist in making
these arrangements which is not included in the cost. Details will
be provided on request.
Contact Bridges for
Peace International for more information:
intl.assistant@bridgesforpeace.com.
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PROGRAM PAYMENT STRUCTURE
(May be adjusted
for special circumstance.)
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$50 Application Fee
to be paid at the time of application.
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$500 down payment
due at the time of acceptance into the program.
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The remaining tuition may be paid
in monthly installments of up to thirty-six (36) months. No
interest is charged.
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Cost for the Israel Study Tour is
independent of the standard tuition cost, and is the
responsibility of the student.
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Cost for the BFP Institute for
Israel Studies is independent of the standard tuition cost, and is
the responsibility of the student.
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SENIOR FACULTY*
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Rebecca Brimmer,
BFP International President
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Dennis D. Frey,
Th.D., Trinity Theological Seminary; MISD President
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Cheryl Hauer,
BFP International Development Director
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Misty Jesse,
D.Phil., Oxford Graduate School, USA; MISD Faculty
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Skip Moen,
D.Phil., Oxford University, England; MISD Academic Dean
*Additional faculty members
will make important contributions during the Israel Study Tour, and
the BFP Institute for Israel Studies.
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CONTACT AND HOW TO GET MORE
INFORMATION
 For complete
information sent directly to you please select this option:
REQUEST PERSONAL EVALUATION
To make
application for the program use this option:
MAKE APPLICATION
To speak with an Admissions Officer
at Master's call:
1-800-933-1445 M-F 9:00a - 4:00p Central Time U.S.
1-812-471-0611 9:00a - 4:00p Central Time U.S.
For an Admissions Officer to contact
you personally, email us with your contact info:
info@mdivs.edu
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