Master's Specialization in Contemporary Theology

About the Study of Contemporary Theology at LCU

More than ever before, churches today need leaders who understand the complexities of their own faith commitments, of the Christian faith, of today’s cultures, and of the diversity of mindsets at work in our culture and in our churches.

The Contemporary Theology major guides students in analyzing, understanding, and responding to many urgent aspects Christian leader must deal with in pulpits, campus ministries, classrooms, mission fields, and church plants today.

These are some of the different challenges students can choose to explore in this major/specialization:

  1. the nature of postmodernity and the Emerging churches
  2. critical contemporary hermeneutics (deconstruction)
  3. comparisons between Roman Catholics and Protestants
  4. ethical and legal problems in ministry
  5. the interpretation and engagement of movies in ministry today
  6. essential Christian doctrines in their history and current diversity
  7. Christian agreements and disagreements on the person and work of the Spirit today
  8. the impact of 19th and 20th century philosophies on Christian theology
  9. clashing 20th century positions on the person and work of Jesus Christ
  10. neurotheology’s relentless reduction of soul and mind to brain activities.

What Current LCU Students in Contemporary Theology Are Saying...

It all started on a bus ride. On the way to a theological conference with many professors and students from LCU, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Dr. Castelein. Our conversation explored many areas of interest: theology, philosophy, television, film, and even some personal struggles with our Christian faith. I knew, at once, that I could learn much from a man with such a strong theological acumen plus a willingness to open up about his own difficulties. More than just a professor, John has continued to challenge me in all aspects of my life, not just academically. Nearing the end of my time in the program, my experiences with John Castelein still leads me to reflect on many areas: academic theology, my marriage, Christian maturity, and even TV shows like “Lost.” I highly recommend Dr. Castelein as a teacher and mentor.
--Jarrod Longbons, Associate Minister, Northside Church of Christ, Bloomington, IL

I have found Ministering to Contemporary Minds to be the perfect introductory course to my seminary experience. Dr. Castelein’s teaching style is compelling and engaging, and I his insights are quite relevant for reaching the culture in which we live and work.
--Lisa A. Jackson, Senior Editor, Tyndale House Publishers

I guess I’ve always thought theology was for the Ivory Tower, the lofty...you know, the theologians. I mean, what does theology have to do with the real world anyway? As it turns out, quite a bit! I didn't come to LCU intending to be challenged so deeply, so pragmatically by contemporary theology. After taking several general theology classes from Dr. Castelein in order to fill the M. Div. requirements, it was quickly apparent to me how relevant theology is to the “real world”. The intensity and passion for thinking deeply, asking tough questions, and looking for truth in a chaotic world has struck me as being one of the most relevant things we can do in the Church today.
--Russ Clum, future church planter, Boise, ID

What LCU Graduates in Contemporary Theology Are Saying...

My graduate work (Master of Arts) in contemporary theology and philosophy with Dr. John Castelein at Lincoln Christian Seminary has proven to be a solid foundation for my continuing work in the ministry of academic scholarship. Upon graduation from LCU, I enrolled in further graduate work at the University of Iowa, at Katholieke University Leuven (Belgium) as a Fulbright scholar and at the University of Nottingham where I received my PhD. At each step of the way, I found my engaged and conscientious education with John to have placed me on a trajectory to be able to interact with and surpass fellow students from among the most prestigious institutions in America and Europe.
--Dr. Christopher Ben Simpson, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies, Lincoln Christian University, Lincoln, IL

Specializing in the General Theology program with Dr. Castelein is more than just classroom exercises; it is a series of rich experiences in engaging God’s word and God’s world. John brings a wealth of knowledge, pastoral experience, and theological reflection into his classroom. I find myself referring regularly to class notes and emailing John questions that I am studying. Dr. Castelein has personally wrestled with issues of meaning, identity, the Stone-Campbell heritage, truth, and relevance and shares how that wrestling has helped shape his faith. I feel more confident in my faith and more effective in my ministry because of spending time with John Castelein in and out of the classroom. Study with him, you will be changed.
--Brandon Boyd, Adult Discipleship Minister, Lincoln Christian Church, Lincoln, IL

John’s example and those of my classmates in Lincoln’s Contemporary Christian Theology program are a lifelong blessing to me. While under John’s guidance, I got to see how true brilliance is supposed to function— in submission to God and used for his glory. While I was academically well prepared for my future adventures in law school, the legal profession, and the academy, I was even better spiritually prepared. This is perhaps the happiest debt I’ve ever incurred.
--David Peters, J.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics and General Counsel Florida Christian College, Kissimmee, FL

My experience with John exceeded every expectation I had. The culture of excellence he fostered challenged us to our best. The classroom lectures were the highlight of my week, however, more than that, the sense of intimacy and community John cultivated was quite remarkable. I wouldn’t change a thing about my experience.
--Blake Carter, Senior Pastor, Hope Church, Springfield, IL

My time as a Theology student at LCU was not just informative, it was formative for me as a minister and teacher. Of course, Dr. Castelein’s classes were brilliant, thought-provoking, and relevant. But, perhaps more importantly I learned from John about the kind of minister and teacher I wanted to be. I found in his teaching and in our discussions a real sense of humility in the theological pursuit that expressed itself in a devotion to scripture, a tone of mutual respect in the classroom, and an openness to students and thoughts from all backgrounds.
--Jason Rodenbeck, Senior Minister, Castle Christian Church, Cumming, GA; Adjunct Professor Atlanta Christian College, ACCESS, Atlanta, GA

The time I spent with John Castelein in the Contemporary Theology program has been a high point in my discipleship to Jesus Christ. The program equipped me with the tools necessary to engage in contemporary theological discussion, the drive to explore and articulate theology for my current context and culture, and has generated in me a beautiful vision of spiritual formation. Castelein’s style of teaching implicitly taught me the value of extending Christian charity to all representative parties in a theological discussion and is a virtue I work to instill in those I have the privilege to teach.
--Jonathan Hughes, Connection Minister, Grand Avenue Christian Church, Carbondale, IL; Theology Instructor, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship , SIU Carbondale, IL

Studying theology at L.C.S. has been a life-changing experience for me. The program provided an incredible opportunity to develop a theologically informed worldview that has served me well in further graduate studies, and in my current role as a business professor. Both the coursework and thesis project have expanded my capacity to understand and truly appreciate the diversity, complexity, and splendor of God’s creation. The most important benefit, though, has been the mentorship of my faculty advisor, Dr. John Castelein, and the friendships of my fellow theology students. Their love, support, and counsel have remained an active part of my life to this day.
--Eric Teoro, Professor Business Administration, Lincoln Christian University, Lincoln, IL

Studying in Contemporary Theology

Students may choose to major in Contemporary Theology in the Master of Arts degree program or specialize in it in the Master of Divinity degree program. The M.Div. is a professional degree program, designed to equip the student across the full spectrum of ministerial training, culminating in the Doctor of Ministry degree program (D.Min.). The M.A. is a research degree program, focusing the student’s efforts in researching and writing in a narrower field of study that the student may eventually seek a Ph.D. in (though many students choose not to go beyond the M.A. degree).

The 48 hour Master of Arts is oriented toward general theological studies and requires a master’s thesis or extended research paper (see page 35 of the catalog). Students with an undergraduate degree in professional ministerial or theological studies may arrange for a briefer degree program, possibly as few as 30 hours (see page 36 of the catalog).

The 75 hour Master of Divinity degree program is oriented toward ministerial leadership and takes three years to complete. It is not recommended that a student try to complete this fuller degree program entirely from a distance.

If one is disciplined, it is possible for a determined student to complete the briefer option through Intensive Week classes, Internet/Video courses, and Independent Studies without moving to the campus.

Students interested in pursuing the M.A. degree in Contemporary Theology without moving to the campus are invited to contact Dr. Castelein by phone (217-732-3168 x 2267) or by email to explore the details of scheduling classes.

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