Therefore, in reading profane authors, the admirable light of truth displayed in them should remind us, that the human mind, however much fallen and perverted from its original integrity, is still adorned and invested with admirable gifts from its Creator. If we reflect that the Spirit of God is the only fountain of truth, we will be careful, as we would avoid offering insult to him, not to reject or condemn truth wherever it appears. In despising the gifts, we insult the Giver. ~ John Calvin

Over 2000 years ago, the Church father Tertullian asked, “What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem? What concord is there between the Academy and the Church? what between heretics and Christians?” A century later, Augustine of Hippo responded that “If those who are called philosophers, and especially the Platonists, have said aught that is true and in harmony with our faith, we are not only not to shrink from it, but to claim it for our own use from those who have unlawful possession of it.” In other words, plunder the Egyptians—all truth is God’s truth!

The Master of Divinity with a concentration in classical studies at Reformed Baptist Seminary is a unique academic degree program designed specifically for men who are training for Christian ministry. The curriculum consists of 81 credit hours of traditional MDiv courses and 18 credit hours of classical studies. Rooted in the Great Tradition of the Western World, the classical studies curriculum utilizes the Socratic method to discuss texts from the Great Books of the Western Tradition to facilitate intellectual and spiritual engagement from students. This curriculum is indispensable for those who seek to appreciate how God has used the sharpest minds and noblest ideas of the past 2,500 years to point to timeless gospel truth.

Program Outcomes

PLO1: Theological Foundation – Graduates will be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of Scripture, including biblical languages, exegesis, along with systematic and historical theology.

PLO2: Pastoral Skills – Graduates will grow in the essential skills for ministry, including preaching, teaching, counseling, and shepherding the church.

PLO3: Leadership & Character – Graduates will demonstrate wisdom, integrity, holiness, and compassion in pastoral leadership, fulfilling the practical responsibilities of ministry.

PLO4: Classical Studies – Graduates will gain a familiarity and proficiency in classical learning and the literature, philosophy, and history of the Western Tradition.

Program Requirements

Individuals with an earned bachelor’s degree are eligible to earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree. Individuals without a bachelor’s degree are eligible for a Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv) degree. Students who complete at least 50% of the Bachelor of Divinity may apply for an upgrade to Master of Divinity if they meet the degree upgrade criteria (see below).

Additionally, since this is a residential program, students must complete at least 50% of their coursework in residence. All classes and modules meet at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Coconut Creek, Florida. The course schedule is designed so that students can complete their degree requirements in four years. The student must complete the Divinity program within 8 years.

Core Classical Studies (18 Credits)

CS501 Introduction to Humane Letters (3)
CS502 Discovering the Great Conversation (3)
CS503 Literary Analysis (3)
CS504 Philosophical Inquires (3)
CS505 Historical Investigation (3)
CS506 Christianity and Classical Culture (3)

Core Systematic Theology (18 Credits)

ST501 Apologetics (3)
ST510 Ethics (3)
ST602 God and Revelation (3)
ST603 Man and Christ (3)
ST604 Salvation (3)
ST605 Church and Last Things (3)

Core Practical Theology (15 Credits)

PT601 Call and Cultivation (2)
PT602 Preaching (3)
PT603 The Marrow of Modern Divinity (3)
PT 611 Pastoral Ministry (3)
PT650 Missions (2)
PT620 Practicum (2)