Course Description

Rather than solving or answering vocation-specific problems, this course aims to initiate students into serious processes of thought as guided by the following three objectives:

a. Contextual: to develop sensitivity for key issues that concern life in contemporary Singapore by identifying and analysing case studies taken from the local context.

b. Integrative: to integrate theological studies and vocational life by offering basic frameworks of thought for analysing pertinent issues and phenomena in our local culture and society that impinge upon life in general.

c. Theological: to facilitate socio-cultural analysis that is guided by biblical and theological reflection.



[3 Credits, Dip, Masters Core]

Registration closing date:
20 Jan 2025

Register

  • 2025 Dates:

    23* Jan
    13 & 27 Feb
    13 & 27 Mar
    10 & 24* Apr

  • Time (Day)

    7:15 - 10:00pm
    (Thursdays)

    * as above

  • Location:

    Online via Zoom.

    * Onsite at Zion-Bishan BP Church.

Instructor(s)

Dr Quek Tze-Ming

Lecturer in New Testament

Dr Quek Tze Ming is the Lecturer in New Testament at BGST. After leaving legal practice, Tze Ming served in student ministry with the Fellowship of Evangelical Students (Singapore). He then commenced theological studies, receiving a DipCS from BGST, an MDiv and a ThM from Regent College. He finished a PhD in New Testament Studies at the University of Cambridge. His special area of studies is in the use of the Old Testament in the New. Tze Ming serves in the teaching ministry of his church. He is married to Sharon, and they have two daughters. He maintains a lively interest in local food, football, and movies.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    General

    • Course Syllabus

    • Orientation Course & Library Access

    • Instructions on IS101 Presentations

    • Password for all video lectures:
  • 2

    Session 1 Live (Zoom)

    • Introduction

    • Kevin J. Vanhoozer, “What is Everyday Theology?” in Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Charles A. Anderson and Michael J. Sleasman (eds.), Everyday Theology: How to Read Cultural Texts and Interpret Trends (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007).

    • Introduction to Christianity, Culture, and Society (Zoom Recording of Lecture)

    • Introduction to Christianity, Culture, and Society (Slides)
  • 3

    Traditional Chinese Medicine (Self-Study)

    • Traditional Chinese Medicine

    • TCM Video Lecture by Dr Lai Pak Wah

    • TCM Video Lecture by Dr Lai Pak Wah (updated lecture)
  • 4

    Traditional Chinese Medicine (Feb 13) Live (Zoom)

    • Traditional Chinese Medicine

    • TCM Discussion (Slides)
  • 5

    Climate Change (Self-Study)

    • Climate Change

    • Climate Change Video Lecture by Dr Benjamin Grandey
  • 6

    Climate Change (Feb 27) Live (Zoom)

    • Climate Change

    • Climate Change Discussion (Zoom Recording)

    • Climate Change Discussion (Slides)

    • Greta Thunberg (Young Climate Activist) at the Climate Action Summit 2019

    • Other Resources on Climate Change/Creation Care
  • 7

    Disability (Self-Study)

    • Discussion Week (No Topic)

    • Video on disability
  • 8

    Digital Media (Self-Study)

    • Digital Media

    • Digital Media Video Lecture Part I by Ps Edric Sng

    • Digital Media Video Lecture Part II by Ps Edric Sng

  • 9

    Digital Media (Mar 27) Live (Zoom)

    • Digital Theology Video Lecture by Dr Pete Philips (Supplemental)

    • Digital Media Discussion (Zoom Recording)

    • Digital Media Discussion (Slides)
  • 10

    Guest Workers (Self Study)

    • Guest Workers

    • Stephanie Chok, Labour Justice and Low-Paid Migrant Workers in Singapore, Ethos Institute Engagement Series (Singapore: Sower Publishing Centre, 2017).

    • Ronald J.J. Wong and Terence Chong, “Common Problems Migrant Workers in Singapore Face.” (Unpublished, 2022)
  • 11

    Site Visit to Healthserve (April 10) Live (In Person)

    • Site Visit
  • 12

    Prep for Class Presentations 1 (Self Study)

    • Prep for Class Presentations 1
  • 13

    Class Presentations 1 (Apr 24) Live (In Person)

    • Class Presentations 1
  • 14

    Class Presentations 2 Live (In Person)

    • Class Presentations 2

    • Presentation 1: Examining Productivity Culture - High Performance Habits

    • Presentation 2: The Gender Non-Binary Phenomenon

    • Presentation 3: Should Churches use Gen AI for Preaching, Evangelism, and Counselling?
  • 15

    Assignment Submission

    • General formatting for all assignments