Master of Arts in Biblical Peacemaking

The Master of Arts in Biblical Peacemaking (MABP) builds on the foundation laid by the Postgraduate Diploma in Biblical Peacemaking.  Specifically designed for the African context, this program helps students develop their understanding of peacemaking through biblical, theological, and ethical reflection with real-world engagement steadily in view. The purpose of the program is to equip leaders with the conceptual frameworks and practical skills they need to address peacemaking challenges in their churches and communities.

Bethany’s MABP program consists of 36 credit hours (twelve 3-credit courses) and is available for the graduates of Bethany Postgraduate Diploma in Biblical Peacemaking (PDBP)–which must be completed in Jos, Nigeria–who wish to continue their studies in this area.

Program Objectives

Students in Bethany’s MABP program critically engage in a robust educational process that prepares them to:

1. Communicate and teach a biblical theology of peacemaking that is informed by skillful contextual readings of biblical texts and by theological and ethical reflection.
2. Plan, implement, and evaluate peacemaking initiatives that are contextually appropriate, nonviolent, and aligned with student’s interpretations of scripture, theology, and ethics.
3. Demonstrate a peacemaking framework for leadership, incorporating knowledge of conflict transformation, mediation, de-escalation of violence; personal and pastoral development for effective leadership in peacemaking; and knowledge about approaches to understanding and overcoming violence and trauma.
4. Develop an interfaith/intercultural understanding that includes basic knowledge of Islam, Christian ways to relate to Muslim neighbors, and alternatives to interreligious hatred.

Course Requirements

Core Courses (from PDBP) (18 hours)
B604, Gospel of Peace
B642, Interpreting Romans as a Resource for Peacemaking
P673, Mediation as a Social and Spiritual Practice

P684, Peace and Power in the City

T670, Majority World Christianity

I730, PDBP Practicum

Area Courses (18 hours)

P610, Conflict Transformation

P660, Literature of Nonviolence
B6xx, Hebrew Bible Peace course (new, TBD)

T6xx, Islam and Christianity (new)

T6xx, Peace and Prosperity

I7xx, MABP Practicum (addition to one above)