Master of Arts: Peace Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Arts: Peace Studies (MAPS) program is to provide the environment for a deepening understanding of and commitment to the biblical vision of peace and justice and its embodiment in the world. The program is grounded in the assumption that Christ calls us to become part of a new community whose mission is to participate in God's reconciling work throughout the world. While not designed for a specific profession, the MAPS program prepares students for peace and justice ministries from congregational to worldwide levels.

The principal thrust of the MAPS program since its inception has been reflection on the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of peace and justice. Attention is also given to experiential learning, contemporary social ethics, and the contribution of the social sciences to peace- and justice-making. The MAPS faculty seeks to take seriously the hermeneutic that knowledge grows out of obedience and obedience grows from hearing the Word. They are thus committed to assisting students in the integration of action, reflection, and prayer.

In addition to the primary MAPS program, two concentrations are offered for specific ministries. For each of these concentrations, AMBS works in partnership with another institution in the region:

• Urban community development (Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE); courses offered through North Park University, Chicago, Ill.)
• International development administration (Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Mich.).

For more information, see the AMBS Catalog, pages 86 to 92.

Faculty who teach in this program

This program draws on courses in many areas of the AMBS curriculum, so students will study with professors in Bible, history, theology, and ethics.

Faculty members with specific assignments in teaching in the Peace and Justice Studies program are:

• Ted Koontz, Ph.D., professor of ethics and peace studies; director, Peace and Justice Studies
• Daniel S. Schipani, Ph.D., professor of pastoral care and counseling
• Gayle Gerber Koontz, Ph.D., professor of theology and ethics
• Walter W. Sawatsky, Ph.D., associate professor of church history and mission