DESCRIPTION:

Systematic (or doctrinal, or constructive) theology is designed to provide the student with disciplined reflection on Scripture, with the aim of achieving a coherent, faithful, and practical articulation of Christian belief. The doctrines to be treated include revelation, God, creation, human nature and sin; both traditional and contemporary formulations will be explored.

As an overview of the chief doctrines pertaining to God and anthropology, this survey course will provide a basis for ongoing preaching, teaching, evangelizing and discipleship. Students will be challenged to think creatively and integrate their discoveries into their life and ministry.

This two-week intensive will meet for four hours daily (1:00-4:50 p.m., August 7-18). Because attendance, preparation, and class participation are deemed crucial to the learning process, lectures will be supplemented with discussion. In the final analysis, students will get out of the course what they invest in it.

Jewett, P. K. God, Revelation, and Creation: A Neo-Evangelical Theology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

Migliore, D. L. Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991. (Relevant sections.)

Other materials, on reserve in the library.

Berkhof, L. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1938; reprint 1994.

Brown, C., ed. The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. 4 Vols. Revised ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986.

Ferguson, S. B., Wright, D. F. and Packer, J. I., eds. New Dictionary of Theology. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1988.

Guthrie, S. C. Christian Doctrine. Revised ed. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1994.

Jewett, P. K., with M. Shuster. Who We Are: Our Dignity as Human: A Neo-Evangelical Theology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

Johnson, E. A. She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse. New York: Crossroad, 1992.

LaCugna, C. M., ed. Freeing Theology: The Essentials of Theology in Feminist Perspective. San Francisco: Harper, 1993.

Weber, O. Foundations of Dogmatics, vol. 1. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1981.

In addition, see bibliographic notations under each topic in the syllabus.

1. Assigned readings are to be completed before each class. As preparation for the first class, please read Migliore (pp. 1-18) and Jewett (Preface and pp. 4-16).

2. Nine 2-page typed "response papers" on specified topics, due at the start of each class.

3. A 15-page research project, on a preapproved topic. Due September 15 at 5 p.m.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Systematic Theology "A" (STA).