DESCRIPTION:

This course offers students an introduction to the study of systematic theology, with the aim of helping participants develop as constructive Christian theologians. Topics that will be considered include (1) sin/evil; (2) the person of Christ; (3) the work of Christ; (4) salvation; (5) the Holy Spirit.

Understanding the foundational doctrines of sin, Christ, salvation, and the Holy Spirit is vital for informed Christian living and effective witness. This course will assist students both in gaining an overview of essential doctrines and in thinking for themselves theologically and contextually.

The class will meet once a week for a three-hour session for lecture, films, and group activity.

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Christ the Center. Harper, 1978.

Grenz, Stanley. Theology for the Community of God. Eerdmans, 1994.

Or Bloesch, Donald. Jesus Christ: Savior and Lord. InterVarsity Press, 1997.

Ockholm, Dennis and T. Phillips. Four Views on Salvation in a Pluralistic World. Zondervan, 1996.

Pinnock, Clark. Flame of Love: A Theology of the Holy Spirit. InterVarsity Press, 1996.

Plantinga, Cornelius. Not the Way It's Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin. Eerdmans, 1995.

Yancey, Philip. The Jesus I Never Knew. Zondervan, 1995.

Selected readings and films.

Borg, Marcus and N. T. Wright. The Meaning of Jesus. Harper, 2000.

Or Johnson, Elizabeth. Consider Jesus. Crossroad, 1996.

Or Theissen, Gerd. In the Shadow of the Galillean. Fortress, 1987.

Camus, Albert. The Fall. Random House, 1956.

Or Lewis, C. S. Perelandra. Scribner, 1964.

Or Lewis, C. S. Screwtape Letters. Broadman and Holman, 1982.

Johnston, Robert K.; Greg Jones; and Jonathan Wilson, eds. Grace Upon Grace. Abingdon, 1999.

Morris, Leon. The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross. Eerdmans, 2000.

Or Barth, Karl. The Humanity of God. Westminster, 1960.

Or Forsyth, P. T. The Cruciality of the Cross. Wipf & Stock, 1997.

1. Five 3-page papers, reviewing and interacting with assigned readings and films (50% of grade).

2. Take-home final examination or three 4-5 page response papers taken from the recommended reading (45% of grade).

3. Class participation (5%).

None.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Systematic Theology "b" (STB).

Optional take-home exam (instead of papers).