DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces students to the doctrines of the Church and Last Things as these have developed their biblical, classical, and contemporary theological expressions. The course is intended to challenge students to develop their own understanding of the nature and life of the church, worship, sacraments, death, resurrection, judgment, heaven and hell.

A thoughtful understanding of the life and worship of the Church, and the end of history and the new heaven and earth forms an essential part of the framework within which ministry is carried out. This foundational perspective will determine much of what is preached, taught, and lived out in the Christian community and it is a critical component of our spiritual growth.

The course will consist of lectures and discussion. Lectures will concentrate on some of the key problems that are listed in the syllabus. Discussion time is designated to help the students with comprehension of the reading materials and lectures, and will include both large and small group discussion time.

a. The following should be read as scheduled in the syllabus:

Augustine of Hippo. The City of God. Image Books ed. (Sections).

Calvin, John. Institutes. (Selected sections)

Torrance, James B. Worship, Community and the People of God. InterVarsity Press, 1996

White, James F. The Sacraments in Protestant Practice. Abingdon, 1999.

b. One of the following Systematic Theologies should be read on these loci:

Bavinck, Herman. Our Reasonable Faith. Baker, 1956.

Grenz, S. J. Theology for the Community of God. Eerdmans, 2000.

McGrath, Alistair. Christian Theology: An Introduction. Blackwell, 1994.

c. Sections of one of the following (or other approved) contextual theologies should be read:

Barr, William R. Constructive Theology in the Worldwide Church. Eerdmans, 1997.

Evans, James. We Have Been Believers: African American Systematic Theology. Fortress, 1992.

Gonzáles, Justo. Mañana: Christian Theology from an Hispanic Perspective. Abingdon, 1990.

Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. Faith and Order Paper No. 111, WCC, 1982.

Lumen Gentium: Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. (Vatican Council II), 1966.

Moltmann, J. Church in the Power of the Spirit. Harper & Row, 1977.

_________. The Coming of God: Christian Eschatology. SCM, 1997.

Pannenberg, Wolfhart. Systematic Theology. Vol. 3. Eerdmans, 1993.

Volf, Miroslav. After Our Image: The Church as the Image of the Trinity. Eerdmans, 1998.

Zizioulas, J. Being as Communion. Crestwood: St. Vladimir's Press, 1985.

Short papers, midterm quiz, and a take-home exam. Upon petition, in lieu of short papers and the midterm, students who have previously taken overview courses in Christian doctrine may write a research paper.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Systematic Theology "C" (STC).

Take-home.