DESCRIPTION:

This doctoral seminar, open to a very limited number of advanced master's level students, is designed to introduce students to the theology of W. Pannenberg whose three volume Systematic Theology is the most ambitious and hotly debated proposal for an all-embracing theological program for the third millennium. Pannenberg's systematics offers a challenging discussion of all major historical, philosophical, and contemporary questions in Christian theology.

An essential part of preparation for Christian ministry is to learn to think theologically through issues of faith and ministry. Since this is a doctoral seminar, and Pannenberg's theology is one of the most demanding readings of all theological writings, this course gives an opportunity to wrestle intellectually with all the major concerns of Christian life and thought.

The class will meet once a week for a three-hour session for an introductory lecture, discussion, and student presentations.

Pannenberg, W. Systematic Theology, vols. 1-3. Eerdmans, 1991, 1994, 1997 (English or German).

Choose one:

Pannenberg, W. Anthropology in Theological Perspective. Westminster, 1985.

__________. Basic Questions in Theology, vol. 1 or 2. Fortress/SCM Press, 1970-1971.

__________. Metaphysics and the Idea of God. Eerdmans, 1990.

__________. Jesus--God and Man. SCM Press, 1968.

Choose one:

Albright, C. R. and J. Haugen. Beginning with the End: God, Science, and W. Pannenberg. Open Court, 1997.

Grenz, S. Reason for Hope: The Systematic Theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg. Oxford, 1990.

Polk, D. P. On the Way to God: An Exploration into the theology of W. Pannenberg. University Press of America, 1989.

Braaten, C. E. and P. Clayton, eds. The Theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg: Twelve American Critiques. Augsburg, 1988.

Pannenberg, W. Toward A Theology of Nature: Essays of Science and Faith. Westminster, 1993.

__________. The Church. Westminster, 1983.

__________. Human Nature, Election, and History. Westminster, 1977.

__________. The Idea of God and Human Freedom. Westminster, 1973.

__________. Theology and the Philosophy of Science. Westminster, 1976.

Hasel, F. Scripture in the Theologies of W. Pannenberg and D. G. Bloesch. Peter Lang, 1996.

Neie, H. Doctrine of the Atonement in the Theology of Pannenberg. Walter De Gruyter, 1978.

Rise, Svein. The Christology of Wolfhart Pannenberg: Identity and Relevance. Edwin Mellen, 1997.

Shults, F. Leron and W. Pannenberg. The Postfoundationalist Task of Theology. Eerdmans, 1999.

For doctoral students: (1) A careful reading of the required texts. (2) Two reading responses, 7-8 pages each. (3) A major research paper, 30-40 pages. (4) Student presentations. (5) Active participation in discussions. Requirements will be adjusted appropriately for master's level students.