DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the study of systematic (or doctrinal or constructive) Christian theology, with the aim of engaging students in biblically-warranted, critical reflection upon Christian beliefs. In addition to theological prolegomena, the doctrines to be treated include revelation, God, creation and humankind. Students will be encouraged to develop the capacity to articulate and evaluate thoughtfully their own understandings of Christian doctrine and to relate their study to the life and ministry of the contemporary church.

Persons who accept the responsibility to teach the Christian faith to others should be well-grounded in their understanding and application of the basic doctrines which Christians have professed to believe.

Course sessions will include lectures, class discussions, student-selected issues for dialogue, and small group activities. The class will meet daily for four-hour sessions.

Pre-Class Reading for Orientation to Theology: Choose one of the following three texts:

Grenz, Stanley J., and Roger E. Olson. Who Needs Theology? An Invitation to the Study of God. InterVarsity Press, 1996.

Luck, Donald G. Why Study Theology? Chalice, 1999.

Stone, Howard W., and James O. Duke. How to Think Theologically. Fortress, 1996.

Common Reading:

Scalise, Charles J. From Scripture to Theology. InterVarsity Press, 1996.

McGill, Arthur. Suffering: A Test of Theological Method. Westminster, 1982.

Moltmann, Jürgen. The Trinity and the Kingdom: The Doctrine of God. Harper & Row, 1994.

van Beeck, F. J. God Encountered: A Contemporary Catholic Systematic Theology. Vol. 2: The Revelation of the Glory: Part 2: One God, Creator of All That Is. Liturgical Press, 1994.

Systematic Theology Reading: Choose one and read relevant sections.

Berkhof, H. Christian Faith: An Introduction to the Study of the Faith. Rev. ed. Eerdmans, 2000.

Grenz, Stanley. Theology for the Community of God. Eerdmans, 2000.

Migliore, Daniel L. Faith Seeking Understanding. Eerdmans, 1991.

Oden, Thomas. The Living God. Harper & Row, 1992 (entire).

Tillich, Paul. Systematic Theology, Vol. 1. University of Chicago Press, 1973 (entire).

Students are especially encouraged to attend to the diversity of readings offered as extra credit for this course. A list of these resources may be found in the complete syllabus, available from SOT Academic Programs or by request to the professor at cscalise@fuller.edu.

McKim, Donald. Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms. Westminster John Knox, 1996.

1. Systematic theology reading (examined on final exam). 2. Theological orientation reading essay (10% of final grade). 3. In-basket exercises (nine 3-page essays; 45%). 4. Final exam (30%). 5. Class attendance and participation (10%). 6. Devotional leadership requirement (5%).

None. (Recommended that students take Church History A prior to or concurrent with this course.)