Fall 2004/Pasadena
ST501
Johnston
ST501: SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 1: THEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY. Robert K. Johnston.
(School of Psychology Second-year Students Only).
DESCRIPTION:
- This course is specially designed to introduce Psychology students
to the discipline of theology, with the aim of helping participants develop as
constructive, Christian theologians. Topics that will be considered include (1)
theological method, (2) revelation, (3) God, (4) creation/providence, and (5)
humankind. The course is intended to challenge SOP students to develop and
appropriate their own understanding of these topics in the context of their
professional preparation.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Understanding the principal doctrines of the faith, as well as how
to think theologically, is foundational to any attempt at integrative work as a
Christian health care professional.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions for lecture,
discussion, media presentations and small group activity.
REQUIRED READING:
- Grenz, S. J. Theology for the Community of God. Eerdmans,
2000.
- Jenson, Robert W. On Thinking the Human: Resolutions of Difficult
Notions. Eerdmans, 2003.
- Johnson, Elizabeth. She Who Is. Crossroad Herder, 2002.
or Gutiérrez, Gustavo. The God of Life. Orbis, 1991.
- Johnston, Robert K. The Use of the Bible in Theology. Wipf &
Stock, 1985.
- Otto, Rudolph. The Idea of the Holy. Oxford University Press, 1958
(1923).
- Pinnock, Clark. Most Moved Mover. Baker, 2001.
- Scholer, David. Women in Ministry. Covenant Publications, 1983-84.
- Updike, John. Pigeon Feathers. Ballantine, 1996 (1962).
- Selected articles, films, and biblical texts; FTS Statement of
Faith.
RECOMMENDED READING (three required if take-home exam is waived):
- Gunton, Colin. A Brief Theology of Revelation. T & T
Clark, 2000.
or Fackre, Gabriel. The Doctrine of Revelation.
Eerdmans, 1997.
- Gunton, Colin. The Triune Creator. Eerdmans, 1998.
or
Bouma-Prediger, Steven. For the Beauty of the Earth. Baker, 2001.
- Jewett, Paul with Shuster, Marguerite. Who We Are: Our Dignity as Human.
Eerdmans, 1996.
or Anderson, Ray. On Being Human: Essays in
Theological Anthropology. Eerdmans, 1982.
- Olson, Roger and Hall, Christopher. The Trinity. Eerdmans, 2002.
or Stackhouse, John. Can God Be Trusted? Oxford University
Press, 2000.
- Parratt, John, A Guide to Doing Theology. SPCK, 2000.
or
Fraser, Elouise Renich. Confessions of a Beginning Theologian.
InterVarsity Press, 1998.
or Grenz, S. J. and Olson, Roger. Who
Needs Theology? InterVarsity Press, 1996.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- One two-page (5% of final grade), two three-page (20%), and two four-page
(20%) reviews of and interaction with selected readings and films.
- Take-home final examination or three optional five page responses papers
from the recommended reading (45%).
- Class participation and required reading completed by class time
(10%)
PREREQUISITES: Permission of advisor -- second-year School of Psychology
students.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets M.Div. core requirement for Systematic
Theology "A" (STA).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Take-home or three optional five-page response papers from the
recommended reading.