DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to enable students to enter into the theological ethos of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Reformed theology, culture, and tradition will be studied in its historical context and related to theological issues currently before the denomination. Special attention will be given to The Book of Confessions.

One of the distinctives of the Reformed tradition is its confessional identity. In the PC(USA), every officer promises to be instructed and led by the confessions as they minister. This course is designed (1) to help to prepare the student to take the standard examinations for ordination in theological competency and worship, both of which require an understanding of the confessions, and (2) to enable the student to utilize the confessions in their ministry and personal life.

Class will meet for four hours daily for ten days. Sessions will include lecture, discussion of readings, and student presentations. Students are expected to be prepared for and attend all 40 hours of class, unless excused by the instructor for necessary cause, in which case make-up work will be assigned.

The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Part I: The Book of Confessions--Study Edition. Louisville: Office of the General Assembly, 1996; Geneva Press, 1999.

Rogers, Jack. Presbyterian Creeds: A Guide to The Book of Confessions. Rev. ed. Westminster John Knox Press, 1991. (Revised edition includes Supplement on A Brief Statement of Faith.)

Additional readings from course syllabus.

McKim, Donald K, ed. Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith. Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992.

Rogers, Jack. Reading the Bible and the Confessions: The Presbyterian Way. Geneva Press, 1999.

Rohls, Jan. Reformed Confessions: Theology from Zurich to Barmen. Translated by John Hoffmeyer. Westminster John Knox Press, 1998.

Selected Theological Statements of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assemblies (1956-1998). Presbyterian Distribution Service, 1999.

Willis, David and Michael Welker, eds. Toward the Future of Reformed Theology: Tasks, Topics, Traditions. Eerdmans, 1999.

Due to the intensive format, students are strongly urged to have read--before Day 1-- all 450 pages of The Book of Confessions--Study Edition, and the materials pertaining to the first class.

1. Assigned readings, brief answers to selected "Questions for Study," class participation, timely and full attendance.

2. Oral and written presentation of your own Statement of Faith, due Monday, August 8.

3. Take-home final exam, in the form of Theological Competency questions on the Standard Ordination Exams, due Friday, September 2.

4. Curriculum (in detailed outline form) for teaching The Book of Confessions as part of "officer training" in a specific congregation, due Friday, September 9.

None; not for first-year students. Students who have not completed Systematic Theology (A-B-C) and/or Church History (A-B-C) are urged to consult with instructor before enrolling.