DESCRIPTION: This course provides an overview of Christian beliefs about (1) revelation, authority, and method; (2) the Christian concept of God; (3) the doctrines of creation and providence; (4) Christian anthropology, the fall, evil and sin. These topics will be considered in the context of a Trinitarian theology articulated in a systematic framework, in dialogue with contemporary ecumenical and contextual/intercultural perspectives.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course is designed to help students acquire (1) a basic understanding of the issues in their contemporary expressions and their historical development; (2) skills for developing a personal theology in dialogue with the various views and practices of the church; (3) an ability to recognize the implications of the Christian faith for the broader ecumenical, cultural, and religious diversity, and engage positions other than their own in a constructive manner.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Participants will be stimulated to develop an ability to think theologically that will prepare them to address issues they encounter in their ministry in light of the Bible and of the far-reaching theological wisdom of the church.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice a week in four-hour sessions for lectures and discussions.

REQUIRED READING: CHOOSE ONE foundational text:

Grenz, S. J. Theology for the Community of God. Eerdmans, 2000 (pp. 1-242; preferred text).

Berkhof, L. Systematic Theology. Eerdmans, 1939; reprint 1991 (pp. 19-300).

Pannenberg W. Systematic Theology. Vols. 1 & 2. Eerdmans, 1994 (1:189-442; 2:1-276).

OR Another basic ST text, with instructor's approval obtained no later than the first day of class.

CHOOSE TWO texts, each on a different main topic of the course (two of the five options):

(1) Bacote, L. C., et al., eds. Evangelicals & Scripture: Tradition, Authority & Hermeneutics. IVP, 2004.
OR McKim, D. K. The Bible in Theology & Preaching. Abingdon, 1985/Wipf & Stock, 1999.

(2) Fiddes, P. Participating in God: A Pastoral Doctrine of the Trinity. Westminster John Knox, 2001.
OR Pinnock, C. Most Moved Mover: A Theology of God's Openness. Baker, 2001.

(3) Bouma-Prediger, S. For the Beauty of the Earth: A Christian Vision for Creation Care. IVP, 2001.
OR Schwarz, H. Creation. Eerdmans, 2002.

(4) Beilby, J. K. & P. R. Eddy, eds. Divine Foreknowledge: Four Views. InterVarsity Press, 2001.
OR Sanders, J. The God Who Risks: A Theology of Providence. InterVarsity Press, 1998.

(5) Jewett, P. K. & Shuster, M. Who We Are: Our Dignity as Human. Eerdmans, 1996.
OR Shults, F. LeRon. Reforming Theological Anthropology. Eerdmans, 2003.

CHOOSE ONE contextual/intercultural/interreligious text:

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

Boff, L. Trinity and Society. Orbis, 1988.

Cone, J. H. God of the Oppressed. Orbis, 1997.

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

Gonzáles, J. Mañana: Christian Theology from a Hispanic Perspective. Abingdon, 1990.

Kapolyo, J. M. The Human Condition: Christian Perspectives through African Eyes. IVP, 2005.

Kärkkäinen, V.-M. Trinity and Religious Pluralism. Ashgate, 2004.

McDermott, G. R. Can Evangelicals Learn from World Religions? InterVarsity Press, 2001.

Parsons, S. F., ed. The Cambridge Companion to Feminist Theology. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2002.

Tennent, T. C. Christianity at the Religious Roundtable. Baker Academic, 2002.