DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to enable students to enter into the theological ethos of the Presbyterian Church (USA). 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are four objectives: (1) spiritual, religious - students will gain a closer relationship with God; (2) ministry - students will be equipped with the tools to utilize The Book of Confessions in everyday ministry and to pass them on; (3) pragmatic, professional - students will be prepared to present their personal "Statement of Faith" and to take ordination exams, as described below; (4) academic, scholarly, intellectual - students will be able to reflect theologically upon the central themes of the confessions, which deal with the most profound issues that humans face.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: 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 to prepare students to take the standard examinations for ordination in theological competency and worship, both of which require an understanding of the confessions, and to enable students to utilize the confessions in their ministry and personal life.

COURSE FORMAT: 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.

REQUIRED READING:

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.

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

Additional readings from course syllabus.