DESCRIPTION: This course explores four major themes in Systematic Theology: (1) the sources and norms for speaking intelligibly and credibly about the Christian God (revelation and authority); (2) the nature a character of the Christian God (theology proper); (3) the experience of God in creation and its sustainment (creation and providence); (4) the experience of God in ourselves and our fellow human beings (anthropology, the fall, evil and sin).

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course is designed to help the students (1) acquire a basic understanding of the issues under discussion in their theological development and in their contemporary expression; (2) evaluate and articulate their experience of God theologically; (3) develop an ability to recognize the implications of the Christian faith for their own life and ministry in diverse ecumenical, cultural, and religious contexts.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Participants will be stimulated to develop a personal theological framework and ability to think theologically, which are essential for all aspects of Christian ministry.

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

REQUIRED READING:

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

McKim, Donald K. The Bible in Theology and Preaching. Wipf and Stock, 1999.

Schwarz, H. Creation. Eerdmans, 2002.

Jewett, Paul K., with Marguerite Shuster. Who We Are: Our Dignity as Human. Eerdmans, 1996 (180 pages selective reading due by the end of the quarter).

Choose one text on a special topic (interactive reading report required):

Beilby, J. K., and P. R. Eddy, eds. Divine Foreknowledge: Four Views. InterVarsity Press, 2001.

Bouma-Prediger, S. For the Beauty of the Earth: A Christian Vision for Creation Care. InterVarsity Press, 2001.

Fiddes, P. Participating in God: A Pastoral Doctrine of the Trinity. Westminster John Knox, 2001.

Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. The Doctrine of God: A Global Introduction. Baker Academic, 2004.

Pinnock, C. Most Moved Mover: A Theology of God's Openness. Baker, 2001;
OR Sanders, J. The God Who Risks: A Theology of Providence. InterVarsity Press, 1998.

Tupper, Frank E. A Scandalous Providence. Mercer University Press, 1995.

Wink, Walter. Unmasking the Powers. Augsburg Fortress, 1993.

Choose one contextual/intercultural/interreligious text (interactive reading report required):

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

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

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

Greene-McCreight, Kathryn. Feminist Reconstructions of Christian Doctrine. Oxford Univ. Press, 2000.

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

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