DESCRIPTION: This doctoral seminar, open to limited number of advanced master's level students, is designed to introduce students to the theology of W. Pannenberg, whose three-volume Systematic Theology is the most ambitious proposal for an all-embracing theological program for the third millennium. Pannenberg's systematics offers a challenging discussion of all major historical, philosophical, and contemporary questions in Christian theology.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: An essential part of preparation for Christian ministry is to learn to think theologically through issues of faith and ministry. Pannenberg's theology is one of the most demanding readings of all theological writings and gives an opportunity to wrestle intellectually with all the major concerns of Christian life and thought.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for a three-hour session for student presentations on aspects of Pannenberg's theology and critical discussion. Immediately after registration, the student must contact the professor for the syllabus and pre-seminar assignments (vmk@fuller.edu).

REQUIRED READING:

Primary Literature by Pannenberg:

Introduction to Systematic Theology. Eerdmans, 1991.

Systematic Theology, vol. 1, 1991; vol. 2, 1994; vol. 3, 1997. Eerdmans.

The following monographs will be consulted for class presentations (to be agreed upon with professor):

Anthropology in Theological Perspective. Westminster, 1985.

Basic Questions in Theology, vol. 1 and 2. Fortress/SCM Press, 1970-1971.

Metaphysics and the Idea of God. Eerdmans, 1990.

Jesus--God and Man. SCM Press, 1968.

Toward a Theology of Nature: Essays on Science and Faith. Ed. T. Peters. WJKP, 1993.

Secondary Literature:

Grenz, S. Reason for Hope: The Systematic Theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 2005.

Shults, F. Leron, and W. Pannenberg. The Postfoundationalist Task of Theology. Eerdmans, 1999.

Albright, C. R., and J. Haugen. Beginning with the End: God, Science, and W. Pannenberg. Open Court, 1997.

Braaten, C. E., and P. Clayton, eds. The Theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg: Twelve American Critiques. Augsburg, 1988.

Hasel, F. Scripture in the Theologies of W. Pannenberg and D. G. Bloesch. Peter Lang, 1996.

Polk, D. P. On the Way to God: An Exploration into the Theology of W. Pannenberg. UPA, 1989.

Rise, Svein. The Christology of Wolfhart Pannenberg: Identity and Relevance. Edwin Mellen, 1997.