DESCRIPTION: This course facilitates a systematic approach to two main theological loci in a classical systematic theology structure: ecclesiology and eschatology. The topics include the nature, life, and mission of the church, as well as various themes regarding the last things, such as death, resurrection, millennium, judgment, and the new creation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who complete this class successfully will have demonstrated (1) a basic understanding of the main theological concepts related to the studied topics; (2) an ability to reflect theologically upon the topics of the course and to express their view coherently in dialogue with other views; (3) a deeper perception and appreciation of the breadth and depth of the theological strands within the Christian tradition with specific reference to the studied topics; (4) an understanding and appreciation of the cultural and ecumenical diversity of the people of God.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course provides basic knowledge of fundamental doctrines of the church and stimulates students to evaluate contemporary issues encountered in ministry in light of the Bible and the far-reaching wisdom and experience of the church throughout history.

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

REQUIRED READING:

Grenz, S. J. Theology for the Community of God. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000 (pp. 461-659).

Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. An Introduction to Ecclesiology: Ecumenical, Historical, and Global Perspectives. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2002.

Schwarz, Hans. Eschatology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.

CHOOSE ONE book on a relevant topic (or propose another book and ask for instructor's approval):

Carson, D. A., ed. From Sabbath to the Lord's Day. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 1999.

Clouse, Robert G., ed. The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views. InterVarsity Press, 1997.

Grenz, Stanley J., and Denise Muir Kjesbo. Women in the Church: A Biblical Theology of Women in Ministry. InterVarsity Press, 1995.

Wright, N. T. Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church. HarperOne, 2008.

Hopko, Thomas, ed. Women and the Priesthood. St. Vladimir Seminary Press, 1999.

Jewett, P. K. Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace. Eerdmans, 1978.

Volf, M. After Our Likeness: The Church as the Image of the Trinity. Eerdmans, 1998.

CHOOSE ONE contextual/intercultural book (or propose another and ask for instructor's approval):

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

Evans, James H., Jr. We Have Been Believers: An African-American Systematic Theology. Fortress, 1992.

González, Justo L. Mañana: Christian Theology from a Hispanic Perspective. Abingdon, 1990.

Russell, L. M. Church in the Round: Feminist Interpretations of the Church. Westminster John Knox, 1993.

Williams, Dolores S. Sisters in Wilderness: The Challenge of Womanist God-Talk. Orbis, 1993.