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 and 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).

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Participants will be stimulated to develop a personal theological framework and ability to think theologically through the topics of the course, which are essential for all aspects of Christian ministry.

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.

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

REQUIRED READING:

Migliore, Daniel. Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 2004 (pp. 1-162, 301-329).

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

Schwarz, Hans. Creation. Eerdmans, 2002.

Choose one text on a special topic (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.

Grenz, S. J. The Social God and the Relational Self: A Trinitarian Theology of the Imago Dei. Westminster John Knox, 2001.

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

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

Pinnock, C. Most Moved Mover: A Theology of God's Openness. Baker, 2001.

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

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

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

Barr, W. R. Constructive Christian Theology in the Worldwide Church. Eerdmans, 1997 (200 pages by choice from first 286 pages).

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

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

Johnson, Elizabeth A. She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse. Crossroad, 2005.

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