DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to introduce students to the nature of theological study, developing a structure of divine revelation as fundamental to our knowledge of God as well as the human person. Central to the course will be a unit on theological anthropology, showing how the true order of humanity is determined by divine revelation, and then taking into consideration practical matters of human existence such as male and female role relationships, human sexuality, death and dying, and therapeutic approaches to pastoral care.

Application of theoretical course content to ministry situations will take place through the take-home exam questions. Each question will provide an opportunity to create an appropriate ministry response to a case situation incorporating theological reflection. This course will enable those in ministry to understand the theological issues present in basic human questions about the reality of God, the authority of Scripture, human sexuality, and the spiritual/ psychical dynamics of the human person.

The course will meet on Monday and Wednesday mornings 8:00 to 9:50 a.m.

Students will read a minimum of 1,000 pages of assigned reading. Those choosing A track level grading will be required to read 1,500 pages, including:

Anderson, Ray S. On Being Human--Essays in Theological Anthropology. Eerdmans, 1982. Fuller Seminary Reprint.

Becker, Ernest. The Denial of Death. Macmillan, Free Press, 1973.

Grenz, Stanley, Revisioning Evangelical Theology: A Fresh Agenda for the 21st Century. InterVarsity, 1993.

Pinnock, Clark, et al. The Openness of God: A Biblical Challenge to the Traditional Understanding of God. InterVarsity, 1994.

Students are to purchase an expanded lecture syllabus (60 pages) as a xerox packet and read along with the course lectures.

There are no quizzes or set exams. Students will be given a set of take-home exam questions which will require essay-type answers to case situations. Answers will be evaluated on the basis of depth of theological insight, appropriateness to the practice and goals of Christian ministry, and evidence of critical reflection upon the assigned readings and course content. Students can elect a B grading track, with 1,000 pages of reading and two take home questions, or A grading track, with 1,500 pages of reading and four take home questions.

None.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Systematic Theology "a" (STA).

Take-home exam.