DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to enable students to enter into the theological ethos of the Presbyterian tradition. Reformed theology, culture, and tradition will be studied in its historical context and applied to the contemporary church. Special attention will be given to the Reformed confessions.

The Book of Confessions has at least two functions within the Presbyterian church. First, together with the Book of Order, it comprises the constitution which governs the life and mission of the church. More importantly, however, it serves as a touchstone for the theology of the church which, in turn, is the basis for the life and mission of the church. As students prepare for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), this course will allow them to explore its theological foundation as well as their own relationship to it.

Class will meet twice a week for ten weeks. Sessions will feature lectures and discussion of readings, case-studies, and small-group activities.

The Constitution of the United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Part I, Book of Confessions. Louisville: The Office of the General Assembly, 1991. (Also available from O.G.A. on floppy disk.)

The Constitution of the United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Part II, Book of Order 1996-97. Louisville: The Office of the General Assembly, 1996. (Also available from O.G.A. on floppy disk.)

Rogers, Jack. Presbyterian Creeds: A Guide to the Book of Confessions. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1991.

And one of the following:

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. 2 vols. Edited by John T. McNeill. Translated by Ford Lewis Battles. LCC 20-21. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1960.

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Translated by Henry Beveridge. Calvin Translation Society, 1845. Reprinted in 1 volume. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986.

Hesselink, I. John. On Being Reformed: Distinctive Characteristics and Common Misunderstandings. Ann Arbor: Servant Books, 1983.

Leith, J. Introduction to the Reformed Tradition. Rev. ed. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1981.

McKim, D. K., ed., Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1992.

Muller, Richard A. Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1985.

Olevianus, Caspar. A Firm Foundation: An Aid to Interpreting the Heidelberg Catechism. Translated by Lyle D. Bierma. Grand Rapids, Baker, 1995.

Placher, William C., and David Willis-Watkins. Belonging to God: A Commentary on A Brief Statement of Faith. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992.

Ursinus, Z. Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism. Phillipsburg: Presbyterian & Reformed, n.d.

1. Assigned readings of approximately 650 pp., along with class participation and timely attendance.

2. Weekly one-page meditations on assigned passage from BOC.

3. Weekly one-page response papers to case-studies, along with self-critique.

4. Personal statement of faith, due by the last day of the ninth week.

5. Final examination (essay-format, patterned after the Presbyterian Theological Competence Examination).