Individualized Distance Learning

ST503

Kärkkäinen

ST503: SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 3: ECCLESIOLOGY AND ESCHATOLOGY (4 units).

Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Professor of Systematic Theology.

DESCRIPTION: This course discusses Christian beliefs about ecclesiology and eschatology. The topics include the church, its nature as expressed in various ecclesial traditions, ministry and mission, sacraments/ordinances, as well as various approaches to the last things: parousia, death, resurrection, new creation, judgment, millennium, heaven and hell. A contemporary Evangelical theology will be construed in dialogue with ecumenical and contextual/intercultural perspectives.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated:

·          A basic understanding of issues in their traditional and contemporary expressions

·          An ability to reflect theologically upon the course topics

·          Skills towards developing one's own theology in critical dialogue with various views

·          An acquaintance with a range of cultural and contextual matters that shape our understanding of theological issues

·          An appreciation of ecumenical and cultural diversity.

RELEVANCE FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AND MINISTRY: An essential part of preparation for Christian ministry is to learn to think theologically through issues of faith and ministry.

COURSE FORMAT:

The course uses recorded lectures, a detailed study guide, and readings.  It is designed to be completed in one quarter while allowing for flexibility in the student’s schedule.

REQUIRED READING: 1,200 pages of required reading from the following;

·          Grenz, S.J. Theology for the Community of God. Eerdmans, 2000, pp. 1-25, 461-659

·          Kärkkäinen, V.-M. An Introduction to Ecclesiology. InterVarsity Press, 2002

·          Placher, W.C., ed. Essentials of Christian Theology. Westminster John Knox, 2003, pp. 1-10, 221-365

·          Schwartz, H. Eschatology. Eerdmans, 2000

A text on a special topic: choose one:

·          Braaten, C.E. & Jenson, R.W. The Ecumenical Future. Eerdmans, 2004

·          Fudge, E.W. & R.A. Peterson. Two Views of Hell. InterVarsity Press, 2000

·          Gelder, C. van. The Essence of the Church: A Community Created by the Spirit. Baker, 2000

·          Gelder C. van, ed. Confident Witness. (Gospel and Culture Series.) Eerdmans, 1999

·          Grenz, S.J. The Millennial Maze. InterVarsity Press, 1994

·          Guder, D.L. & L. Barrett, eds. Missional Church. Eerdmans, 1998

·          George, T. Pilgrims on the Sawdust Trail: Evangelical Ecumenism. Baker, 2004

·          Hauerwas, S. & Willimon, W.H. Resident Aliens: Life in the Christian Colony. Abingdon, 1989

·          Husbands, M., et al., eds. The Community of the Word. InterVarsity Press, 2005

·          Gibbs, E. & Bolger, R.K. Emerging Churches. Baker 2006

·          Kärkkäinen, V.-M. Toward a Pneumatological Theology. Ed. Amos Yong. UPA, 2002

·          Moltmann, Jürgen. The Church in the Power of the Spirit. SCM Press, 1977

·          __________. The Coming of God: Christian Eschatology. SCM Press, 1994

·          Newbigin, L. The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society. Eerdmans, 1989

·          Stackhouse, J.G. ed. Evangelical Ecclesiology: Reality or Illusion? Baker 2003

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

A contextual and/or intercultural text (sections relevant for the course): choose one:

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

·          Boff, L. Ecclesiogenesis: The Base Communities Reinvent the Church. Orbis, 1986

·          Evans, J. We Have Been Believers: An African American Systematic Theology. Fortress, 1992

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

·          Parratt, J. Reinventing Christianity: African Theology Today. Eerdmans, 1995

·          Parsons, S.F., ed. The Cambridge Companion to Feminist Theology. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2002

·          Russell, L.M. Church in the Round: Feminist Interpretation of the Church. WJKP, 1993

ASSIGNMENTS:

1.        Weekly theological reflections on lecture materials and 1,200 pages of required reading (20%)

2.        Reading responses (20%)

3.        A research paper of 10-pages (40%)

4.        Final project: "My theological statement" 5-pages (20%)

PREREQUISITES: None. Yet, at least one course in biblical studies and in historical theology/church history as well as philosophical theology, are strongly recommended.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Systematic Theology "C" (STC). Ministry Focus Elective in MAGL program

FINAL EXAMINATION: No.                                                                                                         

Updated May 2008