Winter 2019/Houston

HT503

Taylor

HT503: THE CHURCH’S UNDERSTANDING OF CHURCH, HUMANITY, AND CHRISTIAN LIFE IN ITS THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION (4 Units: 160 hours). W. David O. Taylor.

DESCRIPTION: HT503 is a survey of systematic and philosophical theology that focuses especially on revelation and scripture; creation and providence; theological anthropology (human identity and nature, the image of God, the fall, sin, and evil), soteriology (the election, calling, justification, regeneration, and sanctification of the Christian), and ecclesiology (the ministry and mission of the church). The course reflects the historic Christian church's development of these doctrines in dialogue with its opponents and with its cultural context. Related topics and themes to be addressed may include the development and articulation of the inspiration and authority of scripture, God's work in creation, human persons in relation to God, and the place of the church in the purposes of God.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who complete HT503 will demonstrate: (1) a basic critical theological knowledge of the conceptual and normative dimensions of the doctrines of revelation, creation and providence, anthropology, soteriology, and ecclesiology as those and other selected doctrines emerged in the early church and developed to this day; (2) a basic competence in interpreting historic and contemporary perorations of these doctrines and an ability to evaluate these theological issues and their historical and contemporary development; and (3) a critical and sympathetic appreciation for the breadth, unity, and diversity of the Christian church.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three-hour sessions for a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours.

REQUIRED READING: 1,100 total pages required

Gunton, Colin, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Christian Doctrine. Cambridge University Press, 1997. ISBN: 978-0521476959, Pub. Price $36.99. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library. [Selections - 100 pgs.]

Felker-Jones, Beth. Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically. Baker Academic, 2014. ISBN: 978-0801049330, Pub. Price $23.99. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library. [Selections - 150 pgs.]

Plantinga, Richard J., Thomas R. Thompson, Matthew D. Lundberg. An Introduction to Christian Theology. Cambridge University Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-0521690379, Pub. Price $37.99. [325 pgs.]

Wiles, Maurice and Mark Santer, eds. Documents in Early Christian Thought. Cambridge University Press, 1975. ISBN: 978-0521099158, Pub. Price $46.99. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library. [Selections - 100 pgs.]

Essays and primary texts by historical and contemporary theologians on key topics of the course: selections include Kathryn Tanner, Irenaeus, Christine McSpadden, Origen, Diana Butler, Cyril of Jerusalem, Sally McFague, John Calvin, Simon Chan, Joel Green, Serene Jones, John Webster, Stanley Grenz, Philip Blowers, Ellen Charry, among others. [425 pgs.]

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT

1,100 pages of required reading. The quality and extent of readings will be assessed in the form of two short quizzes and two critical reflections. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [73 hours]
Two quizzes, which test the mastery of basic terms and ideas. (30%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3].
Two 1,000-word critical response essays, based on readings of key texts. The reflections must also show evidence of relevant sections of readings and lectures. (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3] [24 hours].
A research essay on an assigned topic (2,500-3,000 words) (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2] [33 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH2 or TH4 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MAT Programs (Fall 2015). Option to meet the TH2 requirement in the 80 MATM and 80 MAICS Programs (Fall 2015). Meets the STB requirement in the 144 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.