DESCRIPTION:

This course is specially designed to introduce Psychology students to the discipline of theology, with the aim of helping participants develop as constructive, Christian theologians. Topics that will be considered include (1) theological method, (2) revelation, (3) God, (4) creation/providence, and (5) humankind. The course is intended to challenge SOP students to develop and appropriate their own understanding of these topics in the context of their professional preparation.

Understanding the principal doctrines of the faith, as well as how to think theologically, is foundational to any attempt at integrative work as a Christian health care professional.

The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions for lecture, discussion, media presentations and small group activity.

Grenz, S. J. Theology for the Community of God. Eerdmans, 2000.

Johnson, Elizabeth. She Who Is. Crossroad Herder, 2002.
or Gutiérrez, Gustavo. The God of Life. Orbis, 1991.

Johnston, Robert. K. The Christian at Play. Wipf & Stock, 1983.

_________. The Use of the Bible in Theology. Wipf & Stock, 1985.

Otto, Rudolph. The Idea of the Holy. Oxford University Press, 1958 (1923).

Pinnock, Clark. Most Moved Mover. Baker, 2001.

Scholer, David. Women in Ministry. Covenant Publications, 1983-84.

Updike, John. Pigeon Feathers. Ballantine, 1996 (1962).

Selected articles, films, and biblical texts; FTS Statement of Faith.

Gunton, Colin. A Brief Theology of Revelation. T & T Clark, 2000.
or Fackre, Gabriel. The Doctrine of Revelation. Eerdmans, 1997.

Gunton, Colin. The Triune Creator. Eerdmans, 1998.
or Bouma-Prediger, Steven. For the Beauty of the Earth. Baker, 2001.

Jewett, Paul with Shuster, Marguerite. Who We Are: Our Dignity as Human. Eerdmans, 1996.
or Anderson, Ray. On Being Human: Essays in Theological Anthropology. Eerdmans, 1982.

Olson, Roger and Hall, Christopher. The Trinity. Eerdmans, 2002.
or Stackhouse, John. Can God Be Trusted? Oxford University Press, 2000.

Parratt, John, A Guide to Doing Theology. SPCK, 2000.
or Grenz, S. J. and Olson, Roger. Who Needs Theology? InterVarsity Press, 1996.

1. One two-page (5% of final grade), two three-page (20%), and two four-page (20%) reviews of and interaction with selected readings and films.

2. Take-home final examination or three optional five page responses papers from the recommended reading (45%).

3. Class participation and required reading completed by class time (10%)

Take-home or three optional five-page responses papers from the recommended reading.