DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide a resource for thought, life and ministry by examining Christian beliefs about the church, its nature and authority; ministry; Christian worship; the sacraments; prayer; the parousia; death, resurrection, judgment, heaven and hell.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: (1) Students completing this course will have examined the topics noted in the Description in light of classical and contemporary thought. (2) They will have reviewed different interpretations of Scripture and its application to these topics. (3) They will have been encouraged to develop a method for identifying and addressing theological questions and to think for themselves. (4) They will have completed assignments which stress the importance of precise writing, logical expression, and the value of preserving written records. (5) They will have been challenged by the cross-cultural component of the course which includes writing a book report on a book chosen from a list of non-western writers.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Students are encouraged to think for themselves theologically on fundamental issues of Christian life and ministry as they affect their own tradition and other traditions.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for lectures and discussion twice weekly in two-hour sessions.

RECOMMENDED READING: There is no set textbook. The following are recommended on specific topics:

Beasley-Murray, G. R. Jesus and the Last Days. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1993.

Brown, C., ed. The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. 4 vols. Rev. ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986.

Carson, D. A., ed. From Sabbath to Lord's Day. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1982.

The Church Teaches. Edited by the Fathers of St. Mary's College, Kansas. Rockford: TAN Books, 1973.

Clouse, R. G., ed. The Meaning of the Millennium. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1977.

Dillenberger, J., ed. Martin Luther: Selections. Garden City: Doubleday, Anchor, 1961.

Ex Auditu 6 (1990), Theme: Prophetic and/or Apocalyptic Eschatology. Allison Park: Pickwick.

Ex Auditu 9 (1993), Theme: Resurrection. Allison Park: Pickwick.

Harris, M. J. Raised Immortal. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985.

Hick, J. Death and Eternal Life. New York: Harper & Row, 1977.

Hoekema, A. H. The Bible and the Future. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979.

Jewett, P. K. Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1978.

________. The Lord's Day. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1971.

Küng, Hans. Eternal Life? Life After Death as a Medical, Philosophical, and Theological Problem. Garden City: Doubleday, 1986.

Marshall, I. H. Last Supper and Lord's Supper. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.

Schaff, P. The Creeds of Christendom. 3 vols. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1977; reprint ed., 1983.

Toon, Peter. Heaven and Hell. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1986.

Vatican II: Conciliar and Post-Conciliar Documents. Edited by A. Flannery. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1975.

Wainwright, G. Doxology. New York: Oxford University Press, 1980.

Witherington, Ben, III. Jesus, Paul and the End of the World. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1992.