Winter 2008/Pasadena
ST503
Matei
ST503: SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 3: ECCLESIOLOGY AND ESCHATOLOGY. Eugen Matei.
DESCRIPTION: This course facilitates a systematic approach to two main
theological loci in a classical systematic theology structure:
ecclesiology and eschatology. The topics include the nature, life, and mission
of the church, as well as various themes regarding the last things, such as
death, resurrection, millennium, judgment, and the new creation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who complete this class successfully will have
demonstrated (1) a basic understanding of the main theological concepts related
to the studied topics; (2) a deeper perception and appreciation of the breadth
and depth of the theological strands within the Christian tradition; (3) an
ability to reflect theologically upon the topics of the course and to express
their view coherently in dialogue with other views; (4) an understanding and
appreciation of the cultural and ecumenical diversity of the people of God.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course provides basic knowledge of fundamental
doctrines of the church and stimulates students to evaluate contemporary issues
encountered in ministry in light of the Bible and the far-reaching wisdom and
experience of the church throughout history.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice a week in two-hour sessions for
lectures and discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Grenz, S. J. Theology for the Community of God. Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000 (pp. 461-659).
- Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. An Introduction to Ecclesiology:
Ecumenical, Historical, and Global Perspectives. Downers Grove:
InterVarsity Press, 2002.
- Schwarz, Hans. Eschatology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.
- CHOOSE ONE book on a relevant topic (or propose another book and
ask for instructor's approval):
- Carson, D. A., ed. From Sabbath to the Lord's Day. Wipf & Stock
Publishers, 1999.
- Clouse, Robert G., ed. The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views.
InterVarsity Press, 1997.
- Grenz, Stanley J., and Denise Muir Kjesbo. Women in the Church: A
Biblical Theology of Women in Ministry. InterVarsity Press, 1995.
- Hopko, Thomas, ed. Women and the Priesthood. St. Vladimir Seminary
Press, 1999.
- Jewett, P. K. Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace. Eerdmans,
1978.
- Volf, M. After Our Likeness: The Church as the Image of the Trinity.
Eerdmans, 1998.
- CHOOSE ONE contextual/intercultural book (or propose another and
ask for instructor's approval):
- Barr, W. R. Constructive Christian Theology in the Worldwide Church.
Orbis, 1997.
- Evans, James H., Jr. We Have Been Believers: An African-American
Systematic Theology. Fortress, 1992.
- González, Justo L. Mañana: Christian Theology from a
Hispanic Perspective. Abingdon, 1990.
- Russell, L. M. Church in the Round: Feminist Interpretations of the
Church. Westminster John Knox, 1993.
- Williams, Dolores S. Sisters in Wilderness: The Challenge of Womanist
God-Talk. Orbis, 1993.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) One 10-page research paper (30%); (2) Two book reports (10%);
(3) Midterm exam (covering the topic of ecclesiology; 30%); (5) Final exam
(covering the topic of eschatology; 30%). The midterm and final exams are based
on the required reading and the class lectures. The exams are designed to test
knowledge and understanding of the main concepts in ecclesiology and
eschatology, and will contain multiple choice, true/false, and short answer
types of questions. Sample and study questions will be distributed in class.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Systematic Theology
"C" (STC).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (10/07)