Summer 2008/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: July 7-18
CH549
Houts
CH549: PRESBYTERIAN CREEDS. Margo G. Houts.
DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to enable students to enter into the
theological ethos of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Reformed theology, culture,
and tradition will be studied in its historical context and related to
theological issues currently before the denomination. Special attention will be
given to The Book of Confessions.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are four objectives: (1) spiritual, religious -
students will gain a closer relationship with God; (2) ministry - students will
be equipped with the tools to utilize The Book of Confessions in
everyday ministry and to pass them on; (3) pragmatic, professional - students
will be prepared to present their personal "Statement of Faith" and to take
ordination exams, as described below; (4) academic, scholarly, intellectual -
students will be able to reflect theologically upon the central themes of the
confessions, which deal with the most profound issues that humans face.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: One of the distinctives of the Reformed tradition is
its confessional identity. In the PC (USA), every officer promises to be
instructed and led by the confessions as they minister. This course is designed
to prepare students to take the standard examinations for ordination in
theological competency and worship, both of which require an understanding of
the confessions, and to enable students to utilize the confessions in their
ministry and personal life.
COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet for four hours daily for ten days. Sessions
will include lecture, quizzes, discussion of readings, and student
presentations. Students are expected to be prepared for and attend all 40 hours
of class, unless excused by the instructor for necessary cause, in which case
make-up work will be assigned.
REQUIRED READING:
- The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Part
I: The Book of Confessions - Study Edition. Louisville: Office of
the General Assembly, 1996; Geneva Press, 1999.
- Rogers, Jack. Presbyterian Creeds: A Guide to The Book of
Confessions. Rev. ed. Westminster John Knox Press, 1991. (Revised edition
includes Supplement on A Brief Statement of Faith.)
- Additional readings from the Course Syllabus/Reader.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- McKim, Donald K., ed. Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith.
Westminster John Knox Press, 1992.
- Rogers, Jack. Reading the Bible and the Confessions: The Presbyterian
Way. Geneva Press, 1999.
- Selected Theological Statements of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
General Assemblies (1956-1998). Presbyterian Distribution Service, 1999.
- Additional readings from course syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Assigned readings (Reading Log), class participation,
quizzes, and timely and full attendance (worth + or -). Due to the intensive
format, students are urged to have read - before Day 1 - all 450 pages
of The Book of Confessions - Study Edition, especially Appendices A and
B; and Rogers, Presbyterian Creeds, chs. 1-2. (2) Oral and written
presentation of your own Statement of Faith; due Monday, July 14 (20%). (3)
Take-home final exam, in the form of Theological Competency questions on the
Standard Ordination Exams; due Friday, September 12 (40%). (4) Curriculum (in
detailed outline) for teaching The Book of Confessions as part of
"church officer training"; due Friday, September 12 (40%).
PREREQUISITES: None; yet not for first-year students. Students who have
not completed Systematic Theology (A-B-C) and/or Church History (A-B-C) should
consult with instructor before enrolling.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (4/08)