Summer 2010/Pasadena
Five-week Intensive: June 21 - July 23
ST501
Matei
ST501: SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 1: THEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY. Eugen Matei.
DESCRIPTION: This course explores four major themes in Systematic Theology:
(1) the sources and norms for speaking intelligibly and credibly about the
Christian God (revelation and authority); (2) the nature and character of the
Christian God (theology proper); (3) the experience of God in creation and its
sustainment (creation and providence); (4) the experience of God in ourselves
and our fellow human beings (anthropology, the fall, evil and sin).
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Participants will be stimulated to develop
a personal theological framework and ability to think theologically through the
topics of the course, which are essential for all aspects of Christian
ministry.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course is designed to help the students (1) acquire a
basic understanding of the issues under discussion in their theological
development and in their contemporary expression; (2) evaluate and articulate
their experience of God theologically; (3) develop an ability to recognize the
implications of the Christian faith for their own life and ministry in diverse
ecumenical, cultural, and religious contexts.
FORMAT: The class will meet twice a week for five weeks, in four-hour sessions
for lectures and discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Migliore, Daniel. Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction
to Christian Theology. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 2004 (pp. 1-162, 301-329).
- Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. The Doctrine of God: A Global
Introduction. Baker Academic, 2004.
- Schwarz, Hans. Creation. Eerdmans, 2002.
- Choose one text on a special topic (reading report
required):
- Beilby, J. K., and P. R. Eddy, eds. Divine Foreknowledge: Four
Views. InterVarsity Press, 2001.
- Bouma-Prediger, S. For the Beauty of the Earth: A Christian Vision for
Creation Care. InterVarsity Press, 2001.
- Grenz, S. J. The Social God and the Relational Self: A Trinitarian
Theology of the Imago Dei. Westminster John Knox, 2001.
- Fiddes, P. Participating in God: A Pastoral Doctrine of the Trinity.
Westminster John Knox, 2001.
- McKim, Donald K. The Bible in Theology and Preaching. Wipf and
Stock, 1999.
- Pinnock, C. Most Moved Mover: A Theology of God's Openness. Baker,
2001.
- Tupper, Frank E. A Scandalous Providence. Mercer University Press,
1995.
- Wink, Walter. Unmasking the Powers. Augsburg Fortress, 1993.
- Choose one contextual/intercultural/interreligious
text (reading report required):
- Barr, W. R. Constructive Christian Theology in the Worldwide
Church. Eerdmans, 1997 (200 pages by choice from first 286 pages).
- Cone, J. H. God of the Oppressed. Orbis, 1997.
- Gonzáles, J. Mañana: Christian Theology from a Hispanic
Perspective. Abingdon, 1990.
- Johnson, Elizabeth A. She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist
Theological Discourse. Crossroad, 2005.
- Tennent, T. C. Christianity at the Religious Roundtable. Baker
Academic, 2002.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: (1) 1200 pages of reading, with two 4-page
interactive reading reports (20%), due weeks 3 and 5. (2) Final exam (40%),
take-home exam due August 6. (3) One 10-12 page final paper (40%), due
September 3.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Systematic Theology
"A" (STA); MAT requirement (effective Winter 2010); MATM requirement.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (Posted April 21, 2010)