DESCRIPTION: This doctoral seminar, open to a limited number of advanced
master's level students, is designed to investigate and discuss biblically,
traditionally, culturally, and constructively a theology of general revelation.
After considering the aesthetic impulse, the religious impulse, and the moral
impulse, the class will turn to how a cross-section of theological traditions
have dealt with the topic: Reformed, liberal Protestantism, Roman Catholic, and
Orthodox. The course will consider on a weekly basis relevant biblical texts
and will conclude by considering the usefulness of pneumatology and wisdom as
possible constructs for a theology of general revelation.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: In light of the growing claims of both
other religions and the arts to mediate God's revelation, this course will help
students formulate their own understanding of God's revelation to humankind
outside the church and/or without direct reference to God's special revelation
culminating in Jesus Christ.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated
their ability with regard to general revelation to (1) offer a reasoned
response to a range of theological proposals, noting both contributions and
liabilities; (2) identify key methodological choices and agendas present in
current theological discussion on the topic; and (3) engage in constructive
theology making use of Scripture, tradition, experience, and current cultural
perspectives.
COURSE FORMAT: This seminar will meet once a week for a three-hour session
involving both critical discussion, dialogue between and with the professors,
and student presentations. Immediately after registration, the student should
contact one of the professors for the syllabus and pre-seminar assignments.
REQUIRED READING (total pages for MA students, 1550; for PhD students,
1800):