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):

Johnson, Elizabeth. She Who Is. Crossroad, 1992. ISBN: 0824513762, $29.95.

Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 1980 [1952]. ISBN: 0060652926, $13.99.

________. Surprised by Joy. Harcourt. 1955. ISBN: 0156870118, $13.00.

Moltmann, J. Life in the Spirit. Fortress Press, 1992. ISBN: 9780800634247, $27.00.

Mouw, R. He Shines in All That's Fair. Eerdmans, 2001. ISBN: 9780802821119, $14.00.

Schmemann, Alexander. For the Life of the World. St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1963. ISBN: 9780913836088, $12.00.

Wright, N. T. Simply Christian. Harper, 2006. ISBN: 9780061920622, $24.99.

Yong, Amos. Beyond the Impasse. Baker, 2003. ISBN: 1842272084 (price not currently available).

Course Reader of articles, selections.

Biblical texts.

Readings, including recommended, will be put on reserve when possible.

1. Write a 5-7 page critical review and set of questions on two of the required readings/authors and lead discussions on those days (masters students will turn in one set of questions and co-lead one presentation).

2. Research history of interpretation on one set of biblical texts and present findings and potential relevance for a theology of general revelation.

3. All PhD students will be responsible for reading and preparing a 10-minute lecture on the recommended reading for one week, together with its relevance, or lack thereof, for a theology of general revelation.

4. Write a 25-30 page (master's students 18-20 page) paper due at the end of exam week.