DESCRIPTION: This is an introductory course on the church, including its
nature, authority, worship and sacraments, and institutional expression; and on
individual and corporate eschatology, including death, resurrection, judgment,
heaven and hell.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Understanding of the principal doctrines
of the Christian faith is vital to the preaching and teaching ministry of the
church, as well as informing Christian living. Knowledge of what has
traditionally been construed as essential to the church and its ministry is
particularly critical in a time of changing models of the church and ministry.
Similarly, awareness of options and central affirmations in eschatology has
heightened importance at a time of high interest in various religious and
scientific end-time scenarios.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will become familiar with the basic doctrinal loci
in ecclesiology and eschatology, that they might know the classic components of
these loci, see how they are related to other aspects of Christian doctrine,
and better understand what they believe and why. Students will have opportunity
to explore a variety of theological options through diverse reading choices,
and they will be exposed to theologians from differing cultural backgrounds, in
order that they might appreciate how their own and others' cultural location
and theological orientation affect theological formulations. Students will also
be able to apply what they have learned to common problems one encounters in
ministry settings and in Christian living.
COURSE FORMAT: Two-hour sessions meeting twice a week for ten weeks for
multimedia lecture and discussion. Part of the reading is designed to address
issues which receive lesser attention in the lectures.
REQUIRED READING: