DP508
Beyer

DP508: BAPTIST DOCTRINE AND HISTORY. Douglas D. Beyer.


DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to give a general introduction to Baptists--their history and distinctive doctrines. Its aim is to provide the student with a working knowledge of Baptist roots, growth, fruit, and distinguishing characteristics. We will look at differences and similarities between various Baptist denominations, and the wider Christian family. Special attention will be given to the Baptist understanding of the doctrine of the church, soul-freedom, separation of church and state, baptism and the Lord's Supper.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
Satisfactory completion of this course will provide the student with the necessary information to feel a part of the Baptist family and be equipped to minister among Baptists. It will prepare the students to answer questions raised by the Baptist Ordination Standards Committee.

COURSE FORMAT:
The course will meet for three hours a week for lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING:
Beyer, Douglas. The Family of God. Valley Forge: Judson, 1990.

McBeth, Leon. The Baptist Heritage. Broadman, 1987.

Selected readings.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Brackney, William. Baptist Life and Thought. Valley Forge: Judson, 1983.

Hudson, Winthrop. Baptists in Transition. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1979.

Lumpkin, William. Baptist Confessions of Faith. Valley Forge: Judson, 1959.

Shurden, Walter. The Baptist Identity: Four Fragile Freedoms. Smyth & Helwys, 1993.

Steward, Howard. A Dazzling Enigma: The Story of Morgan Edwards. University Press of America, 1995.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Assigned reading must be completed before class discussion.

  2. A five-page paper giving the reasons for and against baptism by immersion for an adult who was baptized as an infant and wants to join a Baptist Church.

  3. A ten-page paper in which the student applies the principle of the separation of church and state to a contemporary issue or situation. The issue or situation is of the student's choosing and may be applied to one in which the principle seems to be threatened by a government action or abused by a religion.

  4. Written assignments as specified at the end of Chapters 3, 4, and 5 of The Family of God.

  5. A five-minute oral report and two-page summary on the history of the student's national Baptist group, or biography of a notable Baptist leader.

  6. There will be weekly quizzes over the historical materials, but no final exam.

PREREQUISITES:
None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
Meets M. Div. core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology (MIN 6).

FINAL EXAMINATION:
None.