ST503
Volf
ST503: SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY III. Miroslav Volf.
DESCRIPTION:
- The doctrines of ecclesiology and eschatology will be treated with
reference to their biblical, classical, and contemporary theological
expressions. The course is intended to challenge students to develop their own
understanding of the nature and life of the church, ministry, sacraments,
death, resurrection, judgment, heaven and hell.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- This course is designed to provide the student with an overview of
principal doctrines of the Christian faith. Such knowledge is deemed essential
to the ministry of preaching and teaching in the church of Christ and helpful
in the daily living of the Christian life.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will consist of lectures (approximately two and a half
hours a week) and discussion (approximately half an hour a week). Lectures will
not cover the whole material that belongs to Systematic Theology III (and is
listed in the above course description) but will rather concentrate on key
eschatological problems. Discussion time is designated to help the students
with comprehension of the reading materials.
REQUIRED READING:
- Grenz, S. J. Theology for the Community of God. Nashville:
Broadman & Holman, 1994 (pp. 603-859).
- Moltmann, J. The Coming of God. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996.
- Hauerwas, S. and H. Willimon. Resident Aliens. Nashville: Abingdon,
1989.
- Volf, M. Work in the Spirit: Toward a Theology of Work. New York:
Oxford University Press, 1991, (pp. 88-122).
- Volf, M. Photocopied material.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Hick, J. Death and Eternal Life. San Francisco: Harper &
Row, 1980.
- Küng, H. The Church. Garden City: Doubleday, 1976.
- Moltmann, J. Church in the Power of the Spirit. San Francisco:
Harper & Row, 1977.
- Ratzinger, J. Principles of Catholic Theology: Building Stones for a
Fundamental Theology. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1987.
- Zizioulas, J. Being as Communion. Crestwood: St. Vladimir's Press,
1985.
- Wallis, J. The Soul of Politics. Maryknoll: Orbis Books,
1994.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Short papers, midterm quiz, and a take-home exam. In lieu of short
papers and the midterm, students who have previously taken overview courses in
Christian doctrine may write a research paper.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Systematic Theology III
(STC).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Take-home.