Systematic Theology I, TF 113

Purpose and Description

In this course, we will examine three central topics of the Christian life and faith: the Triune God, Christ, and humanity. Since ancient times, the church has instructed Christians on these topics as a way to explicate the meaning of their baptism. As a result, our central focus will be the first two articles of the baptismal creed known as the Apostles’ Creed. Christian teaching related to the Triune God, Christ, and humanity constitutes the grammar, logic, and shape of Christian liturgy, prayer, and worship.

As we unfold the sources and logic of Christian theologies of God, the Trinity, Christ, and humanity, we will discuss the following topics: the attributes of God; the nature of divine Triunity; the person and work of Christ; Creation, providence, and humanity; the effects of sin; and the resurrection of the dead. Readings will range from the early church to modern times.

Systematic Theology II, TF 114

Purpose and Description

In this course, we will examine three central topics of the Christian life and faith: the identity and work of the Holy Spirit, the nature of salvation, and the sacraments. Since ancient times, the church has instructed Christians on these topics as a way to explicate the meaning of their baptism. As a result, our central focus will be to follow up and build upon the exploration of the first two articles of the baptismal (Apostles’) creed in Systematic Theology I. This course will focus upon key features of the third article of the baptismal creed, with a special emphasis upon the sacraments.

As we unfold the sources and logic of Christian theologies of the Holy Spirit, salvation, and the sacraments, we will discuss the following topics: the identity and work of the Spirit, scripture and divine revelation, salvation (justification, sanctification, predestination, freedom), the sacraments as a means of grace, the Lord’s Supper, and Baptism. Readings will range from the early church to modern times.

Theological Hermeneutics, TF 528

Course Description

What is the relationship between biblical hermeneutics and the revelation of the mysterious God? How can scriptural interpretation help us to grow in the knowledge of God? While most academic approaches to scripture focus on the cultural-linguistic history of the text, this course explores exegetical and theological approaches to the question of how scripture can be taught and preached as the “word of God” for the church. Through classical and contemporary readings, this course seeks to put into use strategies for reading biblical texts in ways that nurture the love of God and neighbor in the church.

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Calvin’s Theology and Its Critics, TF 568

Course Description

Calvin's theology is not only central to the Reformed tradition, but continues to be the subject of vigorous theological discussion for theologians and pastors of many Christian traditions. After discussing Calvin's life and 16^th-century context, this course will examine select key theological ideas as found in portions of the Institutes, sermons, commentaries, and The Bondage and Liberation of the Will. The exploration of these themes will be set in a dialectic with prominent criticisms of Calvin's theology: e.g., whether Calvin's God is "coercive," whether Calvin is a "legalist," whether Calvin opposes the divine and human, and whether Calvin's sacramental theology "spiritualizes" the sacraments.

Salvation and Deification, TF 574

Course Description

Theologies of salvation as deification begin at the end: when believers are united to God, participating in Christ=s glorification and transfiguration. Instead of seeing salvation as primarily a matter of forgiveness of sin and guilt, these theologies emphasize how creation is fulfilled as believers are incorporated into the Triune life. We will critically evaluate theologies of deification from Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions, and assess their fruitfulness for the preaching and teaching of the church.

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