This course is an introduction to theology. The student is
familiarized with the terms and concepts associated with theological study. The
course also provides an overview of the major doctrines of the Christian faith.
(Or similar grammar and MLA style guide).
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Unit
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Topic
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Learning
Objectives
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1
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Introduction
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- From the reading: To understand what
theology is and how it relates to our culture.
- From the assignment: To reflect
on the need for theology and its implications for our lives as
believers.
- From the discussion: To reflect
on how a “postmodern” culture affects how we think theologically.
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2
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Bibliology
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- From the Erickson reading: To
understand the terms “revelation” and “inspiration.”
- From the assignment: To examine
several possible positions on the question of inerrancy and understand
their implications.
- From the discussion: To be able
to define and identify the purposes of general and particular
revelation.
- From the discussion: To
understand how “intimate fellowship” is a useful description of the
Christian life.
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3
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Theology Proper
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- From the reading: To be able to
define the term “attribute,” understand how God’s attributes work
together, and to understand the essential elements of Trinitarian
doctrine.
- From the assignment: To
understand how a particular attribute of God affects our lives as believers.
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4
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Theology Proper
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- From the Erickson reading: To
understand the essentials of the biblical teaching of creation and its
implications for our lives; to understand “providence” and how prayer is
part of God’s continuing work in creation.
- From the discussion: To
understand the basic differences between Calvinist and Arminian answers to the question of
“foreordination.”
- From the discussion: To
understand some of the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of
Christians.
- From the assignment: To reflect
on how we as Christians should understand the continued existence of
evil.
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5
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Christology
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- From the reading: To grasp how
Scripture teaches that Christ is two natures, divine and human, in one
person.
- From the assignment: To understand
the importance of avoiding heretical understandings of the person of
Jesus Christ.
- From the discussion: To
understand the biblical basis for the divinity of Christ.
- From the discussion: To
understand the role of other believers in our own walk with Christ.
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6
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Christology
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- From the reading: To understand
the humiliation, exaltation, and continuing functions of Christ.
- From the assignment: To
understand the biblical basis for the penal-substitution theory of the
atonement.
- From the discussion: To
understand the role of the Bible in our “intimate fellowship” with God.
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7
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Pneumatology
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- From the reading: To understand
the full deity and “personality” of the Holy Spirit.
- From the assignment: To reflect
on how the Spirit has been at work in your life.
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8
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Pneumatology
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- From the discussion: To
understand the debate regarding charismatic gifts, and to begin to
formulate your own position on the issue.
- From the discussion: To understand
the role of prayer in our “intimate fellowship” with God.
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9
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Angelology
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- From the discussion: To discuss
the relevance of the biblical teaching regarding angels and demons.
- From the discussion: To
understand how the Spirit gives us guidance as believers.
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10
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Anthropology
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- From the reading: To explore the
constitutional nature of human beings.
- From the assignment: To discuss
how we ought to understand the biblical account of creation.
- From the discussion: To understand
what worship is and the role it plays in the life of a Christian.
- From the discussion: To
understand what worship is and the role it plays in the life of a
Christian.
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11
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Hamartiology
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- From the reading: To understand
the results of sin.
- From the assignment: To
understand the basic differences among Pelagian,
Arminian and Calvinist theories of “original
sin.”
- From the discussion: To
understand the definitions of the terms “total depravity” and “flesh.”
- From the discussion: To discuss the
mission that God has for us as believers.
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12
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Soteriology
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- From the reading: To understand
various conceptions of “salvation.”
- From the assignment: To
understand the debate between Calvinists and Arminians
regarding salvation.
- From the discussion: To
understand what is entailed in “conversion.”
- From the discussion: To discuss
the mission that God has for us as believers.
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13
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Soteriology
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- From the assignment: To
understand the debate regarding eternal security, and to formulate a position.
- From the discussion: To discuss
what “sanctification” means and how to pursue it.
- From the discussion: To discuss
what it means for Christians to live a “transformed life.”
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14
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Ecclesiology
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- From the assignment: To explore the
debates regarding the meanings of baptism and the Lord’s Supper and to
formulate a position on them.
- From the discussion: To discuss
how well we measure up to God’s purposes for His Church.
- From the discussion: To discuss the
role of love in the Christian life.
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15
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Eschatology
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- From the reading: To understand
what Scripture teaches regarding the future of believers and
nonbelievers.
- From the assignment: To examine
the evidence for various positions regarding the millennium and
tribulation.
- From the discussion: To discuss
the eternal state of believers.
- From the discussion: To discuss
what it means for followers of Christ to be people of peace.
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