TH1 Syllabus, 2000

NASHOTAH HOUSE

TH I: Introductory Theology

Michaelmas, 2000

M W F 11:15 - 12:00 / Westberg & Osterfield

SyllabusCourse Objectives:

To introduce new seminary students to the resources and research techniques necessary for theological study and research in the M.Div. curriculum.

To introduce and explore the rationale of "theology" as a discipline, showing concern for: (1) definition of terms and theological vocabulary; (2) relationships to other disciplines; and (3) the different forms that theology takes in a seminary curriculum (e.g., systematic, historical, ascetical, moral, and so on).

To provide some basic content to attach to the different areas of theology-God, Trinity, christology, soteriology, and so on. This will be done primarily by reading various short sections from theologians throughout church history. In this way the student, by the end of the course, will have some familiarity with basic concepts and figures to be able to undertake the reading likely to be encountered in the course of seminary study, or will know what to consult to remedy the lack.

To introduce, however briefly, the significance of some philosophical ideas and movements relevant for the study of theology.

Required Text:

Alister McGrath (ed.). The Christian Theology Reader (Oxford: Blackwell, 1995).

Methodology:

The course is offered on a pass/fail basis. This is done partly to encourage a more relaxed stance before material, some of which might appear new and forbidding. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to engage the material, to question and explore, and to freely discuss it.

Requirements:

Students are also expected to become familiar with the theologians listed in the back of the McGratch volume (pp. 375-389; and the timeline, pp. 415-419).

Special attention should be given to learning the theological terms on p. 392 ff. A supplement of terms to be learned in addition to these will be supplied.

There will be some homework assignments in connection with the practicum sessions.

NB: A 6-8 page paper to be written on one of the topics, comparing two figures. Format and documentation should be in accordance with the Student Handbook.

Schedule

September

6 W Introduction Westberg, Osterfield

8 F Theological Language Osterfield

Study Panel 3 [p.3]

Cupitt, Don. The Meaning of it all in Everyday Speech, (SCM, 1999), pp. 11-12.

Hordern, Wm. Speaking of God (London, 1964), pp. 111-130

11 M Proofs for the existence of God Westberg

Study Panel 1 [p. 3] 8 pages

Kreeft, Fundamentals of the Faith (Ignatius, 1988), pp. 24-35.

13 W The Relation of theology to philosophy Westberg

Study Panel 2 [p.3]

15 F P r a c t i c u m # 1 Osterfield

18 M Tradition Osterfield

Study Panel 6 [p. 41] 10 pages

20 W Authority of Scripture Westberg

Study Panel 4 [p. 41] omit Rahner

Kreeft, Fundamentals, 272-76

Article 6 of The Articles of Religion

O'Donovan, On the Thirty-Nine Articles, 49-61.

22 F Interpretation of Scripture Osterfield

Study Panel 5 [p. 41]

Articles of Religion, No. 7

"In Search of Jesus" (ABC news video, on reserve for NT4)

25 M Revelation in Nature Westberg

Study Panel 7 [p. 41]

J. Macquarrie, "Natural Theology," in Blackwell Encyclopedia of Modern Christian Thought, 402-405.

27,29 W,F No classes-retreat and work day

October

2 M Does God Suffer? Westberg

Study Panel 8 [p. 91] 10 pages

P. Fiddes, "Suffering, Divine" in Blackwell Encyclopedia of Modern Christian Thought, pp. 633-6.

4 W Creation, Evil, and Miracles Westberg

Readings: 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.13, 3.21

Kreeft, Fundamentals, 54-58; 64-68

6 F Trinity McMichael

Study Panel 9 [p. 91] omit 3.29 and 3.34

9 M Philosophical background Westberg

Diogenes Allen, Philosophy for Understanding Theology, On Plato, pp. 39-59

11 W Patristic Christology Westberg, Osterfield

Readings 4.1 through 4.13

13 F Patristic Christology (Chalcedon) Westberg

Readings 4.14 through 4.18

16 M Faith & History Westberg

Study Panel 11 [p. 135], 13 + pages

18 W Contemporary Christology Westberg

Readings 4.23, 4.27, 4.29, 4.31

Bruce Marshall, "Christology," in Blackwell Encyclopedia of Modern Christian Thought, 80-93

20 F P r a c t i c u m # 2 Osterfield

23 M Holy Spirit Westberg

Readings 3.9; 3.14; 3.16, 3.17

Kreeft, Fundamentals, 139-143.

25 W Humanity and Image of God Westberg

Study Panel 16 [p. 211]

"Humanity" in New Dictionary of Christian Ethics and Pastoral Theology, pp. 21-27.

27 F Convocation: No classes

30 M Nature of Sin Westberg

Study Panel 17 [p. 211]

November

1 W Original Sin, Pelagianism Westberg

Study Panel 18 [p. 211]

3 F Justification Osterfield

Study Panel 15 [p. 211], omit 6.34, 6.36, 6.42, 6.43

Articles of Religion, nos. 11-15

Joint Declaration on Justification (1999)

6 M Atonement Westberg

Gustaf Aulen, Christus Victor, 1-15, 143-159

8 W Sanctification Westberg

"Sanctification" in A New Handbook of Christian Theology (Abingdon, 1992), pp. 478-79.

Michael Ramsey, "St. Paul: The Spirit and the Christian Life," in Holy Spirit: A Biblical Study (Cowley, 1992), pp. 57-73.

10 F P r a c t i c u m # 3 Osterfield

13 M The Church Westberg

Study Panel 20 [p. 259]

Encyclopedia of Christianity, vol. 1 On Orthodoxy, Roman Catholic, Anglican & Lutheran, Pp. 487-494.

15 W Catholicity Westberg

Study Panel 19 [p. 259]

"The Meaning of Catholicity," in Ecumenical Review 16 (1963-64), 24-42.

17 F Sacraments Westberg

Study Panel 21 [p. 289]

20 M Baptism Osterfield

Readings 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.8, 8.20

Articles of Religion 16, and 27

"Baptism," in Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (Faith and Order Paper 111; World Council of Churches, 1982), 2-7.

22 W P r a c t i c u m # 4 Osterfield

27 M Eucharist Westberg, Osterfield

Max Thurian, The One Bread (New York, 1969),

pages 15-35.

29 W Real Presence Westberg, Osterfield

Study Panel 22

December

1 F Judaism & Christianity Osterfield

Romans 9-11

Reading 9.6, section 4, pp. 329-330

Episcopal Church. General Convention (69^th, Detroit, 1988) The Blue Book: Reports of the Committees, Commissions, Boards, and Agencies of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, pp. 454-460.

4 M Other Religions Westberg

Study Panel 23 [p. 319]

6 W Last Things Westberg

Readings 10.1 through 10.6

Kreeft, 149-152, 159-161

8 F P r a c t i c u m # 5 Osterfield

11 M Heaven Westberg

P. Toon, Heaven and Hell: A Biblical and Theological Overview (Thomas Nelson, 1986), pp. (61-87), 137-162.

13 W Hell Westberg

Readings 10.12, 10.16, 10.18

T. Phillips, "Hell: A Christological Reflection," in W. V. Crockett and J. G. Sigountos (eds.), Through no Fault of Their Own (Baker, 1991), 47-59.

15 F Purgatory Osterfield

Readings 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.10; 10. 11; 10.16

Articles of Religion 21

Catechism of the Catholic Church, parag. 1030-1032

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This page last modified 14 September 2000.