TS501 Syllabus Professor: Kyle A. Roberts Winter Quarter, 2010 Phone: 651-638-6166 Bethel Seminary Email: [email protected] Intensive: Feb. TA Name: Adam Rao TA Email: [email protected]

Systematic Theology I

Course Description

A discussion of the nature and methods of systematic theology as it compares with other fields of thought, a study of the character of God’s self-disclosure in nature and the Bible, and an investigation of the being and works of the Triune God. Recommended prerequisite: BT101/B1101. Four hours. . Course Objectives

By the end of the course, each student will be able to:

1. Describe several of the basic approaches to, goals for, and frameworks of systematic theology, including the relation to ST of biblical theology, historical theology, philosophical theology, and practical/pastoral theology. 2. Reflect critically and holistically (not just rationally!) on theological ideas and writings within each student’s own framework of Christian faith commitments. 3. Listen critically, empathetically, and openly to ideas and arguments of others. 4. State the fundamental issues involved in the concept of revelation, including the meaning and significance of “Scripture” for the Christian church. 5. Explain the basic conceptual frameworks and distinctive themes of the interrelated doctrines of the triune God, revelation, and creation. 6. Employ biblical, rational, imaginative, and doctrinally faithful reasoning to current issues in church and society. 7. Articulate ways in which they can move from Scripture to theology and back again 8. Understand and describe their own present theological methodologies and develop a personal vision for cultivating a theological mind saturated in the Gospel 9. Love and know God better by the power of the Spirit and because of the work of God in Christ.

Required Texts

Grenz, Stanley. Theology for the Community of God. Eerdmans, 2000. ISBN: 0802847552

Clifford, Anne. Introducing Feminist Theology, Orbis 2001. ISBN: 1570752389

Stone, Howard and James Duke. How to Think Theologically, 2nd edition. Fortress Press, 2006. ISBN: 0800638182

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Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti, The Doctrine of God: A Global Introduction: A Biblical, Historical and Contemporary Survey. Baker Academic, 2004. ISBN: 0801027527 Recommended Texts

Ward, Timothy. Words of Life: Scripture as the Living and Active Word of God. InterVarsity Press, 2009. ISBN: 0830827447

Other Required Readings (Posted on Blackboard)

Barth, Karl. “The Eternity and Glory of God” Church Dogmatics, II/1, pp. 608-640.

Wright, N.T. “How Can the Bible Be Authoritative?” Vox Evangelica, 1991: pp. 7–32.

Lectures and Lecture Outlines by Kyle Roberts: Outlines for the lectures to be presented during the Intensive week will be provided on Blackboard. It is suggested that you skim these outlines as preparation for the Intensive week at the St. Paul campus. It is further recommended that you print a copy of these outlines for reference during lectures.

Miscellaneous

 Inclusive Language. In accordance with Bethel Seminary policy, inclusive language should be used in class discussions and papers.

 Attendance policy. In accordance with the Bethel Catalog policy, class attendance is required at the Intensives.

 Classroom etiquette. Please turn off or silence cell phones prior to entering the classroom. In order to promote full class participation, tape recorders are discouraged.

 Plagiarism will result in failure of that paper, project or test and will be reported to the Student Life committee.

 Accessibility. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible if disability-related accommodations are needed. Accommodations for students with documented disabilities are set up through the Office of Disability Services. Contact Kathy McGillivray, Director of Disability Services, at (651) 635-8759.

Course Requirements

“Introducing Feminist Theology” Book Review (20%)

You are to write a 3-4 page, double-spaced (750-1000 words) book review of Clifford’s Introducing Feminist Theology. You will need to read the entire book, but the substance of your review should focus on one chapter: Either chapter 2 or 3 (you pick).

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Your review should include the following components:

(1) A 100 word (approx.) summary of the basic thesis and argument of the chapter. Be as empathetic as you can in seeking to understand the overall thesis of the chapter. What does Clifford seem to think are the most important thinkers and the most significant points/themes of the chapter? (2) The remainder of the paper should be devoted to your assessment/analysis of the argument, themes and insights of the chapter. With what do you most agree? With what do you most disagree? Where did Clifford excel? Where did she seem to be lacking or where did she perhaps overstate her case? Finally, if you were to adopt or embrace a particular thinker, point or insight raised in the thesis, what would be the implications for your theology, your view of Scripture, and/or your method of preaching, counseling, etc.?

Grading Criterion:

The criterion I will use to grade this paper is:

30 points possible:

Adequacy of understanding and communicating the thesis/argument (10 points) Sophistication of critique and depth of insight (10 points) Grammar/spelling/writing style (10 points)

“How to Think Theologically” Application Paper (30%)

This paper will require that you read the text How to Think Theologically in its entirety first. In this paper you will compose a brief “case study” along the lines of those offered in Stone/Duke. You will then reflect theologically on the difference between embedded and deliberative theology. What difference does reflection / deliberation make in the way we think theologically about God and God’s interaction with the world? Specifically, your paper should address one of the following questions :

1. What does it mean for Christians to discover and to accomplish God’s will for their lives? 2. How can we make sense of evil and suffering in the world theologically?

You paper should be 2000-2500 words, or 8-10 pages, double-spaced.

Your project will be graded by the following criterion:

Communication (Ethos): 10 points Does the project contain: - A clear introduction and thesis question? (the issue you are going to research/pursue) - A logical, coherent and consistent argument? - A clear, concise and lucid presentation? (includes spelling, grammar, and syntax) - A summary (even if tentative) conclusion supported by the argument -

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Content (Logos): 10 points Does the project demonstrate: - Knowledge of issue(s) raised? - Adequate understanding of theologies or theologians presented? - Mastery of the relevant required reading material - Facility in interpretation of and theological use of relevant Biblical passages - Ability to reason critically, analyze carefully and reflect holistically

Constructiveness (Pathos): 10 points Does the project reveal: - Concern about the relevance of the issue/question for one’s personal, spiritual transformation - Concern about the relevance of the issue/question for one’s vocation in the Church and for one’s ministry in the world - An appreciation and concern for the traditions and tasks of theology - A respect for the authority of the Bible as “Scripture” in the task of theology

Discussion Postings on Blackboard (20%)

You will periodically be required to engage in online discussion with other students regarding required reading material. The professor will present a question or series of questions for you to dialogue around. For each discussion folder, you are required to post a total of four, graduate-level quality contributions. One will be your own direct response to the question or questions, while the other three will be your responses to other posts. Your initial post is due on the Thurs. (11:59 pm) of the week in which the discussion takes place (see course schedule for due date). Your follow-up posts are all due on the Sunday (11:59 pm) of the week in which the discussion takes place. Contributions will not be accepted after the Sunday of that week’s discussion.

Each discussion folder will graded out of a possible 5 pts and will be determined by both quality and quantity of interaction

5 = Excellent 4 = Good 3 = Fair 2 = Inadequate 0 = No contribution

Integrative Assignment: Credo Paper (30%)

A final, integrative project will be due on the Monday after the last day of class. In this project you will demonstrate and apply your knowledge of three primary topics covered in this class: (1) the doctrine of Scripture and (2) the doctrine of God and (3) the doctrine of God’s providence. You will write a “credo” (which means: “I believe”) statement supporting your (current) convictions regarding each of these important doctrines.

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Toward the beginning of class you will be provided a study guide to assist in your preparation for and construction of this integrative project as well as more specific directions and expectations. Your project should be 2000-2500 words, which is approximately 8-10 pages, double-spaced (please include word-count).

*In addition to submitting this assignment to the course instructor, you are also required to upload your assignment to your Integrative Portfolio. For important uploading instructions, visit your Integrative Portfolio Blackboard course (GS002 or GS003). This requirement applies to all degree seeking students who initiate their degree program from fall of 2008 forward.

Your project will be graded by the following criterion:

Communication (Ethos): 10 points Does the project contain: - A clear introduction and thesis question? (the issue you are going to research/pursue) - A logical, coherent and consistent argument? - A clear, concise and lucid presentation? (includes spelling, grammar, and syntax) - A summary (even if tentative) conclusion supported by the argument - Content (Logos): 10 points Does the project demonstrate: - Knowledge of issue(s) raised? - Adequate understanding of theologies or theologians presented? - Mastery of the relevant required reading material - Facility in interpretation of and theological use of relevant Biblical passages - Ability to reason critically, analyze carefully and reflect holistically

Constructiveness (Pathos): 10 points Does the project reveal: - Concern about the relevance of the issue/question for one’s personal, spiritual transformation - Concern about the relevance of the issue/question for one’s vocation in the Church and for one’s ministry in the world - An appreciation and concern for the traditions and tasks of theology - A respect for the authority of the Bible as “Scripture” in the task of theology

Grading

The final grade for the class will be a composite of the following: “How to Think Theologically” Application Assignment: (30 %), “Introducing Feminist Theology” Book Review (20%), Credo Paper (30%) and Discussion postings (20%) You will receive both a

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numerical score (e.g. 27/30, and its equivalent as an average out of 100%., e.g. 90%). The final grade (possible 100%) will be based on the following scale:

A 94-100 B- 80-83 D+ 67-69 A- 90-93 C+ 77-79 D 64-66 B+ 87-89 C 74-76 D- 60-63 B 84-86 C- 70-73 F 0-59

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Course Schedule: Systematic Theology I Roberts: Winter Quarter 2010 - InMinistry

Themes Preparation Introduction: Jan. 11-17 What is Theology? 1. Read N.T. Wright, entire article The Disciplines of Theology 2. Read Grenz, Introduction and The Sources of Theology Part 1, chp. 1 The Purpose of Theology 3. Discussion Post #1 (first posting by Jan. 14)

Jan. 18-24 The Doctrine of God: Trinity 1. Read Grenz, Part I, chp.2 2. Discussion Post #2 (first by Classical Theistic Traditions Jan. 21) The Development of the Doctrine of the Trinity God’s Relation to the World: Reformed Theology and the Issue of Providence

The Doctrine of God: Ontology and Time 1. Read Grenz, Part I, chp.3 Jan. 25-31 2. Barth, entire handout God and Time 3. Discussion Post #3 (first by God’s Relation to the World: Reformed Theology Jan. 28) and the Issue of Providence

The Doctrine of God: Creation and Providence 1. Read Grenz, Part 1, chp. 4 Feb. 1-7 2. Discussion Post #4 (First by Feb. 4)

Reading Week Feb. 8-14

Feb. 15-21 Intensive Week – Class on St. Paul Campus (Feb. 15- 19)

Feb. 22-28 The Doctrine of Scripture 1. Read Grenz, Part 4, chp. 14

Due Feb. 28: “How to Think Theologically” Application Paper

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Mar. 1-7 Engaging Feminist Theology: Method and 1. Read Clifford, chps. 1-2 Scripture 2. Discussion posting #5 (first by Mar. 4)

Mar. 8-14 Engaging Feminist Theological Method: Doctrine 1. Read Clifford, chps. 3-end of God and the Church 2. Clifford Book Review due (by Mar. 14)

Mar. 15-21 Work on Final Integrative Project Credo Paper (Integrative Project) Due Mar. 22)

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