SYLLABUS FLORIDA CENTER FOR TIlEOLOGICAL STUDIES

FALL 2006 TH200 - TIlEOLOGICAL STUDIES

Dr. David Gasperson Consultation by phone or email: gaspersond@aol.com

Telephone numbers to be shared the first week of class or you may obtain them from the Center office in Miami.

Class meets online for a total of eleven (11) weeks beginning the week of August 29. The professor will be in touch to schedule the chat session.

Mail papers and other ground mail to: David Gasperson, 203 Estate Dr, Jacksonville NC 28540

Web site: www.fcfts.org

1. COURSE DESCRlPTION This core seminar seeks to provide an introduction to the basic tenets of the

Christian faith. While systematic in coverage, attention will also be given to the history of the development of dogma. Students will receive a strong background in basic Christian theology and will be involved in an integrative forum on theological questions emerging from the modem world and applications of Christian theology to contemporary ministry.

II. COURSE PLAN This course will be taught in a combination of face-to-face and online components

using email, discussion groups (face-to-face, video-conference and online chatroom), web site, and multi-media . AIl students should have the necessary equipment and ability to use computers and the Internet. Refer to the Center's website at www.fcfts.org and specifically the page for "Distance Leamingffechnology" to learn the required equipment and abilities. All registering students must provide an email address (space is provided for it on the registration form) and will be contacted by the professor with additional instructions.

Lectures will be sent to students by email. Discussion will be done through a face-to-face class in Miami with simultaneous video-conference link to the Central Florida campus in Orlando. Students unable to attend these classes at either campus because of distance or schedule should discuss with the professor means of being included in discussion groups through online chat or other means.

III. COURSE FORMAT Theology will be presented in this course using a basic "systematic" framework in

which the major topics of theological concern are addressed individually. Within the systematic framework discussion will also include important observations from historical theology and contemporary theology as well as practical and ministerial issues.

In the fall term the subjects of the systematic outline addressed will include: Prolegomena (Introduction), Revelation, The Doctrine of God, and Creation.

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IV COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. Overview: Requirements for this course include regular participation online,

reading of all assigned texts, two examinations, completion of a research paper on an approved topic and brief summary ofthe conclusions from that research to the class.

2. Grading: Grade for the class will be based on the following: examinations 20 % each participation 20 % research paper 30 % presentation to class 10 %

3. Examinations: Students will be tested on class notes and readings assigned at each of two scheduled testing times. Tests are equally weighted and non-cumulative.

4. Absences: Class attendance is essential to achieve mastery of the course. More than two absences may result in the professor requesting the student withdraw from the course. Withdrawl is the responsibility of the student. Online attendance is verified by completion of assignments, attendance in chats and responses to email.

5. Scores: Numerical scores and their letter equivalents for this course are: o -59 ---- F 60 - 69 ----- D 70 - 73 ----- C-74 - 77 ---- C 78 - 81 ---- C+ 82 - 85 ----- B-86 - 89 ----- B 90 - 93 ----- B+ 94 - 97 --- A-98 - 100 --- A 6. Research: Each student will submit a research paper of no less than ten (10)

typed, 12 point type, double-spaced pages on a topic approved by the professor and preferably from within the immediate scope of the theological topics of this term. The paper should be researched and show adequate footnotes and bibliography to indicate sources. Turabian form guidelines required by the Center will be enforced on this paper. Bibliography must show at least ten (J 0) entries of which at least three should be journal articles. In addition, students will provide a brief report to the class on research and conclusions of the paper. Papers should be submitted by surface mail or through an attachment to email using a program specified by the professor so the format can be checked.

V. REQUIRED READING The following texts should be ordered online or through your local bookstore or

through the Center's bookstore within the library on the Miami campus. Books may be ordered from Amazon.com utilizing hyperlinks in the booldist at the Center's web site under Distance Leaminglbuy texts. Students have responsibility for procuring the texts:

Roger E. Olson & Christopher A. Hall, eds. The Trinity. Eerdmans,2002. ISBN 0802848273

Douglas John Hall, Professing the Faith: Christian Theology in a North American Context. Fortress, 1996. ISBN 080062548X

Hans Schwarz. Creation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002. ISBN 0802860664

Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses. and Dissertations, 6th

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ed. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1996. ISBN 0226816273

VI SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY Although not required for credit in this course, the following books may be

helpful for additional reading, research for the term paper or additions to your personal library. The call numbers at the end of most bibliography entries indicate where the book is located in the Center's library. Not all call numbers are included. Do not assume, if there is no call number, that the library does not have the book.

GENERAL

Blakely, Colin. Great Christian Thinkers: A Beginner 's Guide to Over 70 Leading Theologians Through the Ages. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2001 BT77.B552001

Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionarv of Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984. REF BR95.E87 1984

Erickson, Millary J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998. BT75.2.E74 1998

Ford, David. Theology: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford, 1999. BL 85.F663 1999

Gonzalez, Justo L. A History of Christian Thought. Nashville: Abingdon, 1970. BT21.2.G613 1970

Gonzalez, Justo L and Zaida Maldonado Perez. An Introduction to Christian Theology. Nashville: Abingdon, 2002. BT65.G662002

Grenz, Stanley J. and Roger F. Olson. Who Needs Theology? An Invitation to the Study of God. Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 1996. BT 65.G75 1996

Guthrie, Shirley C. Christian Doctrine. Atlanta: John Knox, 1968. BX4827.N5.G8 1968; BX9175.2.G88 1994

Jinkins, Michael. Invitation to Theology. Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 2001. BT 77.3.J56 2001

Moltrnann, JUTgen. Theology of Hope. New York: Harper & Row, 1967.

Moody, Dale. The Word of Truth: A Summary of Christian Doctrine Based on Biblical Revelation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1981. BT75.2.M59 1981

Ogden, Schubert M. Doing Theology Todav. Harrisburg: Trinity, 1996 BR118.042 1996

____ . On Theology. San Francisco: Harper, 1986.

Rahner, Karl. Foundations of Christian Faith: An Introduction to the Idea of Christianity .. New York: Seabury, 1978.

Tillich, Paul. Perspectives on Nineteenth and Twentiety Century Protestant Theology. New York: Harper & Row, 1967.BT28.T51967

_ _ ~.. Systematic Theology. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1951-1963.3 vols. BT75.2.T51951-1963

Tracy, David. Plurality and Ambiguity: Hermeneutics, Religion, Hope. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1987. BRI 18.T68 1987

THE DOCTRINE OF REVELATION

Barton, John. How the Bible Came to Us. Louisville: Westminster, 1998. BS445 B33 1998

Beegle, Dewey M. Scripture, Tradition and Infallibility. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1973.

Bryan, Christopher. And God Spoke: The Authority of the Bible for the Church Today. Cambridge: Cowley, 2002. BS 480.B75 2002

Draper, James 1. and Kenneth Keathley. Biblical Authority: The Critical Issue for the Body of Christ. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2001. BS 480.072 2001

Gilkey, Langdon Brown. Naming the Whirlwind: The Renewal of God Language. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1969. BL65.L2G5 1969

Kelsey, David H. Proving Doctrine: The Uses of Scripture in Modern Theology. Harrisburg: Trinity, 1999. BT89.K441999

THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

Boff, Leonardo. Holy Trinity, Perfect Community. Maryknoll: Orbis, 2000. BT 111.2.B64 2000

Clayton., Philip. The Problem of God in Modern Thought. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,

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2000. BT 102.C545 2000

Coffey, David. Deus Trinitas: The Doctrine of the Triune God. New York: Oxford, 1999. BT111.2 .C62 1999

Erickson, Millard 1. God in Three Persons: A Contemporary Interpretation of the Trinity. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1995. BT111.2.E25 1995

__ --,_ .. God the Father Almighty: A ContemporarY Exploration of the Divine Attributes. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998. BT 130.E75 1998

____ .. Making Sense of the Trinitv: Three Crucial Questions. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000. ST I I 1 2.E755 2000

Gunton, Colin E. Act and Being: Towards a Theology of the Divine Attributes. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002. BT130.Q862002

Kimel, Alvin F. This Is My Name Forever: The Trinity and Gender Language for God. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2001. BT180. N2 T48 2001

McFague, Sally. Metaphorical Theology: Models of God in Religious Language. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1982.

_ _ -:=--' Models of God: Theology for an Ecological, Nuclear Age. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1987.

McGrath, Alister E. The Science of God: An Introduction to Scientific Theology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004. BT75.3.M2642004

Padgett, Alan G. Science and the Study of God.: A Mutuality Model for Theology and Science. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003. BL240.3. P33 2003

Perry, John Michael. Exploring the Evolving View of God: From Ancient Israel to the Risen Jesus. Franklin, WI: Sheed & Ward, 1999. BS 544.P44 1999

Peters, Ted. God - The World's Future: Systematic Theology for a New Era, 2nd ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2000. BT 75.2. P48 2000

Rahner, KarL The Trinity. New York: Seabury, 1974.

Richards, Jay Wesley. The Untamed God: A Philosophical Exploration of Divine Perfection. Immutabilitv, and SimDlicitv. InterVarsity, 2003. BTl30.R53 2003

Schmidt, Frederick w., ed. The Changing Face of God. Harrisburg: Morehouse, ~OOO. BT 102.AI C475 2000

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Stark, Rodney. One True God: Historical Consequences of Monotheism (Princeton University, 2001. BL 221. S75 2001

Tupper, E. Frank. A Scandalous Providence: The Jesus Story of the Compassion of God. Macon: Mercer, 1995. BTl35.T861995

Witherington, Ben and Laura Michaels Ice. The Shadow of the Almighty: Father, Son, and Spirit in Biblical Perspective. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002 BS 2398.W58 2002

THE DOCTRINE OF CREA nON

Aldredge-Clanton, Jann. [n Whose Image') God and Gender. rev. ed. New York: Crossroad, 2000. BT153.M6 A43 2000

Anderson, Bernard W. Creation in the Old Testament. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1984.

Brockelman, Paul T. Cosmology and Creation: The Spiritual Significance of Contemporary Cosmology. London: Oxford, 1999. BL226.B76 1999

Broom, Neil. How Blind Is the Watclunaker? Nature's Design and the Limits of Naturalistic Science. Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 2001. QI75.B7921832001

Dembski, William A. Intelligent Design: The Bridge Between Science and Theology. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1999. BL 240.2. D46 1999

Gunton, Colin E. The Triune Creator: A Historical and Systematic Study. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,1998. BT695.G86 1998

Hunter, Cornelius G. Darwin's God: Evolution and the Problem of Evil. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001. B 818.H855 200 I

Loning, Karl and Erich Zenger. To Begin With, God Created: Biblical Theologies of Creation. Collegeville MN: Liturgical, 2000 BS680.C69 L6613 2000

McFague, Sallie. Life Abundant: Rethinking Theology and Economy For a Planet in Peril. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2001 BRI15.E3.M3152001

Miller, James Bradley, ed. An Evolving Dialogue: Theological and Scientific Perspectives On Evolution. Harrisburg: Trinity, 2001. QH367.E87 2001

Miller, Kenneth R. Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution. New York: Cliff Street, 1999. BT 7l2.M55 1999

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Peters, Karl Edward. Dancing With the Sacred: Evolution, Ecology, and God. Harrisburg: Trinity, 2002. BT55.P482002

Santmire, H. Paul. NaTure Reborn: The Ecological and Cosmic Promise of Christian Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2000. BT 695.5.S253 2000

Southgate, Christopher let al]. God. Humanitv and the Cosmos: A Textbook in Science and Religion. Harrisburg: Trinity, 1999. BL240.2.063 1999

Sproul, Barbara C. Primal Myths: Creating the World. New York: Harper & Row, 1979.

Tollan, David. At Home In the Cosmos. New York: Orbis, 2001. BT 695.5. T66 200 J

In addition to the above books, the following books are recommended for specific modem expressions of theology:

AFRlCAN AMERICAN THEOLOGY

Cone, James. A Black Theology of Liberation. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1970.

__ -=::. Black Theology and Black Power. New York: Seabury, 1969. BT734.2.C6 1969

___ . God of the Oppressed New York: Seabury, 1975.

_ _ -,:-:. Speaking the Truth: Ecumenism, Liberation, and Black Theology. Maryknoll: Orbis, 1999 BT82.7.C68 1986[19991

Fields, Bruce L., Introducing Black Theology: Three Crucial Ouestions for the Evangelical Church. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001 BT82.7.F542001

Healey, Joseph and Donald Sybertz. Towards an African Narrative Theology. Maryknoll: Orbis, 1996. BR1360.H367 1996

Hopkins, Dwight N. Down, Up and Over: Slave Religion and Black Theology. Minneaoplis: Fortress, 2000. BT82.7.H6632000

Introducing Black Theology of Liberation. Maryknoll: Orbis, 1999. BT82.7.H67 1999 BT82.7.H67 1999

Roberts, James Deotis. A Black Political Theology. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1974.

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__ -:-. Africentric Christianity: A Theological Appraisal for Ministry. Valley Forge: Judson, 2000. BR 563.N4 R6 2000

_ _ --::::-. Liberation and Reconciliation: A Black Theology. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1971.

Singleton, Harry H. Black Theology and Ideology: Deideological Dimensions in the Theology of James H. Cone. Collegeville MN: Liturgical, 2002. BT 82.7.S56 2002

Terell, JoAnne Marie. The Cross in African American Experience. Maryknoll: Orbis,1998. BR563.N4.T391998

Visit the Y. Jacqueline Rhoades collection in our library for more.

EVANGELICAL THEOLOGY

Bloesch, Donald G. Essentials of Evangelical Theology. San Francisco: Harper, 1978. 2 vols.

Davis, John Jefferson. Foundations of Evangelical Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984. BR1640.D381984

Erickson, Millard J. The Evangelical Left: Encountering Post-conservative Evangelical Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1997. BRI642.N7.E75 1997

Hart, Larry D. Truth Aflame: A Balanced Theology For Evangelicals and Charis-matics. Nashville: Nelson, 1999. BRI640.H37 1999

Knight, Henry H. A Future for Truth: Evangelical Theology in a Postmodern World. Nashville: Abingdon, 1997. BT28.K581997

Percy, Martyn. Words, Wonders and Power: Understanding Contemporary Christian Fundamentalism and Revivalism. London: SPCK, 1996. BT82.2.P47 1996

Smith, Christian. American Evangelicalism: Embattled and Thriving. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1998. BR1642.U5S62 1998

Stacy, Wayne, ed. A Baptist's Theology Macon: Smyth & Helwys, 1999. BX 6331.2.B2945 1999

VII. POLICIES I. Incompletes: An incomplete grade may be given only to a student who has

been attending classes on a regular basis and submitting assignments and tests promptly

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but who is unable to complete the course due to an emergency. The request to complete course work must be made by the student and agreed to by the professor. Incomplete grades are turned in to the Center office indicating both the incomplete and what grade the student would receive if no additional work were submitted (For example: UP). . It is the student's responsibility to arrange for completion of the course and to submit to the professor all course work by the date published in the academic year calendar. All requests for incompletes must be submitted in writing using the "Request for Incomplete" fonn available from the Registrar.

2. Plagiarism: Plagiarism is defined as the use, without proper acknowledgement, of the ideas, phrases, sentences, or larger units of discourse from another writer or speaker. SFCTS is committed to the highest standards of scholarly integrity and the Dean's office will deal appropriately with any incident of plagiarism.

3. Respect: We are a multi-cultural and diverse educational community. In this course we will strive for inclusive language. We will not accept intolerance or abuse of others in any form and we will seek to broaden our own experience by incorporating the broad experience of others. While words and ideas are our individuality and our freedom, they may also hurt others. Let us be cautious.

(FOR COMPLETE CATALOG INFORMATION INCLUDING CENTER POLICIES, VISIT THE CENTER'S WEBSITE AT WWW.FCTS.EDU)

VIII. COURSE OBJECTIVES At the close of this tenn students are intended to have achieved the following

objectives: 1. To be able to describe the task of Theological Studies, its various sub­

disciplines and its relationship to other major disciplines. 2. To be able to historically contextualize our modem theological scene through a

general understanding of the history of Protestant theology. 3. To understand the importance of divine revelation and how persons offaith

through the Bible, Church, community and personal experience receive that revelation. 4. To demonstrate an understanding of the Jewish and Christian conceptualization

of God including the attributes of God, doctrine of the Trinity, and symbols used to conceptualize God

5. To recognize the significance of Creationism and theological understanding of creation within the post-modem world characterized by our ecological crisis and evolutionary mindset.

IX. COURSE OUTIINE (Dates are Mondays - emails of lectures may be sent throughout the week and chats are scheduled at a time convenient to as many as possible.) Week I - August 28

Topics: Purposes and Sources of Theology Other Matters: Overview of syllabus; texts; introductions

Week 2 - September 4 Topics: Roots of Theological Developent and Its Historical Forms

The Nature of Revelation Required Reading: (to be completed by beginning of week)

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Hall (lntre - chapter 2) Week 3 - September 11

Topics: General and Special Revelation Location of Authority: Bible, Church, Tradition

Required Reading: Hall (chapters 3-4) Other Matters: Last day to withdraw without penalty - Sept 18

Week 4 - September 18 Topics: Theories ofInspiration

Modern Evangelical Theology and Fundamentalism Required Reading: Hall (chapters 5-6) Other Matters: Term paper topics to be finalized

Week 5 - September 25 Topics: Development of the Judeo-Christian Understanding or' ,.:;cc

The Hebrew Scriptures Speak of God Required Reading: OlsonlHall ( 1/3)

Week 6 - October 2 Topics: The Universal Experience of the Divine

The God of the Philosophers Required Reading: Olson/Hall (1/3) Other Matters: MID TERM EXAtVl

Week 7 - October 9 Topics: The Christian Contributions to the Conceptualization of God

Historical development of the Doctrine of the Trinity Required Reading: OlsonlHall (finish) Other Matters: Continuing Education Lecture: Dr. Poi Lan Kwok

Monday, October 9 - 10:00 AM Week 8 - October 16

Topics: The Nature and Attributes of God New Models for Understanding the Nature of God (feminist models)

Required Reading: Schwarz parts r, II Other Matters: Winter registration begins Monday, October 16

Week 9 - October 23 Topics: Modern Theologies Speak on the Nature of God

Ancient Views of the Universe Required Reading: Schwarz chapter 4

Week 10 - October 30 Topics: Biblical Views of Creation and Redemption

Creation, Ethics and Ecology Required Reading: Schwarz (finish) Other Matters: PRESENTATIONS BY STUDENTS ON RESEARCH

Week II - November 6 Topics: Creation vs. Creationism

Evolutionary Theologies Required Reading: none Other Matters: FINAL EXAM

TERM PAPERS DUE