Wayland Baptist University – San Antonio

Religion 4302/5346 – Christian Theology

Dr. Steven Spivey, Instructor

Fall 2008 Syllabus

 

Course Objectives:

 

1.      To introduce the major doctrines of historic Christianity from a primarily evangelical perspective

2.      To assist the student’s ability to engage in theological reflection

3.      To assist the student in the task of integrating theological thought with other coursework in the Religion curriculum and with personal spiritual formation

 

 

Textbooks:

 

1.      Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 2nd edition (Baker Academic, 2001)

2.      Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke, How to Think Theologically, 2nd edition (Fortress

Press, 2006)

 

While not required, students may find it beneficial to have a theological dictionary.  Two examples that are introductory and relatively inexpensive are:

1.      Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki, and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (InterVarsity Press, 1999(

2.      Donald K. McKim, Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms (Westminster/John Knox Press, 1996)

 

Course Requirements:

 

1.      Prompt and regular attendance at all scheduled class sessions.  This course includes both undergraduate and graduate students, and all are expected to be informed, active participants.  University policy states that any student missing 25% of scheduled class sessions will not receive credit for the course.

2.      Careful reading of all assignments as scheduled in this syllabus.  Students should not assume that a scanning or “cramming” of the material will provide adequate comprehension or the ability to participate intelligently in class conversations.  Nor will careless reading enhance the process of theological integration.

3.      Satisfactory performance on scheduled exams.  These exams will be non-comprehensive in scope, and are intended as opportunities to demonstrate the student’s level of understanding and capacity for theological analysis.  Exam answers that merely parrot information held in class will not be considered worthy of high marks.  Each exam will contribute 1/3 of the grade for the course.

4.      Completion of a college level research paper on a topic in the field of Christian theology.  Undergraduate students will submit papers with a minimum of 12 pages of text.  Graduate students will submit papers with a minimum of 18 pages of text.  Graduate students are expected to demonstrate a higher level of research and analysis than their undergraduate counterparts.  Papers will be typed, double-spaced, and include these elements:

A.      Documentation of ALL non-original information in the form of either end notes or footnotes.

B.     A bibliography which shows an authentic effort to do adequate research.  Undergraduate bibliographies should have at least 10 sources, and graduate bibliographies at least 15 sources. Failure to have an adequate bibliography will result in a reduced grade.  The bibliography should list only the sources actually read and used by the student.  Books, journal articles, data bases, and web sites are considered acceptable sources of information.  It cannot be stressed strongly enough that great care should be taken when using internet sources, since many web sites are simply not credible or reputable, and as such, not suitable for use.

C.     Sound logic and analysis, with all assertions proven with quality evidence and argumentation.  Merely making a claim or stating what one believes does not constitute either good academic research or theological thinking.

D.     Proper grammar and syntax will be used.  This is a college course, and so any grammatical errors and misspellings should be corrected before the paper is submitted.  Do not rely on spell-check programs, because they do not catch all errors.  Proofread your paper carefully, or ask a capable person to do so for you.

E.     Papers should conform to the Turabian style guide (also known as the University of Chicago style guide).  You may wish to consult with Ms. Deb Wedley at the Plainview Campus for assistance in crafting your paper.  Her contact information is available through the local WBU offices.

F.      The paper will be submitted by the due date listed in the syllabus.  Late papers will not be accepted, period.  The course schedule lists a due date for selecting a topic.  Do not procrastinate!!  If you have not yet acquired a TexShare card from the WBU offices, do so.  It allows you to check out materials from most San Antonio area university libraries.  A little known theological library of good quality is available to Wayland students at the Oblate School of Theology, located at 285 Oblate Dr.

 

5.      Students are expected to read Stone and Duke’s book carefully before the mid-term examination.  An understanding of the book’s content will be necessary to answer question(s) on the exam.

6.      A final word: In this course a wide range of views will be discussed, and a student may agree with some and disagree with other of these.  This is normal, and should not be seen as threatening, but as an opportunity for growth.  Often it is necessary to deconstruct one’s views and re-examine them before proceeding on toward theological integration.  Students are reminded that Wayland is a university, not an indoctrination center where students are “spoon-fed” what they are to believe or where dissent is not tolerated.

 

Grade Calculations:

The university’s grade scale will be used, and the course grade computed as follows:

            Mid-Term Exam                      30%

            Final Exam                              30%

            Research Paper                     30%

            Class Participation                  10%

 

Please recognize that the level and quality of class participation may be a determining factor when a student’s course grade falls on the cusp between one grade and the next.

 

 

 

 

 

Course Schedule: Note that this is a guide, subject to modification as necessary.

 

Aug 22             Introduction to the Course; Groundwork for beginning theological work

                        Before next week, read Erickson, chapters 1-7

 

Aug 29             Sources for Theological Exploration: Revelation, Inspiration, and Hermeneutics

                        Before next week, read Erickson, chapters 9-12, 14

 

Sep 5               God, Trinity, and Creation

 

Sep 12             Class will not meet

                        Before next week, read Erickson, chapters 16, 18-23

 

Sep 19             Humanity and Sin, Evil and Theodicy

                       

Sep 26             Mid-term Examination

                        Before next week, read Erickson, chapters 24-26

 

Oct 3               Christology

                        Before next week, read Erickson, chapters 31-35

 

Oct 10             Salvation

                        Before next week, read Erickson, chapters 36-38

 

Oct 17             The Church

                        Before next week, read Erickson, chapters 39-42

 

Oct 24             Eschatology

                        Research Papers Due

           

Oct 31             Final Examination