Here We Stand: What Christians Believe and Why It Matters
(An Introduction to Christian Theology)
The New England School of Theology
Spring 2011
Preliminary Syllabus (latest revision: April5, 2011)
Time and Location
Saturday Mornings, 9:00-11:00 am, starting April 9 (8-week series – no class May 21 or May 28 Memorial Day weekend)
Trinity Church, 300 North Benson Road, Fairfield CT 06824
Instructor
Ray Pennoyer III, M.Div., Ph.D.
Phone:
Email: ray.pennoyer@nestheology.org
“Office Hours”: I will endeavor to arrive a half hour early for class. Come early to go over any difficulties you are having, or simply to visit with me as I do any last minute preparation. One way or another, let me know if you have questions or are experiencing difficulties!
Course Description
What do we stand for? What do we really believe – about God, the world, the cross, the end times, our very purpose in life? Having core beliefs at all runs counter to our age in which “being open-minded” is so highly prized. However, as G. K. Chesterton points out, an open mind has a proper purpose, much like the purpose of an open mouth at table: to close when it finds something solid. In this course we will examine together the solid, time-tested central beliefs (or doctrines) of biblical Christianity and consider how these vital truths impact our lives and our society.
In traditional terms, this class will be an overview of Systematic Christian Theology. We will examine what Christians believe and why it matters.
Suitable for Christians both new and seasoned, with lively discussion welcomed! This course may prove especially useful to small group leaders and others wishing to be equipped for lay ministry.
Objectives
If we work together, we will each leave this course
- knowing our common Christian faith better,
- more able to defend our faith against contemporary challenges, misunderstandings, and unnecessary divisions; and
- better equipped to carry the life-giving gospel in a relevant way to our culture.
Required Texts
NOTE: Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks independently. The first textbook readings are expected to be done prior to our second session together but can be started earlier (see below). If you wish to use Amazon.com to purchase books, direct links are provided below.
Tabb, Mark. Theology: Think for Yourself About What You Believe
> Tabb is our actual theology text. He will help us to work systematically through the vital affirmations of the Christian faith regarding God, the world, salvation, etc.
Cameron, Andrew J. B. and Brian S. Rosner, eds. The Trials of Theology: Becoming a “Proven Worker” in a Dangerous Business
White, James Emery. A Mind for God
> Cameron/Rosner and White will help us to develop into healthy Christian thinkers.
Various Handouts
Bible
- You should bring a copy of the biblical text to every class session, and be prepared to follow along according to the lecture/discussion.
- The choice of translation is yours. In our second session we will spend a few moments talking about bible translations.
- Abbreviations for Bible References:
- Genesis 1-3 means “Genesis chapter 1 through chapter 3”
- Gen 1:1-2:3 means “Genesis chapter 1 verse 1 through chapter 2 verse 3.”
- Gen 1:1-5 means “Genesis chapter 1 verse 1 through verse 5
Course Requirements
Not everyone is taking this class for credit. For me, this is really just a book keeping issue. If you are here it is because you are committed to learning this portion of the Scriptures. Whether you are taking this course for credit or not, I welcome your full participation in all course “requirements” – even the final exam! All the requirements are tools to help inspire you to learn this material and to make our time together as valuable as possible, and there are no second class citizens here.
Attendance and in-class participation
Attendance and participation is foundational for our progress together. If you must miss a class, try to give me some notice.
Readings and preparation for class
Take-home exercises
I plan to give you take-home exercises to be turned in at the following class. If for some reason you do not feel prepared, make sure you come to class anyway. Don’t miss a class for that reason!
Final Paper or Project
What is NOT required: Agreeing with me on every point! It is expected, however, that you learn and grapple with the material.
Outline of Planned Classes (subject to change)
Be ready to make adjustments as necessary. Some bible readings will be assigned as we progress through the course. If you miss a class, be sure to contact me or a fellow class member to find out if any changes have been made. Readings should be done in advance.
April 9 – Session One: Introduction to Christian Theology
Orientation to the class
What is Theology?
Characteristics of a Responsible Theologian
The Bookshelf
Essentials vs. Matters of Debate
Philippians 1:9-11
Read if possible A Mind for God, Introduction (otherwise read it with Session Two)
Read if possible Trials of Theology, Foreward (otherwise read it with Session Two)
Read if possible Theology, Introduction (otherwise read it with Session Two)
April 16 – Session Two: God has Spoken
(also see readings listed under Session One)
Read A Mind for God, Chapter 1
Read Trials of Theology, Chapters 1 & 2
Read Theology, Section 1
April 23 – Session Three: God
Read A Mind for God, Chapter 2
Read Trials of Theology, Chapters 3 & 4
Read Theology, Section 2 (except pp. 85-92)
April 30 – Session Four: Jesus
Read A Mind for God, Chapter 3
Read Trials of Theology, Chapters 5 & 6
Read Theology, Section 3 (except pp. 141-149)
May 7 – Session Five: The Beginning and End of the World (Creation and Eschatology)
Read A Mind for God, Chapter 4
Read Trials of Theology, Chapters 7
Read Theology , pp. 85-92 and 141-149
May 14 – Session Six: The Holy Spirit
Read A Mind for God, Chapter 5
Read Trials of Theology, Chapters 8
Read Theology, Section 4
[2 Saturdays off - including Memorial Day weekend]
June 4 – Session Seven: Knowing God
Read A Mind for God, Chapter 6
Read Trials of Theology, Chapter 9
Read Theology, Section 5, Part 1 (pages as assigned)
June 11 – Session Eight: The Church
Read A Mind for God, Chapter 7
Read Trials of Theology, Chapter 10 & Afterward
Read Theology, Section 5, Part 2 (pages as assigned)
Bibliography
Including additional resources that are not required but can serve for further reading now or later on in your Christian life.
ENGAGING MIND AND HEART
Blamires, Harry. The Christian Mind: How Should a Christian Think? Ann Arbor, MI: Servant, 1963.
McGrath, Alister. “Loving God with Heart and Mind: The Theological Foundations of Spirituality.” In Timothy George and Alister McGrath, eds., For All the Saints: Evangelical Theology and Christian Spirituality. Louisville, KY: Westminster/ John Knox, 2003, pp. 11-26.
White, James Emery. A Mind For God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006.
GENERAL BIBLE
Bartholomew, Craig G. and Michael W. Goheen, The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004.
Carson, D. A. and Douglas J. Moo. Introduction to the New Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.
Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003.
Marshall, I. Howard. New Testament Theology. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2004.
RESOURCES FOR BIBLICAL STUDIES INCLUDING COMMENTARIES (DETAILED VERSE BY VERSE EXPLANATIONS)
Printed Guides to Quality Commentaries
Carson, D.A. New Testament Commentary Survey. 6th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007.
Longman, Tremper. Old Testament Commentary Survey. 4th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2007
Online Guides to Commentaries and Other Resources
Hess, Richard, M. Daniel Carroll R., and Helene Dallaire, “Annotated Old Testament Bibliography – 2011.” Denver Journal: An Online Review of Current Biblical and Theological Studies. Volume 14, 2011.
http://www.denverseminary.edu/article/annotated-old-testament-bibliography-2011/
Klein, William W., and Craig L. Blomberg, “New Testament Exegesis Bibliography – 2011.” Denver Journal: An Online Review of Current Biblical and Theological Studies. Volume 14, 2011.
http://www.denverseminary.edu/article/new-testament-exegesis-bibliography-2011/
SYSTEMATIC CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
Brief/Introductory
McGrath, Alister E. “I Believe”: Exploring the Apostles’ Creed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1998.
Tabb, Mark. Theology: Think for Yourself About What You Believe. Colorado Springs, CO: TH1NK/NavPress, 2006.
Intermediate
Milne, Bruce. Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief. 2nd ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1988.
Extensive/Advanced
Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1998.
Horton, Michael. The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims On the Way. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.
McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology: An Introduction. 5th ed. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell Publishers, 2010.
HISTORICAL CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
Allison, C. FitzSimons. The Cruelty of Heresy: An Affirmation of Christian Orthodoxy. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishing, 1994.
McGrath, Alister E. ed. The Christian Theology Reader. 3rd ed. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell Publishers, 2007.
Olson, Roger E. The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition and Reform. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1999.
