Dr. Curtis K. McClain, Jr.

Religion
Humanities Division
Spring 2001

REL 343A: Foundations of Christian Theology

In order to lay a procedural foundation for the theologizing process, this course is an introduction to sources and methods involved in the study of Christian theology (prolegomena) followed by a study of the doctrines of Revelation, Theology proper, Creation, and Providence. Prerequisite: RED 273 or consent of instructor. Three hours, Fall

Text:

Grudem, Wayne. Biblical Doctrine: Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith. Edited by Jeff Purswell. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1999.

Packer, J. I. Knowing God. Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 1973.

Piper, John. The Pleasures of God. Portland, OR: Multnomah, 1991. (Paper)

Objectives:

1. Learn the theologizing process

2. Explore the Doctrine of Scripture

3. Explore the Doctrine of God

Scope: Biblical, Systematic, and Historical Theology

Attendance

Each class day the student can earn twelve and one-half points for timely class participation. Points will be deducted either for late arrival or early departure. A maximum of one hundred points can be earned this way. If this grade fails to exceed sixty points, that student will fail regardless of other grades. In case of excusable absence, the student may perform a written make-up assignment averaging one point per one hundred words.

Assignments

1. Presentation. Do a presentation of a communicable attribute of God [a. give text definitions, b. give important information, c. explain how this relates to man both positive & negative, and d. explain how God is still unique with respect to this attribute]. (One hundred points)

2. Book Reports. Read Packer & Piper completely & Grudem chapters 1-9. List your five favorite quotes from each chapter. Each chapter can receive five points. (Two hundred points)

3. Paper. Each student will compare the teachings of the following confessions regarding the doctrine of God. (One hundred points)

1. The First London Confession, 1644

2. The Second London Confession, 1677 & 1689

3. The New Hampshire Confession, 1833

4. The Abstract Principles of SBTS, 1858

5. The Baptist Faith & Message, 1925

6. The Baptist Faith & Message, 1963

7. The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000

This paper will follow MLA style and be a minimum of 125 lines of type at 54-65 characters per line.

Grading:
A (100%-94%): B (93%-84%): C (83%-71%): D (70%-61%): F (60%-00%)

My office number is (314) 392-2345 or my home number is (636) 936-0858 should you need to call me. You can e-mail me at the office mcclain@mobap.edu or at home mcclain@primary.net.

*Foundation of Christian Theology Schedule

Week #1 Introduction Week #5 Grudem, Chap. #5
Worldview Packer, Chaps. 7-12
Week #2 Scripture Week #6 Packer, Chaps. 13-22
Grudem, Chap. #1 & #2
Chap. #3 Grudem, Chap. #3 Week #7 Grudem, Chap. #6 &#7
Piper, Chaps. 1-4
Week #4 God Week #8 Grudem, Chap. #8 & #9
Grudem, Chap. #4 Piper, Chaps. 5-9
Packer, Chaps. 1-6

Selected Bibliography

Dagg, J[ohn] L[eadley]. Manual of Theology. Reprint. Harrisonburg, VA: Gano Books, 1990.

Boyce, James P. Abstract of Systematic Theology. N.P, 1887.

Osborne, Grant R. The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1991.

Piper, John. The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God’s Delight in Being God. Portland: Multnomah, 1991. (Paper)

Sire, James W. Scripture Twisting: Twenty Ways the Cults Misread the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980. (Paper)

Sproul, R. C. One Holy Passion: The Attributes of God. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1987. (Paper)