Dr. Curtis K. McClain, Jr.

Religion
Humanities Division
Fall 2000

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. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994.

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 three 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.

Tests:

1. Test: three one hundred point tests will be given.
2. Final: a two hundred point comprehensive final will be given.

Assignments

1. Presentation. Do a power point 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. Reading Reports. For each chapter of the text (chap. 1-16) that is read on time, the student receives 5 points. If the student reads all 16 on time, the student receives a 20-point bonus. (one hundred points)

3. Book Reports. Read Packer & Piper and write a five-page summary of each. Each summary should conclude with an affirmation of how much of the book was actually read—by percentage. (one hundred points each)

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

Any work that is turned in late will be penalized half a letter grade per class.

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

8/23 Introduction 10/18 Chap. #10
8/25 Worldview 10/20 Fall Break

8/30 Worldview 10/25 Chap. #11, Att 1-5
9/1 Worldview 10/27 KC Trip

9/6 Scripture/Chap. #1 11/1 Chap. #12, Att 6-10
9/8 Test 1 11/3 Packer, Att 11-15

9/13 Chap. #2 11/8 Chap. #13, Att 16-20
9/15 Chap. #3 11/10 Att 21-25

9/20 Chap. #4 11/15 Test 3
9/22 Chap. #5 11/17 Chap. #14

9/27 Chap. #6 11/22
9/29 Chap. #7 11/24 Thanksgiving

10/4 Chap. #8 11/29 Chap. #15
10/6 Test2 12/1 Piper

10/11 Campus Testing, Chap. #9 12/6 Chap. #16
10/13 Chap. #10 12/8

FINAL: Monday, December 11, 7:30-11:00 am

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)