ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY THE 511 Christian Theology James H. Railey, Jr., D.Th. Fall 2008 Email: [email protected] Phone: 417-268-1080 COURSE SYLLABUS COURSE DESCRIPTION The major areas of systematic theology are introduced in this course, which not only explains classical Evangelical treatments of Christian doctrine but also presents a model for a unique Pentecostal theological method. This course, open only to students in the Masters of Arts in Counseling programs, is designed to assisted persons in the helping professions integrate systematic theology with their vocations. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Demonstrate a basic familiarity with the language and concepts of Christian theology. 2. Associate the individual doctrine of Christian theology with their personal piety and ministry. 3. Analyze the evangelical formulations of Christian doctrines within the larger context of contemporary theological discussion and development. 4. Assess the unique contributions and challenges of the Pentecostal tradition to the articulation of a distinctive Pentecostal theology. 5. Explain the biblical foundations for the expression of doctrinal affirmations. 6. Formulate clear statements of the relationship of theology to the ministry of the Church in the postmodern age. TEXTBOOKS Horton, Stanley M., ed. Systematic Theology, Rev. ed. Springfield, MO: Logion Press, 1995. COURSE OUTLINE Readings are listed by author. All are from the Horton text. DATE TOPIC READING 8/25/08 Introduction to Theology  Nature/Scope  Divisions in  Sources for  Theological systems McGee, 9-37 Aker/Railey, 39-60 9/1/08 LABOR DAY—NO CLASSTHE 511 Christian Theology James H. Railey, Jr. Page 2 9/8/08 God’s Revelation  General/Special  Inspiration of Scripture  Canon of Scripture  Application of Scripture Higgins, 61-115 9/15/08 God’s Person  Existence of God  Attributes of God  The Trinity Joyner, 117-144 McRoberts, 145-177 9/22/08 God’s Activities  Creation  Divine Healing  Providence  Evil Munyon, 215-235 Baker/Macchia, 179-213 Purdy, 489-523 9/29/08 EXAM ONE (6:00-7:15) Human Beings  Origin of humans  Nature of humans  The image of God Munyon, 235-253 10/6/08 Sin Among Humans  Sin and fall  Nature of sin  Transmission of sin Marino, 255-290 10/13/08 The Person of Christ  Names of  Two natures doctrine  Humiliation/exaltation Nichols, 291-324 10/20/08 FALL STUDY WEEK—NO CLASS 10/27/08 The Work of Christ  Offices of  The atonement Pecota, 338-354 11/3/08 CHAPEL (6:00-7:15) EXAM TWO (7:30-8:45) 11/10/08 The Holy Spirit  Person of  Deity of  Works of  Spirit Baptism  Fruit of the Spirit  Gifts of the Spirit McLean, 375-395 Wyckoff, 423-455 Lim, 457-488 11/17/08 Salvation  The application of salvation to the repentant believer  Term paper due Pecota, 325-338, 354-373 Jenney, 397-421THE 511 Christian Theology James H. Railey, Jr. Page 3 11/24/08 The Church  The word  Nature of  Organization of  Ministry in  Ordinances of Dusing, 525-566 Klaus, 567-595 12/1/08 The Last Things  Individual last things  General last things Horton, 597-638 12/8/08 FINAL EXAM (6:00-7:15) METHODOLOGY The primary method of instruction will be the lecture, with ample time devoted to the discussion of the ideas gleaned from the assigned textbook readings. The student will be expected to take notes consistently during the sessions. The student should be prepared to discuss the assigned readings as a part of the class session. COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. The student is expected to attend all class sessions. Absences should be for extreme circumstances only. The limits established by the Seminary will be observed. “Barring a serious medical emergency, credit cannot be granted for courses in which a student has been absent beyond the equivalent of more than two weeks.” 2. The student is expected to read the assigned readings before each session to maximize the classroom experience. A report on the completion of the reading assignment will be made by the student on a form to be provided. The due date is December 8, 2008. 3. The student should sustain successfully three examinations covering the lecture material and the assigned readings. The third exam will be given at the time of the Seminary’s final exams. The exams will be essay in nature and will be given on the dates shown on the Course Outline above. Exams may not be taken off schedule unless an emergency arises. 4. The student will submit a ten-page research paper on a topic germane to the course. The instructor must approve the topic. The paper should conform to the Turabian (7th edition) format, using the Parenthetical Citation style set forth in chapters 18 and 19 (pages 216-280). The paper should make use of ten to twelve sources, no more than one-half of which may be from Internet sources, and will be graded on grammar, composition, form, and content. The paper is due at class time November 17, 2008. Late work will receive a grade penalty commensurate with the lateness. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY It is assumed that students at AGTS will endeavor to be honest and of high integrity in all matters pertaining to Seminary life. A lack of respect and integrity is evidenced by cheating, fabricating, plagiarizing, misusing facilities, removing books and other property not one’s own, and disrupting classes.THE 511 Christian Theology James H. Railey, Jr. Page 4 Cheating is defined as “intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise.” It is assumed that whatever is submitted by a student is the work of that student and is new work for that course. Fabrication is “intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise or form.” Plagiarism is “intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own in any academic exercise.” One who facilitates any of the above is equally responsible with the primary violator. Penalties may include restitution, an “F” on an individual paper, exam, or course; loss of campus employment; disciplinary probation; removal from extracurricular activities; and suspension. GRADING PROCEDURE Reading 10% Examinations 60% Term