Systematic Theology 2 Syllabus Introduction There are certain things that are critical for a pastor.

They need to know the Bible, they need to live a life that is above reproach, they need to have compassion, and they need to be able to lead and feed their congregation. But there is an unstated core need that people have for their pastor; they need their pastors to know God. Knowing God comes from experience, obedience, and a theology that is well grounded in the scriptures. Any knowledge that does not come out of these areas is suspect and unlikely to bear real fruit in a persons life. The more you know God the more likely your life yields the fruit of holiness. When I state that this is the core of your studies I mean that all you have studied till now has equipped you to understand and agree or disagree with what you will study in theology. Theology is primary rooted in good hermeneutics of the scripture. But you need to know enough of the scripture to do hermeneutics effectively. Church history shows how important both theology and its application are. We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. How is theology important? Paul said this to Timothy: As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, (4) nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. (5) The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (6) Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, (7) desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. (1Ti 1:3-7 ESV) Paul is saying that sincerity and eloquence mean little without truth; what is important is doctrinal truth that results in love and a true faith. This is sound doctrine, or as we say, biblically grounded theology. Knowing God in truth will help you lead and feed Gods people. In fact the more you know God, the easier it is to minister. You give out of your overflow, and a deep, full knowledge of the one you represent. Secondarily this reduces burnout, and brings greater joy to ministry. Out of a rich treasury are available many more gifts. Purpose: 1. To help the student know their God in a deeper way. 2. To help the student understand the differences in theological thought. 3. To help the student have an understanding of diverse views from their own and develop a respect for those views. 4. To help the student to articulate their own theology. 5. To help the student to defend their own theology logically and biblically. 6. To help the student to refute wrong doctrine/theology with understanding and wisdom. Required texts: These texts are available for download or as hardcopy. 1. Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson Parts 5-9 (chapters 22-42) 2. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem: Chapters 21-43 the sections on Man, Christ and Redemption. Assignments

The student is required to complete all reading, discussion, and writing assignments. I Interactive assignments (Due each week posted) Change of days from the last courses: Most weeks there will be questions that you will be required to answer posted on the course web site. You are required to respond online to each question by Friday and then by Sunday read all responses and then thoughtfully reflect to at least one (more then one is better!) other persons posting. It would also be beneficial to reflect on someones answer that has not had someone else respond to their thoughts. Special Note: When quoting sources make sure you give credit where due. State if you are summarizing someones idea or quoting by making certain that you are putting their statement in quotation marks. This gives responders a better grasp of your thoughts verses someone elses and enables them to answer you with a clearer understanding. It is also nice if you state where your source is located (book or website address) so others can see if they agree on your use of the quotation. This is considered good scholarship and is expected at higher levels of education. II Reading and writing assignment (Due Sunday week 4) Christian Theology Reading level: 2 1. Choose 2 topics in part 5; Humanity, and write a page on each one. Summarize what the author states and give your own thoughts on the topic. (2 pages) 2. Choose 2 topics in part 6; Sin, and write a page on each one. Summarize what the author states and give your own thoughts on the topic. (2 pages) 3. Choose 3 topics in part 6; The person of Christ, and write a page on each one. Summarize what the author states and give your own thoughts on the topic. (3 pages) 4. Write a 1 page summery of each chapter in Part 8, The work of Christ; summarize what the author states and give your own thoughts on the topic. (4 pages) 5. Write a 1 page summery of each chapter in Part 9, The Holy Spirit; summarize what the author states and give your own thoughts on the topic. (2 pages) Special Note: As in your last course, please submit your written assignments to edelman_ted@hotmail.com. III Reading and writing assignment (Due Sunday week 6) Systematic Theology Reading level: 2. 1. Summarize Part 3 chapters 21-25 (Part 3) in two pages. Also write a single page concerning your own response to the author. (3 pages total) 2. Summarize chapters 26-30 (Part 4) with a page each. (A total of 5 pages) 3. Choose 5 chapters from Part 5 (chapters 31-43) to write a one page summery of. (5 pages) 4. Write a 2 page response to Part 5 giving your thoughts and feelings about redemption and the theology surrounding this issue. IV Exam There will be an exam in this course. Marking You will be marked on how well you did each part of your assignment in terms of content and thoughtfulness. Make certain you answer all questions in writing assignments. Interactive forum assignments I 20%

Reading and writing II assignment 10% Reading and writing III assignment 35% Reading and writing IV assignment 35%