Theology of the Bible I
Course Description
This course is a study of the major doctrines of the Christian faith. The doctrines covered are the doctrine of God, the doctrine of man, and the doctrine of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Students will learn the intricacies of the various important doctrines, compare the perspectives of different denominations, and make application of the doctrines to life.
Purpose of Course
This course has been designed to benefit the student in three specific ways: 1) to provide him/her with firm doctrinal foundations for the Christian life and ministry; 2) to help him/her prepare a coherent Biblical framework for the reading, teaching, and application of Scripture; and 3) to help him/her have a greater sense of freedom and assurance in responding to questions about the Christian faith.
Objectives of Course
This course is the first in a two-semester survey of evangelical theology. The topics being studied follow the chapters of Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), which is being used as the course’s textbook. Supplementary lecture notes and short reading assignments will complement the textbook material.
We begin with an introduction to Systematic Theology which explores further the role played by the Bible in personal religious experience as an important aspect of the larger issue of authority in the Christian life and ministry. The course then proceeds to study God’s existence, knowability, and character; His providential control of history; and miracles. Next we examine such topics as prayer, supernatural beings, the creation of humans as male and female and their essential nature, the problem of sin, and the covenants between God and humans. The different aspects of Christology are studied in the next part of the course, with special focus on the person of Christ; His atonement, resurrection, and ascension: and the offices of Christ. Finally, we conclude this study with a close look at the work of the Holy Spirit.
Students will participate in two weekly online discussion forums. These exchanges consist of answering questions and then responding to the comments of the instructor and classmates. In order to explore a theological topic of their own choosing in greater depth, students will write a term paper of about ten pages. A quiz of ten questions will be given each week. At the end of the course, there will be a final exam.
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| Applications and registrations for distance learning will be accepted up to the first day of class if there is still space available in the courses of choice. Call 888-338-1776 to confirm space availability. Applications and registrations may be faxed in to 540-338-9808. |
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