CTH 5520: Christian Theology for the Kingdom of God (Cleveland) I. Course Description II. Student Learning Outcomes

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1 CTH 5520: Christian Theology for the Kingdom of God (Cleveland) ASHLAND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Fall Semester, 2017 Thursdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Cleveland Campus Allan R. Bevere, PhD Professional Fellow in Theology I. Course Description This course addresses the traditional topics of systematic theology as a narrative of salvation history. It is designed to equip students with a comprehensive and coherent theological framework for engaging in life and ministry in light of the present and future reign of God. II. Student Learning Outcomes As a result of this course, students will be able to: 1-3. Not assessed in this course. 4a. Articulate basic theological concepts. 4b. Analyze theological claims in light of Scripture, tradition(s), and how they inform our experience. 4c. Express from their own perspectives how the story of God s present and future reign should shape Christian life and ministry. 4d. Reflect theologically on a particular issue in a form appropriate to their own calling Not assessed in this course. III. Course Requirements A. Textbooks: Jinkins, Michael. Invitation to Theology. InterVarsity Press, ISBN: Kapic, Kelly M. A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study Theology. IVP Academic, ISBN: McKnight, Scot, Kingdom Conspiracy: Returning to the Radical Mission of the Local Church. Brazos Press, ISBN: Stone, Howard W. and James Duke. How to Think Theologically, 3rd edition. Fortress Press, ISBN: Wright, N.T. Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church. HarperOne, ISBN: B. Attendance According to the Student Handbook, attendance at all class sessions is expected, unless the professor has been notified in advance and has approved the absence. Students should be on time and should stay through the duration of all classes. Any student missing more than six class hours (2 weeks) will be required to do additional work, receive a lower grade, audit or withdraw from the class, or be penalized otherwise at the discretion of the professor. A Note About Classroom Etiquette: The ability and willingness to be fully present is an important habit and disposition in ministry where we need to be fully present to God, parishioners, clients, counselees, friends, family members, tasks, etc. Please see our course as an opportunity to practice being fully present to God and to each other by minimizing distractions and focusing on the tasks at hand. Please bring all your materials to class. Please turn off cell phones and other devices that connect you with the outside world while in class. There is to be no checking of or social media during class. Technology may only be used

2 when it pertains to the subject before us. I reserve the right to ask you to disconnect if it appears that you are elsewhere with your computer, phone, or tablet. C. Assignments/Assessment of Student Learning 1. Summary and Reflection (Due November 30) - on Stone and Duke s book, How to Think Theologically. The summary (two pages) should highlight the main points of the book. The reflection (three pages) should reflect upon the necessary components of thinking theologically as well as the potential pitfalls. 2. Critical Analysis (Due October 19) of Scot s McKnight s video lectures on the church as a community of differents. - This 4-5 page paper requires you to engage in a critical analysis of the material. This paper must include the following: Clear, fair and accurate summary of the author s thesis An identification and brief description of the sources which the author uses to make his case His contributions to the theological topic, issues and concerns Your own self-reflection and assessment of his theological proposal in light of your understanding of how Scripture, your own theological tradition and experience speak to the issue at hand The links to the three videos are listed just below: Course Project - You may choose one of three options for a course project. Option #1: You may elect to do a research paper on one of the theologians presented in class (either in the discussions or in the readings) to explore a particular topic. Or, contingent upon the professor s approval, you may select a theologian of interest to get to know in this paper. This research paper must explore a theological topic by exploring the thought of a theologian (hint: this is NOT a biographical sketch even though you will need to explore the personal and social contexts of this figure). This assignment requires utilizing both primary and secondary sources. Option #2: You may choose to do a doctrinal paper to establish a theological position. This option may be useful for those preparing for ordination who will be examined by an ordaining board inquiring of his or her theological position on an issue and/or must submit a theology paper for review and evaluation. Option #3: You may elect to write an exegetical paper on a selected biblical text, in consultation with the professor, for the purpose of a theological interpretation of Scripture. While this paper will utilize solid exegetical skills, the primary focus of the research should be on theological questions and a theological interpretation of Scripture, offering insights and implications for Christian faith and practice that arise from your exegetical work.

3 You will work on your course project over the course of the semester in three stages. The following is a brief sketch of the plan. More detailed information will be distributed in class. Stage 1: Proposal for the project (Due September 14) This step will get you started early in the semester by getting on paper a description of which option you are pursuing, why you are choosing this option, the questions you are asking, and how you will go about answering these questions based on biblical resources, theological resources, Christian traditions, and your own personal interests and needs. Stage 2: Theological reflection paper (Due November 16) - In this paper, you will discuss the results of your research and work which you will incorporate into your final project. Please note that at this stage, your work for the project must be nearly finished in order for you to successfully complete this assignment. In this paper, please use the following format: Your research question and thesis statement Significance of the research (why is it important and to whom) Engagement with the resources (please delineate separate sections in your paper) : how does Scripture ground your project and guide you? What are the theological sources you have used pertinent to your project? What insights and sources from Christian tradition(s) have helped you? What is relevant from experience (yours and others) that is important to consider for faith and practice? Conclusions Applications Step 3: Final Project (Due December 14) Using your work in steps I and II, you are now ready to bring your project to completion in the final form pertinent to the option you selected. Please conclude with a final section in your project that expresses how your topic is part of the story of God s present and future reign and how it should shape Christian life and ministry. 4. Important Reminders: The abilities to organize workloads and schedules, to meet deadlines and fulfill commitments are important competencies and expectations for Christian leadershipand ministry. Therefore, please keep in mind the following: It is expected and assumed that you will turn in assignments on the due dates listed in the syllabus. There is a 2-point deduction for each day an assignment is late. Assignments submitted more than one week late will not be accepted for earning credit. There will be no extensions or incompletes granted except in extenuating circumstances (such as a death in the family). D. Calculation of Grade and Connection of Learning Outcomes Assignments Learning Outcomes Percent of Final Grade Summary and Reflection 4a 20% Critical Analysis of McKnight 4b 25% Lectures Final Project with Conclusion 4c 30% Step II of Final Project 4d 25% IV. Course Schedule Week # Date(s) Lecture/Topic Readings/Assignments 1 August 31 Why and How of Theological Reflection Readings: Stone/Duke, chapters 1-2; Kapic, part 1; Jinkins, Intro and class 1

4 2 September 7 Sources of Theological Reflection Readings: Stone/Duke, chapters 3-4; Kapic, part 2; Jinkins, class 2 3 September 14 The Trinity: The Christian Doctrine of God Readings: Stone/Duke, chapter 5; Jinkins, class 3; *Stage 1 Project Due 4 September 21 Creation Readings: Jinkins, class 4; Wright, chapters 1-2; McKnight, chapters September 28 Creation Broken Humanity: Cracked Icons 6 October 5 Jesus Christ: The Image of God in Its Fullness Readings: Jinkins, classes 5-6; Wright, chapters 3-4; McKnight, chapter 3 Readings: Jinkins, class 7; Wright, chapters 5 and 6; Stone/Duke, chapter 6; McKnight, chapter 4 7 October 12 The Holy Spirit Readings: Jinkins, class 8; Wright, chapters 7-11; McKnight, chapter 5 8 October 19 Salvation Readings: Wright, chapter 12; McKnight, chapters 5-6 *Critical Analysis Due 9 October 26 The Church Readings: Jinkins, class 9; Wright, chapter 13; Stone/Duke, chapters 7-8; McKnight, chapter 7 10 November 2 Worship and Discipline Readings: Jinkins, class 10; Wright, chapters 14-15; Stone/Duke, chapter 9; McKnight, chapter 8 11 November 9 Church and Kingdom Readings: Stone/Duke, chapters 7-8; Wright, chapter 13; McKnight, chapter 9 12 November 16 Church and World Readings: Stone/Duke, chapter 9, Wright, chapters

5 13 November 30 Death and the Intermediate State 14-15; McKnight, chapter 10 *Stage 2 Project Due Readings: Jinkins, class 11; McKnight, chapter 11 *Summary and Reflection Due 14 December 7 Hope and Christian Virtue Readings: McKnight, chapter December 14 He Shall Reign Forever Readings: Appendices 1-2, After Words *Final Project Due V. Recommendations for Lifelong Learning Theological reflection is an important part of Christian leadership and pastoral practice. Establish a regular reading schedule to keep engaged in theological reflection. Create a reading group and invite others to join you. Join a scholarly society, such as the American Academy of Religion or the Wesleyan Theological Society (both have reasonable student rates). VI.Seminary Guidelines A. ATS Academic Integrity Policy Ashland Theological Seminary expects each student to uphold the Seminary s core value of academic excellence by contributing to an environment that is both challenging and supportive. In such an environment a student will neither seek nor offer improper assistance. All students have an obligation to be forthright in their academic endeavors and to respect ethical standards. The work that one submits for academic evaluation must be one s own, unless an instructor expressly permits certain types of collaboration. Academic integrity requires that each student will use one s own capabilities to achieve one s fullest potential and will neither offer nor accept aid that is not in keeping with regularly accepted standards of academic integrity. Failure to conform to this conduct shall constitute academic dishonesty. The full Academic Integrity Policy statement may be found in the Student Handbook. B. Seminary Writing Consultation Service The Seminary Writing Consultation Service can help you brainstorm, draft, and revise your writing assignments in your graduate Seminary classes. Masters-qualified Consultants can advise you online or in person. your request for assistance to swc_group@ashland.edu Include the following information: Your name, the course # & professor s name, a brief description of the assignment, and your timeline. For more information, visit: C. Students with Disabilities

6 It is Ashland University s goal that learning experiences be as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on a disability, please contact Disability Services at , or send an to dservices@ashland.edu. The Disability Services office and the course instructor will work together in order to establish accommodations, and to meet your learning needs. D. ATS Grading Scale Grade Percent Description A Superior achievement of course objectives, diligence and originality, high degree of freedom from error, outstanding evidence of ability to utilize course knowledge, initiative expressed in preparing and completing assignments, positive contributions verbalized in class. A B B Good work submitted, commendable achievement of course objectives, some aspects of the course met with excellence, substantial evidence of ability to utilize course material, positive contributions verbalized in class, consistency and thoroughness of work completed. B C C Acceptable work completed, satisfactory achievement of course objectives, demonstrating at least some ability to utilize course knowledge, satisfactory class contribution. C D D Passing but minimal work, marginal achievement of course objectives, poor performance in comprehension of work submitted, inadequate class contributions. D F Below 65 Unacceptable work resulting in failure to receive class credit, inadequacy of work submitted or of performance and attendance in class. VII. Selected Bibliography Bibliography can be found in the textbooks. The Professor will also make recommendations throughout the course.