Mission of God II: Christ, Church, Eschaton

Transcription

1 John Mark Hicks Lipscomb University Hazelip School of Theology Spring 2018 Course Description Mission of God II: Christ, Church, Eschaton This course integrates biblical, systematic, and historical theology. The course narrates the story of God as given in Scripture to equip the contemporary church for missional engagement with post-christian culture. As an integrated theology, biblical-theological themes are considered in the context of Christian history and tradition within the frame of a narrative theology for the purposes of both personal and communal spiritual and missional formation. The first semester begins with the Triune God and concludes with the missional purpose of Israel. The second semester will begin with Christology and conclude with Eschatology. Objectives 1. Students will understand the major theological themes and historic emphases of the Christian faith that arise from the narrative of the Scripture. 2. Students will engage in a dialogue about the nature of missional life and practice in the context of Christian theology. 3. Students will integrate theology and ministry in practical ways in their local pastoral settings. 4. Students will engage in formative practices that reflect theological engagement within the Christian tradition. HST Outcomes 1. A robust theological imagination rooted deeply in Scripture and shaped by the broad Christian tradition. 2. Reflective habits which illuminate the complexities of people-centered ministry. Textbooks [Total Reading Required for Semester = 800 pages] These texts are required for the Fall course (Mission of God I) and this one. Baker-Fletcher, Karen. Dancing with God: The Trinity from a Womanist Perspective. St. Louis: Chalice Press, (50 pages this semester) Gonzalez, Justo L. Manana: Christian Theology from a Hispanic Perspective. Nashville: Abingdon Press, (30 pages this semester)

2 McGrath, Alister E., The Christian Theology Reader, 5 th edition. New York: Wiley- Blackwell, (selected readings: 150 pages this semester). Olson, Roger E. The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity & Diversity. Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, (160 pages this semester) Ware, Kallistos Ware. The Orthodox Way. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimirs Seminary, (70 pages this semester) Additional Text for this Spring in Mission of God II. Hicks, John Mark. Enter the Water, Come to the Table: Baptism and the Lord s Supper in Scripture s Story of New Creation (Abilene: ACU Press, 2014). (100 pages this semester) Additional articles/blogs are assigned and provided on Blackboard. Assignments 1. Reading. Students will read a total of 750 pages throughout the semester. Readings are assigned for (1) the seven weeks of online discussion and (2) the intensive week. Students are expected to read these assignments before the class meets and before online assignments are due. 2. Online Threaded Discussion on Blackboard (15% of the grade) 1. From January 8 to March 2 the class will discuss theological readings for eight weeks. The assignments are detailed on Blackboard, which you may access through mycampus.lipscomb.edu. 2. Each week students with author four posts. a. The student will respond to a theological/historical question about the reading (at least 100 words), and respond to at least one other student s and/or Professor s response. The original post is due Tuesday 11:59pm every week and the response is due Friday 11:59pm every week. b. The student will ask the Professor a question about the reading to which the Professor will respond (at least 50 words). This must be posted by Wednesday 11:59pm every week. c. Each week the student will choose one sentence from two different authors in the McGrath s readings and post those sentences on Blackboard. You must state in a couple of lines what you thought was

3 significant or helpful about those statements. This must be posted by Thursday 11:59pm every week. 3. Written Assignments. See the due dates below for each assignment. You may, of course, submit them prior to that date, and that would help me in reading them. Late assignments are downgraded a letter grade and additional letter grade after three days late. Please submit all assignments through the Assignment menu on the Blackboard. 1. Concise Statement of Faith: The Mission of God: From Christ to Eschaton ( words). Write this statement as a personal confession, perhaps one that was requested by a community of believers who ask you for a statement of your own faith commitments. (15% of grade) Due: March 23. HST Outcome #1 2. Sacramentality and Spirituality: write a word reflection on one of the chapters in John Mark Hicks s Enter the Water, Come to the Table. The reflection should integrate sacramental theology and spirituality through the lens of your own personal spiritual formation. (15% of grade) Due: March 31. HST Outcome #1 3. Liturgical reflections: one brief homily/sermon/blog post with a concluding liturgical prayer ( words). Choose from the following for your topic (15% of grade). Due: April 7 HST Outcome #1 a. Philippians 2:5-11 and the Christological narrative. b. Romans 11:33-36 and divine transcendence. c. Luke 1:46-55 and God s redemptive servants. d. Luke 1:68-79 and God s redemptive drama. e. 1 Timothy 3:16 and the mystery of redemption. f. Revelation 5:9-14 and the enthronement of Christ. g. Revelation 7:14-17 and the eschatological vision. h. Colossians 1:15-20 and the cosmic Christ. i. Romans 6:1-7 and baptismal theology. j. Romans 3:21-28 and atonement theology. k. Colossians 2:13-15 and atonement theology. l. 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 and Eucharistic theology. m. Luke 24:13-35, Word and Table liturgical theology. n. Matthew 18:19-20 and theology of Assembly. o. Romans 13:11-14 and Ethics in relation to Eschatology p. Romans 8:18-24 and New Creation. 4. Expanded Statement of Faith: Choose one topic from the following list. Articulate a cogent and coherent statement of faith regarding the topic that serves as an introduction to a discussion of the topic by a small group ( words each). Choose a single text (or perhaps more, but keep it small in number) and focus your statement in the context of exegesis,

4 Grading: theological reflection, and Christian tradition (20% each as part of your grade). The use of resources is welcome. Due: April 14. HST Outcome #1 a. And the Word was God. b. Exposition of a Particular Theory of Atonement. c. The Holy Spirit (any aspect of the Spirit s work) d. The Scope of Salvation. e. The Tenses of Salvation: Past, Present, and Future f. Justification and the Nature of Assurance. g. Sanctification, Theosis, and Holy Living. h. The Missional Function of the Church. i. The Importance of Assembly in Christian Faith and Practice. j. Where are the Dead in Christ? k. New Heaven and New Earth. l. The Existence and Nature of Hell. 5. Ministry Project: Describe a present ministry in your practicum and offer a theological justification for it. How is this ministry rooted in and reflective of the mission of God? What theological question does the practicum raise? What questions have bubbled up in your ministry? Why is it important to connect theology and practice? Develop this paper with your practicum mentor, discuss it with him or her, and then share the completed assignment. Her or his input will contribute to your grade. Use words. (20% of your grade.) Due: April 21. HST Outcome #2 A = B = C = Contacting the Professor: Dr. John Mark Hicks hicksjm@lipscomb.edu Course Learning Objectives Objectives How Delivered How Assessed Goals Understand theological themes and historic emphasis of Christian tradition Engage in dialogue about the nature of missional life and practice in the light of Readings, lecture, online discussions Readings, lecture, online discussions Course interaction, online posts, written Verbal assessments, online posts, Successful identification in written Successful identification in written

5 Christian theology written Integrate theology and ministry in a pastoral or ministerial setting. Practicum, written assignments Written Successful identification in written Engage in formative practices that reflect theological engagement with the Christian tradition Readings, lecture, written assignments Written Successful identification in written Academic Integrity Policy Because Lipscomb s primary mission is to integrate Christian faith and practice with academic excellence, integrity is important in this course. As your instructor, I will deal with each student fairly and honestly. As participants in the course of study, you are expected to do your own work on all assignments unless I indicate that collaboration is allowed on a specific assignment. Penalties for integrity violations will range from failure on the assignment involved to failure in the course. The instructor also reserves the right to report violations to members of the administration. For clarification, refer to the University s Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy (see Course Plan Online Component Reading Requirement: 500 pages Jan 8-12 Christology Olson, chapter 10; McGrath, 4:1-4, 7-14, 16-17, 20, 29, 31, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41; 5.5; Jesus of Nazareth The Image of God Jan Atonement Olson, chapter 12; McGrath, 4.25; 5.1-4, 6, 10, 13-15, 17, 19-20, 23, 25, 27-30, 32-38; Jesus of Nazareth The Mission of God; Jan The Holy Spirit Olson, chapter 11, ; The Holy Spirit; Holy Spirit and Unity; Jan 29-Feb 2 Soteriology I Olson, chapter 13; McGrath, , 17, 19, 21, 26, 29-30, 32-40, 44-45, 48,

6 Feb 5-9 Soteriology II Soteriology, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; McGrath, ; 9.1, 5-6, 8-9, Feb Ecclesiology Olson, chapter 14; McGrath, 7.1-4, 6, 10-20, 22, 24, 26-28, 30-32; Ecclesiology. Feb Sacraments Sacramental Theology; Hicks s book; McGrath, 8.2, 4-6, 9-11, 13-16, 19-21, 23-31, Feb 26-Mar 2 New Creation Olson, chapters 15-16; McGrath, ; Eschatology. Intensive Week: March 5-9

7 Classical Christianity Selected Bibliography: Recent Systematic Theologies Oden, Thomas C. Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology. New York: HarperCollins, Reformed Theology Horton, Michael. The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims On the Way. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Reymond, Robert L. A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith. Nashville: Thomas B. Nelson, Classic Arminianism Forlines, F. Leroy. The Quest for Truth: Answering Life s Inescapable Questions. Nashville: Randall House, American Evangelical Theology Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker, American Charismatic Theology Williams, J. Rodman. Renewal Theology: God, the World & Redemption. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Evangelical Neo-Orthodoxy (Barthian) Donald G. Bloesch, Essentials of Evangelical Theology, 2 vols. New York: Harper & Row, Post-Evangelical or Post-Conservative Theology Grenz, Stanley. Theology for the Community of God. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Fackre, Gabriel. The Christian Story: A Narrative Interpretation of Basic Christian Doctrine. 3 rd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, McClendon, James William, Jr. Systematic Theology, 3 vols. Nashville: Abingdon, 1986.

8 Post-Liberal Neo-Orthodoxy Migliore Stone-Campbell Theology (Christian Churches and Churches of Christ) Cottell, Jack. The Faith Once for All: Bible Doctrine for Today. Joplin, MO: College Press, Panentheistic (Disciples of Christ Version) Williamson, Clark M. Way of Blessing, Way of Life: A Christian Theology. St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, Joe Jones, A Grammar of the Christian Faith: Systematic Explorations in Christian Life and Doctrine, 2 vols. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Rational-Historical Approach to Theology Pannenberg, Wolfhart. Systematic Theology, 3 vols. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Liberationist Theology (Jurgen Moltmann Fortress Press Series) Moltmann, Jurgen. Theology of Hope. Moltmann, Jurgen. Trinity and the Kingdom. Moltmann, Jurgen. Crucified God. Moltmann, Jurgen. The Church in the Power of the Spirit. Moltmann, Jurgen. The Coming of God: Christian Eschatology (Augsburg, 2004). African-American Theology (James Cone). Cone, James. God of the Oppressed. Cone, James. A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone, James. The Spirituals and the Blues. Cone, James. The Cross and the Lynching Tree. Feminist Theology Reuther, Rosemary. Sexism and God Talk: Toward a Feminist Theology (Beacon Press, 1983). Fiorenza, Elisabeth. In Memory of Her: A Feminist Theological Reconstruction of Christian Origins (Crossroad, 1994).

9 Eastern Orthodox Theoogy Meyebdorff, John. Byzantine Theology: Historical Trends and Doctrinal Themes. New York: Fordham Press, Schmemann, Alexander. For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy. Crestwood, NY: St. Vadimier s Seminary Press, Ware, Kallistos, The Orthodox Way. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir s Seminary Press, 1979.