The School of Theology a ministry of Christ Church, Katy, TX Syllabus for the Doctrine of Man through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned. Romans 5:12 From September 3, 2014 to December 3, 2014 1 st & 3 rd Wednesdays 7:00 PM-8:30 PM Dr. Duncan Rankin (duncan.rankin@cckpca.org) Dr. Robert Stacey (rdstacey@gmail.com) Rev. Fred Greco, Esq. (fred.greco@cckpca.org) Course Description This course introduces the student to the study of the doctrine of man in its exegetical, theological, historical, and practical aspects. Students are familiarized with the doctrine of man in the context of both Reformed theology and wider contemporary culture, including examinations of Creation, Man as Innocent, the Covenant of Works, the Fall, Sin, Misery, and Man as Fallen. The significance of this doctrine for a biblical world and life view will be explored. All along we will remember the crucial nexus between faith and life, doctrine and practice, and thus endeavor to stress the importance of this foundational doctrine for Christian thought, life, and ministry.
2 Course Sponsor The School of Theology is a major discipleship and outreach ministry of Christ Church PCA, 10818 Gaston Road, Katy, TX 77494. This ministry seeks to build up the saints by teaching the historic Christian faith in more depth and detail than other congregational outlets. Local outreach is also a major component of the School of Theology, in that members are encouraged to bring family and friends to the classes, and the community at large is also invited to attend. The School of Theology is open to all without charge. Course Format The course will proceed in a lecture-style format, followed by dialogue and discussion of the worldand-life-view implications of the major topic at hand. A break will be taken between these two portions of the class each evening. There will also be regular opportunities for students to ask questions about the material during and after class. Course Outline Topics covered in this course will include the following: The Creation of Man Man as Innocent The Covenant of Works The Fall of Man Sin and Misery Man as Fallen Course Requirements To join the class, students freely commit themselves to the following: 1) Reading the core theological text listed in the Required Texts of the Textbook section below. For this class, the core text is JI Packer, Concise Theology (Tyndale House). 2) Regular class attendance unless providentially hindered. Students must sit near the front of the class, so as to promote student-teacher interaction. When unable to attend, a recording of the class can be obtained through the church website.
3 Course Schedule Classes meet on the 1 st & 3 rd Wednesdays, starting in September 2014 and continuing through December 2014. Classes will begin promptly at 7:00 pm and end promptly at 8:30 pm, with a short break in the middle. In the case of inclement weather, please contact Dr. Rankin on duncan.rankin@cckpca.org to learn if class is cancelled. Course Instructors Dr. Duncan Rankin (PhD, New College, University of Edinburgh) is Pastor for Discipleship and Outreach at Christ Church, Adjunct Professor at Reformed Theological Seminary- Houston, and Visiting Professor at Reformation Bible College. Dr. Robert Stacey (MA & PhD, University of Virginia) is Dean of the Honors College at Houston Baptist University and a Ruling Elder at Christ Church. Rev. Fred Greco, Esq. is Senior Pastor at Christ Church and a former corporate attorney (JD, University of Michigan) and Classicist (MA, University of Chicago). The course instructors have over 40 years of combined undergraduate and postgraduate teaching experience in college, university, and seminary settings. The Session of Christ Church, Katy, TX oversees the School of Theology.
4 Course Textbooks Time not spent reading is time wasted! [David F. Wright] Bible Core Text Any English translation of the Bible The English Standard Version (ESV) is preferred, but other translations are allowed. The ESV Study Bible and the ESV Reformation Study Bible are both strongly recommended. Only The Message, which is not truly a translation of the original biblical Hebrew and Greek, is barred. J.I. Packer, Concise Theology (Tyndale, 1993) [ISBN 0-8423-1111-4] This book sets out in short compass what seem to me to be the permanent essentials of Christianity, viewed as both a belief system and a way of life.theology is at its healthiest when it is consciously under the eye of God of whom it speaks, and when it is singing to his glory. Challenge Text (not required but encouraged) Donald Macleod, A Faith to Live By (Mentor, 2002) [ISBN 1-85792-428-2] Here is excellent theology made both relevant and exciting. I can think of no better book for equipping Christians to present their faith intelligently and attractively to real people.
5 Suggested Texts (not required but applauded) Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology, new combined edition (Eerdmans, 1996) [ISBN 978-0-8028-3820-9] It remains the best modern English-language introduction to the doctrinal theology of the Reformed tradition. Heinrich Heppe, Reformed Dogmatics (Wipf & Stock, 2007) [ISBN 978-1-55635-775-6] [A] dogmatics which had both form and substance, oriented upon the central indications of the Biblical evidences for revelation, which it also managed to follow out in detail with astonishing richness a dogmatics which by adopting and sticking to main lines of the Reformation attempted like a worthy continuation of the doctrinal constructions of the older Church, and yet was also out to cherish and preserve continuity with the ecclesiastical science of the Middle Ages.That precisely may be learned, nay must be, from the early Orthodox men. Over-Achiever Texts (not required but admired) John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (WJKP, 1960) [ISBN 0-664-22028-2] John Calvin s Institutes of the Christian Religion is perhaps the most important work of systematic theology ever written. Wilhelmus à Brakel, The Christian s Reasonable Service [free pdf on www.abrakel.com] The Christian s Reasonable Service represents, perhaps more than any other work, the Puritan heartbeat and balance of the Dutch Second Reformation. Here systematic theology and vital, experiential Christianity are scripturally and practically interwoven with a covenantal framework, the whole bearing the mark of a pastor-theologian deeply taught by the Spirit. Sweeping in coverage, nearly every subject treasured by Christians is treated in an unusually helpful way, always aiming for the promotion of godliness. Course Book Vendors The core text, JI Packer s Concise Theology, will be available on the first night of class for a discounted price of $5.
6 Students are encouraged to purchase other theological books from fine discount vendors such as the following: 1) PCA Bookstore (www.cepbookstore.com) 2) Reformation Heritage Books (www.heritagebooks.org) 3) Westminster Theological Seminary Bookstore (www.wtsbooks.com) Students interested in obtaining theological books in electronic format and building a future library should seriously consider investing in the Logos Bible Software system (see www.logos.com). A special 15% discount has been negotiated with Logos for students in the School of Theology who wish to use their products. Please email Dr. Rankin on duncan.rankin@cckpca.org for information on how to obtain this discount. Course Bibliography This bibliography, to be discussed and expanded further in class, in no way presents a blanket endorsement of each particular scholar s view. The works are foundational contributions requiring critical assessment and discernment. These works are in addition to the Textbooks listed above. Systematic Theology Francis Turretin, Institutes of Elenctic Theology (3 vols.) John Owen, Collected Works (16 vols.) Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology (3 vols.) Robert L. Dabney, Systematic Theology B.B. Warfield, Collected Works (10 vols.) John Murray, Collected Writings (4 vols.) Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology R.L. Reymond, A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith Doctrine of Man Thomas Boston, Human Nature in its Fourfold State (Banner of Truth) Jerry Bridges, Respectable Sins (Nav Press) Kris Lundgaard, The Enemy Within (P&R) John Owen, The Mortification of Sin (Banner of Truth) Charles Sherlock, The Doctrine of Humanity (IVP) Edward T Welch, Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave (P&R)