ST515: Scripture, Theology Proper, Anthropology (3 hrs) Page 1 of 4 Meeting Times & Assignments: See Course Schedule at end of this syllabus Spring 2017 Meeting Place: Redeemer Offices, 1166 Avenue of Americas - 16 th Floor Note: the professors reserve the right to modify this syllabus as needed at any time. Contact Information Professor: Bruce P. Baugus Email: bbaugus@rts.edu or bpbaugus@gmail.com Phone: 601-923-1696 (office) or 601-519-9091 (personal cell) Office: Dean Center Faculty Suite Hours: M, W, & Th, whenever I am not teaching Teaching Assistant: Wes Strebeck (BPB s TA) Email: wes830@gmail.com Office: Biblical Studies TA Suite RTS Catalog Description This course explores the doctrines of Scripture from a systematic perspective, Topics include Scripture, theology proper, and anthropology. Explanation & Objectives Systematic theology involves integrating the various branches of biblical and theological studies at the point of doctrinal formulation and in this sense represents the culmination of theological studies. It does not, however, exist for its own sake nor is it a final end of our knowledge of God. Rather, systematic theology exists to meet the confessional a didactic needs of the church s ministry and mission of knowing, worshipping, proclaiming, and living ever more perfectly for God in this world that we might glorify and enjoy him ever more fully ourselves and be equipped to lead others ever deeper into this same joy. To this end, the early Puritan author, William Perkins, defines theology as the science of living blessedly forever while C. S. Lewis reputedly warns us there are theologians in the bottom of hell who are more interested in their own thoughts about God than in God himself. In this course, we will focus on (1) presenting a systematic statement of the biblical teaching on theological prolegomena (introduction to theology and doctrine of Scripture) and the topics of God (theology proper) and humanity (anthropology) as understood and taught within the Reformed tradition, demonstrating that these formulations represent (2) the correct understanding of Scripture and (3) the doctrine God s people need to thrive as disciples of Jesus Christ and worshipers of the living God. Our objectives in this class correspond to our focus: at the conclusion of this course you should be (1a) properly prepared for pastoral ministry in an orthodox and evangelical Reformed or Presbyterian church on the topics covered, confident in (2a) the biblical foundation and (3a) practical usefulness of the Reformed understanding of Scripture, God, and humanity. The chief objective we have in this course, however, is doxological: that students will come to know God as he is revealed in Scripture and gives himself to us to be enjoyed through faith, and worship him accordingly. Successful students will demonstrate fluency in the main questions of theological method and the doctrines of Scripture, God, and humanity able to articulate (from Scripture and confessional standards wherever possible) and defend Reformed views on these interrelated questions (even if those views differ from your own). This requires students to be conversant on key passages of Scripture and issues involved in relevant historic and contemporary debates, showing how the gospel is implicated in these debates and the practical significance to the faith, life, and worship of the church. It is also important that students demonstrate an ability to discuss and assess theological differences in a way that aims at realizing, maintaining, and displaying the unity of the one holy and universal church in its many historic and contemporary branches to the glory of her Lord and Savior. William Perkins, The Golden Chaine (1590), 1; similarly practical definitions of theology can be found among most Reformed writers. While Hendrikus Berkhof states that C. S. Lewis wrote this down somewhere, he does not say where and I have not yet found it. One extra credit point on the final exam will be awarded to any student who can accurately identify the place where Lewis wrote this down.
ST515: Scripture, Theology Proper, Anthropology (3 hrs) Page 2 of 4 Textbooks (Required) Systematic Textbook Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, 4 vols. (Baker, 2008: ISBN 9780801035760) Note: required readings for this course come from vols. 1-3. If you are buying these volumes new, however, it is ordinarily much cheaper to buy all four volumes at once as a complete set than just the three individual volumes. Buying the complete set is also strongly recommended since vol. 4 will most likely be required for ST2. Standards Ecumenical Creeds: Apostles Creed; Nicene Creed; and Chalcedonian Creed The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms (OPC/PCA version: ISBN 9780979377006) Note: you are required to memorize WSC QQ1 53 for this course (see Assignments below). You are also required to bring this text and a copy of Scripture to class each day. Three Forms of Unity: Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and Canons of Dordrecht Note: the Ecumenical Creeds and Three Forms of Unity are available as a single pdf here: http://urclearning.org/wp-content/uploads/3_forms.pdf, among many other places. On Scripture Kevin DeYoung, Taking God at His Word (Crossway; reprint ed., 2016: ISBN 9781433551031) Michael J. Kruger, Canon Revisited (Crossway, 2012: ISBN 9781433505003) On God Scott Swain, Divine Trinity and Covenant of Redemption in Christian Dogmatics (posted on Canvas) Either/Or Miroslav Volf, Allah: A Christian Response (HarperOne, 2012: ISBN 9780061927089) Nabeel Qureshi, No God but One: Allah or Jesus? (Zondervan, 2016: ISBN 9780310522553) On Anthropology Richard B. Gaffin, No Adam, No Gospel (P&R: ISBN 9781596389670) Dictionary (Recommended) Richard A. Muller, Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms (Baker: ISBN 9780801020643) Attendance & Participation Policy Your primary assignment is to be present, prepared, and ready to participate fully in class both weekends and for each Google Hangouts sessions of this course. This requires showing up on time and remaining for the duration of class, ready to contribute meaningfully by having read all assigned materials beforehand. Permission to be absent from class will ordinarily be granted only for medical reasons or family crises. Technology Use Policy Since students who type notes during lectures consistently perform worse on exams and other assessments of lecture and discussion comprehension, laptops and tablets are prohibited in class except by special permission from the professor. (Permission is ordinarily restricted to matters of learning disabilities or those who handwrite their notes directly into a tablet application). Phones must be on silent and kept out of sight (and mind). If you must receive or place a call, even during a class break, please leave the classroom to do so. For Recommended texts see Recommended Readings in Theology document posted on Canvas. Volf and Qureshi both urge Christians to seek creative ways to show solidarity with their Muslim neighbors, but hold conflicting views on the relation of Christianity to Islam centering on opposing doctrines of God. Students who are completely unfamiliar with Islam are encouraged to read and review Qureshi s book while others are encouraged to tackle Volf s sophisticated and influential brand of Christian pluralism. See, for example, Pam A. Mueller and Daniel M. Oppenheimer, The Pen is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand over Laptop Not Taking, Psychological Science 25.6 (June 2014): 1159-1168. See also the excellent guide produced by Harvard University s Harvard Initiative for Learning and Teaching (HILT): Machael C. Friedman, Notes and Note-Taking: Review of Research and Insights for Students and Instructors, available online at http://hilt.harvard.edu/files/hilt/files/notetaking_0.pdf and appended to this syllabus.
ST515: Scripture, Theology Proper, Anthropology (3 hrs) Page 3 of 4 Assignments Essay Exams You will be given a midterm exam and final exam as indicated on the course schedule. Both exams are timed essay exams that will be administered through the course page on Canvas. A representative list of essay questions will be posted on Canvas as a study guide. An element of choice will be built into both exams: you will be asked to write on four (4) out of five (5) essay prompts on the midterm exam and six (6) out of seven (7) on the cumulative final exam. Both exams are administered via Canvas and timed. You must complete the exam in a single session within the designated window of opportunity (80 minutes for the midterm and 120 minutes for the final). You are permitted to prepare a single page of notes you may consult during the exam; you must complete the exam on your own and not discuss the content of the either exam with classmates until the professor notifies you that all exams have been submitted. Book Review Students will submit a review of either Volf s Allah or Qureshi s No God but One (see required texts and associated footnote above for guidance) by the date indicated on the course schedule. Reviews should be five (5) pages of concise, penetrating academic engagement with the doctrine of God at work in the author s argument. Reviews should adopt standard review style followed in journals and literary reviews, headed by a single-spaced bibliographic references followed by a double-spaced essay that summarizes, critically engages, and evaluates the main argument of the author (Note: reviews written in a spiritually immature or disrespectful tone or informal style will be marked down.) Term Paper Students will write a 10-12 page term paper on an approved topic or issue in theological prolegomena, theology proper, or theological anthropology. Ideally, your paper will integrate exegetical, historical, and systematic perspectives and employ sound argumentation that demonstrates a clearly stated thesis. I strongly encourage you to select a topic or issue that you believe is vital for people around you to know and understand (whoever that may be in your life) or that proved especially significant to you through your studies in this course. Proper style and formatting are expected (see latest edition of Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations). Papers ought to be error-free and reflect careful, critical analysis and articulation that engages at least five high-quality resources. At the same time, I encourage you to (1) craft a thesis focused on some practical personal or ministry implication of your topic and (2) write in a warm and personal tone. You should seek the professor s approval of your paper topic and are encouraged to discuss your proposed thesis with the professor. Assignment Submission Policy Submit written assignments as individual pdf files via email to baugus.assignments@gmail.com. I will confirm receipt within 24 hours of your submission (it s an automatic reply, so check your junk folder if it doesn t arrive in your inbox). If you have not received a confirmation from me within 24 hours, be sure to follow up promptly using my contact information at the top of this syllabus. Course Grade Essay Exams Midterm 20% Final 30% Review 15% Term Paper 35% Total 100%
ST515: Scripture, Theology Proper, Anthropology (3 hrs) Page 4 of 4 Course Objectives Related to MDiv Student Learning Outcomes Articulation (oral & written) MDiv Student Learning Outcomes Rubric Mini-Justification Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Primary course objective is for students to become articulate in the Reformed orthodox Doctrine of Scripture, able to accurately explain and defend it. Scripture Reformed Theology Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. One does not know what to do with Scripture if one does not know what Scripture is and therefore how it must be properly handled. The class is presents an explicitly Reformed orthodox doctrine of Scripture as articulated in Westminster and other Reformed sources. Sanctification Desire for Worldview Winsomely Reformed Preach Worship Shepherd Church/World Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a Godhonoring manner to non-christians; and a truthin-love attitude in disagreements.) Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christian-worship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-christians, both in America and worldwide. Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. Moderate Moderate Moderate Minimal Minimal Minimal The course aims at increasing students knowledge of Scripture, the primary means of grace. This course argues that Scripture, as God s own word to us, is the supreme authority over faith and life and source of theology. The professor strives to model and encourage this ethos in the course as we consider various alternatives and challenges to the Reformed doctrine of Scripture. See Articulation above Though Scripture is central to worship, this course does not focus on these issues See Worship above. See Worship above.
ST515: Course Schedule Page 1 of 2 RTS NEW YORK CITY (09ST515) Note: the professor reserves the right to modify this schedule as needed at any time Spring 2017 Class will meet at Redeemer offices on two consecutive weekends: March 10 & 11 and March 17 & 18 (Fridays 6:00 9:00PM, Saturdays 9:00AM 6:00PM) and then over five Tuesday evenings (6:00 9:00PM) via Google Hangout on: March 28, April 4, 11, 18, & 25. Date Lecture Due Mar 10, 11 Introduction to Systematic Theology De Young, all Definition of Theology Kruger, all Problem of the Knowledge of God (Archetypal & Ectypal Theology) Bavinck, 1.1 2 (skim 1.3 5) Divine Revelation: General & Special Bavinck, 1.6 14 Word of God & Scripture BC 2 7 Doctrine of Scripture HC QQ 1 2 Inspiration & Self-Authentication WCF 1 Attributes: Authority, Necessity, Clarity, Sufficiency & Efficacy Canon & Integrity (Infallibility & Inerrancy) Scripture & Systematic Theology Interpretation System Mar 17, 18 Introduction to Doctrine of God Swain, all Knowing the Infinite & Incomprehensible God (revisited) Bavinck, 2.1 6 Divine Attributes Ecumenical Creeds, all Divine Simplicity & Divine Attributes BC 1, 8 11 Incommunicable HC QQ 22 26, 33, 53 Communicable WCF 2 Trinity Revelation & Definition One-ness of Essence & Three-ness of Persons Historical Development & Creedal Statements Ontological & Economic; ad intra & ad extra works Mar 21 27 Window of Opportunity (opens noon, Mar 21 and closes 11:59 PM, Mar 27) MIDTERM Mar 28 God s Works Bavinck, 2.7 10, 14 Decree BC 12 13 Providence CD I Creation WCF 3 Continues on Next Page This schedule of readings is based on the institutional expectation (see RTS Course Load policy) that students will work three hours per week for each credit hour of the course, which comes to nine hours each week for this three-credit course. Ordinarily, that consists of three hours of class time and six hours of reading, writing, and exam taking. Using an average graduate-student reading rate of 25-30 pages per hour (depending on density of material), the expected maximum reading load is 150 180 pages on weeks when class meets and 225 270 pages on weeks when class does not meet (for weeks when no other assignments are due). Due to the unusual structure of this course, I hope you will be able to do most of your reading prior to the two weekends we have together in March.
ST515: Course Schedule Page 2 of 2 RTS NEW YORK CITY (09ST515) Date Lecture Due Apr 4 Creation (continued) Introduction to Theological Anthropology (BPB) Bavinck, 2.11 12 Humanity as Created BC 13 14 Image of God (BPB) HC QQ 27 28 Male & Female WCF 5 Human Nature & Constitution Existence & Origin of the Soul Apr 11 Humanity as Created (continued) Gaffin, all Historicity of Adam and Eve Bavinck, 2.13 Human Solidarity & Salvation WCF 4 Apr 18 Covenant of Works Bavinck, 3.1 2 Original State WCF 7.1 2 Fall of Adam & Eve BC 13, 15 Possibility & Actuality Nature of Temptation & Sin Curse & Consequences Apr 25 Humanity as Fallen (continued) Bavinck, 3.3 4 Spiritual, Physical, and Eternal Death CD III/IV Original Sin & Universality of Sin HC LD QQ 6 11 Depravity & Inability WCF 6 Conclusion: the Fall, the Cross, and the Unsearchable Judgments of God May 2 11 Window of Opportunity (opens noon, May 2 and closes 11:59 PM, May 11) FINAL, REVIEW, & PAPER The Final Exam, Term Paper, and Book Review are due by 5 PM on the final day of this window. For submission instructions for written assignments see the Assignment Submission Policy statement in the course syllabus.