Systematic Theology III Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology Syllabus ST522 Fall 2012 Dr. Douglas F. Kelly Reformed Theological Seminary
Course Overview Systematic Theology III ST522 Dr. Kelly TEXTBOOKS: The Bible The Westminster Confession of Faith Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied Douglas Kelly, Systematic Theology, Vol. II (in manuscript format, to be purchased at start of course) Douglas Kelly, Revelation: A Mentor Commentary (Christian Focus, 2012) STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE: Lectures and readings will deal with five major topics: 1. CHRISTOLOGY We study the person and work of Christ based on exegesis of Scripture with reference to relevant historical church councils and confessions. Required reading for Christology: Kelly, Systematic Theology, Vol. II: Chapters 1-5,7-11 2. SOTERIOLOGY We study the application of Christ's work of redemption, the order of salvation and its benefits. We shall survey the exegetical basis and theological implications of: Union with Christ Calling Regeneration Conversion Faith Justification Adoption Sanctification Perseverance Required reading for Soteriology: Syllabus material Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied 3. ESCHATOLOGY We study the exegetical basis and theological implications of the doctrine of Last Things, including: Death The intermediate state The return of Christ The resurrection The final judgment
Required reading for Eschatology: Syllabus material Calvin, Institutes, III.25 (pp. 987-1008) Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 695-737 Kelly, Revelation: o Introduction, pp. 10-12 (read the section called, 'A Second Reason') o pp. 19-21 (read the section called 'When Was Revelation Written?') o Read the following chapters: 2, 3, 10, 13-15, 17, 19, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 32, 34, 35, 42, 44, 45, 47-49, 52-56, 58, 59, 65. REQUIREMENTS: 1. Do the required reading. 2. Learn the content conveyed in lectures. 3. Take-home exam on Kelly, Systematic Theology, Vol. II. Due at the beginning of class on Thursday, November 1, 2012. 4. Prepare an essay: 8 pages (typed, double spaced). Topics are in course notes. Due at the beginning of class on Thursday, October 18, 2012. 5. Two exams: a. A mid-term exam covering what has been done up to that point. This exam should last between one and two hours. Take extra care to be familiar with what has been covered up to this point in Kelly, Systematic Theology, Vol. II. To be taken in class on Thursday, October 4, 2012. b. A final exam, covering what has been done since the mid-term. It should take about two hours, though you may have more time if you wish. It will be taken during exam week.
Essays Choose one of these four topics of current interest. Write a brief (8 pages only) essay on it, typed and doublespaced. (Do not do much quotation in such a short essay). A. Discuss The New Perspective on Paul, particularly as regards Justification. Make reference to such scholars as N.T. Wright, Sanders and Dunn. B. Evangelicals and Catholics Together : The current debate and your assessment of it. Deal with theological issues; not personalities. Refer to such sources as Evangelicals and Catholics Together... in First Things (May 1994, pp. 15-22); R.C. Sproul ministries, Table Talk Nov., 1994, and also the Feb. 1995 issue: C. Colson, Why Catholics are our Allies in Nov. 14, 1994 Christianity Today, J.I. Packer, Why I signed it in Dec. 12, 1994 CT McGrath s Do we still need the Reformation... in the same edition. Michael Horton and J.I. Packer s Resolutions for R.C. and Evang. Dialogue. Check for more recent articles in CT and Table Talk. You could (but do not need to) refer to such works as Scott Hahn s Rome, Sweet Home and John Gerstner s Rome, Not Home, plus any other material you deem relevant. You may refer to the following new books: N.L. Geisler and R.E. MacKenzie, Roman Catholics and Evangelicals (Baker, 1995). Colson & Neuhaus, ed. Evangelicals & Catholics Together (Word: 1995). R.C. Sproul, Faith Alone, (Baker: 1995). C. Deal with your assessment of The Jesus Seminar : its presuppositions methodology and influence. See: The Five Gospels: The Search for the Authentic Words of Jesus, Funk et al., MacMillan: 1993. See also: Jesus Under Fire, eds. M.J. Wilkins and J.P. Moreland, Zondervan, 1995. For general background, you may wish to refer to: Robert Strimple, The Modern Search for the Real Jesus, (P&R 1995). Colin Brown, Miracles and the Critical Mind, (Eerdmans:1984). Colson & Neuhaus, ed. Evangelicals and Catholics Together (Word:1995). R.C. Sproul, Faith Alone, (Baker:1995). D. The doctrine of Adoption in Reformed theology and its specific relevance for pastoral counseling (deal with its application to one of these four areas: self-image, depression, divorce, child-abuse). Possible references re adoption: John L. Girardeau, Discussion of Theological Questions (chapter on adoption ). R.A. Webb, The Reformed Doctrine of Adoption.
Francis R. Beattie, The Presbyterian Standards: An Exposition of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms (Section on adoption ). John Murray, Collected Writings, 2: Systematic Theology, 223-234. C. John Miller, paper, Orphans vs. Sons. Allen Mawhinney, Baptism, Servanthood and sonship in Westminster Theological Journal 49 (1987) 35-64.
Course Objectives Related to MDiv Student Learning Outcomes With Mini-Justification Course: 3ST522 Professor: Douglas Kelly Campus: Charlotte Date: August, 2012 MDiv Student Learning Outcomes Rubric Mini-Justification Articulation (oral & written) Scripture Reformed Theology Sanctification Desire for Worldview Winsomely Reformed/ Evangelistic Preach Worship Shepherd Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. 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. 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 God-honoring manner to non-christians; and a truth-in-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 Christianworship 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 N/A Minimal None Students are required to express and articulate views based on readings, research, and class lectures, while incorporating their own viewpoints. The emphases of this course, Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology, each find their explanation by returning to the Scriptures for understanding. Although Scripture is the primary voice in this course, much of it is interpreted in the light of reformed theology, and backed up by the Westminster Standards. Students will not only learn theological truths about Christ, salvation, and the end times, but will also be taught how to view each of these in a biblically sound perspective. Seeing life through the lens of an accurate understanding of Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology affects everything that we do. Because each of these are controversial topics, other views are considered, discussed, and addressed in light of Scripture. The content of this class will help students to better understand these controversial issues, thus greatly aiding their preaching. The content of this class is significant in aiding leaders to not only lead their congregations to
Church/World America and worldwide. Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. maturity, but also to safeguard against erroneous doctrine in the church. This class utilizes the teachings of the Church Fathers and other theologians from throughout history, and thereby offers a rich emphasis on history. Many of the issues that the church has faced in the past continue to plague the church today, and this course offers orthodox responses to those issues.