This course seeks to establish the theological foundation for pursuing the (other) liberal arts and sciences by introducing the biblical, historical and philosophical roots of (Christian) theism’s concept of God. Understanding of the subject grows by examining such topics as Christology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, Eschatology, etc. Students are introduced to six fundamental branches of Theology—Biblical, historical, natural, philosophical, systematic and practical—and the unique contribution each makes to our attempts to speak responsibly about God.
Introduction to the study of Theology and theological systems and approaches. Theology Proper: The existence, personality, nature, attributes and work of God, the Trinity, the person and work of God the Father, election. Bibliology: the inspiration, authority, canonicity of Scripture, the place of Scripture in revelation. Christology: the person and work of Christ including his deity, humanity, virgin birth, death, resurrection and work of atonement. Pneumatology: the person, work, deity and importance in the lives of Christians today.
Anthropology: The creation, fall and death of man, the image of God, mans present situation and eternal status. Hamartology: the existence of sin and evil in creation, its application to mankind, its defeat by the work of Christ. Soteriology: the application of the atonement as received by man, the study of reconciliation, justification, propitiation, and redemption in the life of the believer, grace and sanctification. Eschatology: definition and order of the unfulfilled events in the plan of God, the rapture, tribulation, millennium and eternal state.
A survey of theology specifically designed to give the student a foundation in all areas of systematic theology. Included would be these areas: The doctrine of the scriptures, the doctrine of God, Christ and The Holy Spirit. Also included in consideration will be the doctrine of angels, the church, sin and salvation and the last things and the doctrine of man. Selected biblical references will utilized in each area along with the various theological system's input into each subject. Application of biblical truth is built into class assignments. Available to transfer students with junior standing only.
Major doctrines of Scripture emphasizing theology proper, Christology, pneumatology, angelology, anthropology, ecclesiology. (CAPSTONE)