WESTERN SEMINARY

Portland, Oregon 97215

 

THS 502  THEOLOGY II

Glorifying the Word of Life

Summer Semester, 2003

Gerry Breshears, Instructor

 

SYLLABUS

 

 

REQUIRED TEXTS

 

M. Erickson, Christian Theology

W. Elwell, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology

 

 

COLLATERAL TEXTS

 

S. Grenz, Social God and Relational Self

G. Ladd, A Theology of The New Testament

M. S. Peck, People of the Lie

A. Plantinga, Not The Way It's Supposed to Be

J. Stott, The Cross of Christ

D. Tidball, The Message of the Cross

 

 

CATALOG DESCRIPTION

 

Continuing the process of learning to think theologically you will now apply yourself to biblical revelation regarding the Son as the source of life. You will investigate humanity, its dignity as image of God and its depravity as sinful beings, the reality and impact of spiritual beings as backdrop for the atoning work of the Son and its application in the aspects of our salvation. Contemplating the majesty of the Son's work in light of the depth of sin will invigorate our worship and impel our work for His kingdom. Prerequisite: THS 501. 4 hours.

 

 

COURSE GOALS

 

A.        You will deepen your understanding of the nature and work of God and in so doing deepen your devotional life and ministry.  Specifically you will learn the importance of developing a theocentric worldview.

 

B.         You will be able to state clearly a biblical understanding of the doctrines relating to theological anthropology, hamartiology, angelology, atonement, and soteriology.

 

C.        You will interact biblically, theologically and personally with contemporary issues related to the doctrines covered in this course.  Examples include: human origin, the image of God, dichotomy/trichotomy, the effects of sin, the present roles of angels and demons in the world, the significance of Christ's atonement, and its application in salvation.

 

D.        You will strengthen your ability to think critically, constructively and theologically.

 

E.         You will deepen your awareness and appreciation for the various contemporary evangelical viewpoints relating to these areas.

 

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME:

Western: (503) 517-1870; 1-800-547-4546

Home: 2306 SE 54th Portland, OR 97215; (503) 234-4274

FAX:  (503) 517-1859

Email:  GBreshears@WesternSeminary.edu; GBreshears@Compuserve.com

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

A.        Reading assignments

 

            The assigned reading is listed in the course outline.  Read the three articles from EDT in each section listing which will be most beneficial to you.  All assigned readings will be done at the mastery level.  Reading at this level will average about 20 pages per hour and assumes careful reflective interaction with the ideas, note taking and will lead to accountability in class, papers and tests at a mastery level.  (825 pages = 41 hours).  Completion of the sectional reading assignment (due by the first class of the following week except the Christology section, due before the exam) will be reported on the class report form provided.  Each assignment completed on time will earn 4 points.  Assignments completed late will earn 2 points each.  Turn the form in no later than the day of the final exam (41 hours)

 

B.         Class Notes

 

To get the class outlines and papers, point your browser to "www.westernseminary.edu". Click on "Faculty Papers for Download," on the lower part of the opening page. It will give you three search options.  If you hit enter you will see all the faculty papers. If enter "THS 502" in the keyword box, it will show the sections of the outline specific to this class. Click on the one you want and it will download into your word processor.  Note that you need MS Word, version 97 or later to read the files.  I can also copy the files onto your diskette in virtually any Windows word processor format.

C.        Scripture Meditation

 

You will spend time meditating on biblical passages relevant to the various topics we will cover in the class.  You will read thoughtfully, prayerfully and theologically the week's passage for about 10 minutes, once a day, three days per week. To preserve the impact of the mediation, journal your personal reflections on the passages.  Rather than summaries of the passages, focus on how your life and ministry have been (or should be) impacted by the truths you have mediated on. You will receive 3 points per meditations submitted on time and 2 for ones submitted late. Turn these at the beginning of the class session listed in the syllabus. (7 hours)

 

D.        Article Interaction

 

As you read Stan Grenz, Social God and Relational Self, 183-210, write a two page (maximum) paper with nine paragraphs. The first seven will summarize Grenz' perspective on each of the following: Selem, Demut, Image of God as Similarity, Counterpart, Dominion, Representation and the concept of glory. Conclude with one paragraph summarizing his overall definition of the image of God and one paragraph of brief assessment. This paper will be due January 27th.  (2 hours)

 

E.         Doctrinal Statements

 

            You will prepare a succinct statement of your own personal doctrinal commitment typed and double-spaced which will be turned in with each examination.  One covering man and sin (about two pages) will be due with the first exam.  One covering angelology (less than one page) atonement (about one page) will be due with the second examination.  One covering soteriology (about two pages) will be due with the final examination.  You should review the handout "Suggestions for Preparation of Doctrinal Statements" for issues to be covered. You should review the handout "Suggestions for Preparation of Doctrinal Statements" for issues to be covered (available on line). Examples are on reserve in the library and on the Western web site.  (15 hours)

 

F.         Examinations

 

            Three take home examinations will be given.  The dates and topics are in the class schedule.  The first section of the exam will be specific multiple choice and short answer questions covering the factual content of the course.  The second section will be a state and defend question.  Several possible questions will be given on the study sheet for the exam.  On state and defend questions you will be expected to state your own position on a specific question carefully, to support it with Scripture and relevant arguments, and to answer significant objections. (21 hours)

 

 

 

FINAL GRADE

 

The final grade will be determined on the following basis:

 

Reading report                                        56

Meditations                                            39

Examinations                                        180

Interaction Paper                                    60

Doctrinal Statements                               90

Total Points                                          425

 

The basic grading scale is 100-90% = A, 90-80% = B, 80-70% = C, 70-60% = D.  Borderline grades will be determined on the basis of class participation and pattern of improvement.  To receive audit or enrichment credit, you must attend at least 80% of the class sessions and report that fact to the instructor by the day of the final.  Assignments are due at 5:00 p.m. on the day noted in the syllabus.  Due dates may be varied to allow for your demanding schedule.  If you need to make such arrangements, please do so well in advance and formalize them in writing.  If prior arrangements have not been made, the mark on assignments turned in late will be reduced at the rate of one half letter grade per half week up to a maximum deduction of two letter grades. Unless you qualify for an incomplete as defined in Western's catalog, all assignments must be turned in by 5:00 PM August 6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                             CLASS SCHEDULE

 

DATE             TOPIC AND ASSIGNMENT

 

June 23                        Introduction; Biblical-Theological Foundations; Human Origin; Unity of the Race

Erickson, 480-516 [Bracketed page numbers from first edition 455-493]

[A] Ladd, "The Pauline Psychology," A Theology of the New Testament

EDT, Flesh; Man, Doctrine of (676-682); Heart; Life; Man; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Woman

[Note: This session only, reading due by June 25]

 

June 25                        Image of God; Human Constitution; Monism-Dualism; Genesis 1:26-2:25

Erickson, 517-557 [495-539]

Hoekema, Created in His Image, 102-111

EDT, Image of God; Solidarity of the Race

            [Note: Reading from here on due by the beginning of class period]

June 30                        Dichotomy-Trichotomy; Origin of the Soul; Personhood; Mark 12:28-34; 1 Thess. 5:23-24

            Erickson, 558-575 [541-558]

            Grenz, Social God and Relational Self, 183-210.

            [A] Grenz, Social God and Relational Self, 58-182

            EDT, Dualism; Dichotomy; Trichotomy

 

July 2                           Original State of Man; Origin of Sin; The Fall, Genesis 3:1-24

Plantinga, Not the Way It's Supposed to Be, Preface, Chapters 1, 3, 5 (at least)

EDT,  Fall of Man; Righteousness, Original Sin; Temptation

 

July 4               4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY

 

July 7               Nature of Sin;  Transmission of Sin; Romans 5:11-21

            Erickson, 580-617 [562-600]

            EDT,  Sin (1012-1019); Federal Theology; Imputation, Pelagius;

 

July 9               Sin in the Human Race; Punishment of Sin; Ephesians 2:1-10

            Erickson, 618-674 [601-658]

            Peck, People of the Lie, 36-84

            EDT,  Depravity; Semi-Pelagianism; Traducianism

 

July 10             Exam Distributed; Due July 14

 

July 11             Angelology, Satanology, Demonology; Colossians 1:13-23; 2:9-15

            Erickson, 457-475 [433-451]

            Rogue Fellowship, "Deliverance Ministry" [Handout]

            [A] Arnold, Powers of Darkness, pp. 181-193, 210-217

            Tidball, The Message of the Cross, 247-261

EDT, Angel; Demon, demon possession; Elements, elemental spirits; Occult; Principalities and powers; Satan, Satanism; Witchcraft

 

July 15             Offices of Christ; Theories of Atonement, Hebrews 9:23-10:25

            Erickson, 779-817 [761-800]

            [A] Stott, Cross of Christ, 133-175, 212-217

            Packer, "The Heart of the Atonement," Knowing God

EDT, Amyraldianism; Atonement, Theories of; Cross, Crucifixion; Obedience of Christ; Offices of Christ; Satisfaction

 

July 17             Nature of Atonement, Extent of Atonement; Rom. 3:21-31 

            Erickson, 818-858 [801-841]

            Tidball, The Message of the Cross, 184-199

[A] Green & Baker, Recovering the Scandal of the Cross, 51-67, 140-152

Scaer, et. al. "Nature and Extent of the Atonement" BETS 10:4 [Readings Packet]

EDT, Atonement, Extent of; Offerings and Sacrifices;  Propitiation; Ransom; Reconciliation; Redeemer, Redemption;

 

July 18             Exam Distributed; Due July 22

 

July 21             Election; Ephesians 1:3-14

            Erickson, 901-940 [First edition: 887-928]

            Grider, A Wesleyan-Holiness Theology, 241-255

EDT, Arminianism, Elect, Election; Foreknowledge; Monergism; Predestination; Reprobation; Synergism

 

July 23                         Common Grace, General/Effectual Calling, Prevenient Grace, Conversion; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

            Erickson, 941-954, [First edition: 929-942]

            Grider, A Wesleyan-Holiness Theology, 350-362

EDT,  Call, Calling; Identification with Christ; Imputation; Mysticism; Order of Salvation; Salvation

 

July 25             Regeneration, Justification, Adoption; Titus 3:3-8

            Erickson, 955-978 [942-965]

            [A] Radmacher, Salvation 113-140, 237-247

EDT,  Conversion; Faith; Grace; Justification; Law; Regeneration; Repentance; Righteousness; Works

 

July 29             Union with Christ, Sanctification; Colossians 3:1-17

            Erickson, 979-995 [966-983]

            [A] Packer, Rediscovering Holiness, 89-118

EDT,  Holiness; Perfection, Perfectionism;; Sanctification; Spirituality; Universalism

 

July 31             Perseverance; Romans 8:1-39;

            Erickson, 996-1032 [984-1022]

            EDT, Glorification; Perseverance

 

Aug. 1              Exam Distributed; Due Aug. 6  


 

                                                                      NAME ____________________________BOX_____

 

 

 

                                                          CLASS WORK REPORT

                                                               THS 502 Theology II

                                                                  Gerry Breshears

 

 

                                            DUE DATE        READING ASSIGNMENT

 

                                     June 25        ____ On Time ____ Late ______ A

 

                                                 June 25        ____ On Time ____ Late

 

                                                 June 30        ____ On Time ____ Late ______ A

 

                                                   July 2        ____ On Time ____ Late

 

                                                   July 7        ____ On Time ____ Late

 

                                                   July 9        ____ On Time ____ Late

 

                                                  July 11        ____ On Time ____ Late  ______ A

 

                                                  July 15        ____ On Time ____ Late  ______ A

 

                                                  July 17        ____ On Time ____ Late  ______ A

 

                                                  July 21        ____ On Time ____ Late

 

                                                  July 23        ____ On Time ____ Late

 

                                                  July 25       ____ On Time ____ Late  ______ A

 

                                                  July 29       ____ On Time ____ Late  ______ A

 

                                                  July 31       ____ On Time ____ Late

                     _________________________________________________________

 

                                    TOTALS (14 possible)      ____ On Time ____ Late      ______ A

 

 

______/56 possible points