This course gives students a first look at theology, its nature, method, terms and systems. The curriculum is built on the theological concepts encountered in this course. In this course you will begin the study of theology by focusing on the nature of God's progressive revelation as well as the inspiration, inerrancy and authority of Scripture. Then you will turn to God's triune nature and work, including decree and its attendant aspects of election, creation, preservation and providence. (Prerequisite DBS 506)

A. You will have an increased appreciation for the importance a theological system will have on your Christian faith and life.

B. You will become acquainted with terminology, concepts, and methods of the several major theological systems.

C. You will recognize the significance and necessity of God's self-revelation for knowledge and service of God.

D. You will come to have confidence in the Bible as the inspired Word of God and therefore trustworthy and authoritative.

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

F. You will develop answers to the contemporary issues related to the doctrines covered in the course.

The assigned reading is listed in the course outline. Read the three articles from EDT in each week's listing which will be most beneficial to you at the familiarity level. All other 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 at a mastery level. Each assignment should be completed before the class session so that you will be able to participate in and benefit from the class discussions.

You will study of two theological topics and come to your own personal doctrinal commitment for two issues. You will choose your topics from two of the four sections of the course covering (revelation, inspiration, the person of God and the work of God). In each you will follow the Integrative Theology method set forth in Lewis & Demarest chapter 1. Each statement must reflect your own personal commitment for the question under consideration at this point in your Christian life. You must clearly delineate the issue under discussion, evidence an awareness of the range of options that have been held with reference to this question throughout the history of the church, a sensitivity to the biblical development of the topic under discussion from the perspective of Biblical Theology [Be very careful here. You must follow the method explained in the first lecture], a personal synthesis that clearly delineates your own doctrinal commitment at this point in time giving the rationale and theological and biblical evidence. Your apologetic interaction must point out the strengths and weaknesses of other positions and why you adopt the position you adopt. Do not merely quote the work of other theologians. This will be followed by an apologetic interaction and a section on the relevance of the doctrine to life and ministry. I want to see your thinking and reflection. These will be graded on a basis of Superior/ideal treatment (A), Above Average (B), Adequate (C), Minimally Acceptable (D). All work must reflect Master's Level use of the English Language. Any instance of Plagiarism will result in failure of the first assignment so discovered. A second instance will result in failure in the course.

Papers must be written to a near-thesis standard. That is, minimum format standards must be met, as defined below. English grammar, idiom and spelling must be up to graduate level. Always include a strong introduction paragraph-declare what you intend to show the reader-and conclusion paragraph. Qualities valued include clarity, succinctness, and precision.

This class will maintain an online discussion group at the Western Seminary Web Site in order to further facilitate implications and understanding of information and issues raised in class. Each student will spend a minimum of 10 minutes per week in reading and as appropriate, contributing to the ongoing discussions.