THEO 521 Foundations of Christian Theology

This course examines various approaches to theology which include but are not limited to biblical, historical, systematic, philosophical, and practical theology. The presuppositions undergirding theological procedures will be examined and evaluated.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

In a world filled with competing truth claims and opposing ideological tensions, Christians need more than inherited beliefs—they need the ability to think theologically with clarity, humility, and faithfulness. Believers must be able to recognize the assumptions and framework they bring to the theological task, evaluate various approaches to understanding God and his Word, and cultivate discernment in applying Christian theology to life. Establishing a procedure for theological inquiry ensures that Christians can address any new question nor concept they encounter. Such grounding is not only essential for academic study and ministry leadership but also for every Christian who desires to love God in a coherent and consistent way.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences, and there will be three of these held in this course. The student will post one thread of at least 400 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate a comprehension of the corresponding course material, incorporating at least two scholarly sources into the initial thread. The student must then post 2 replies of at least 200 words each by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned Module: Week. Each reply must be at least 200 words and incorporate at least one scholarly source. Proper Turabian formatting must be used for each citation in both the initial thread and replies.  (CLO: A, B, C)

Video Discussions (2)

Video discussions are collaborative learning experiences, and there will be two of these held in this course. In each video discussion, the student will be given two prompts. The student will choose one and record a video response that is between 4-6 minutes in length. The response must incorporate at least two clear references to the course readings and/or lectures. The video must be posted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The student must then post 2 written replies of at least 200 words each by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned Module: Week. Each reply must be at least 200 words and incorporate at least one citation from the course readings and/or lectures. Proper Turabian formatting must be used for each citation. (CLO: A, B, C)

Theological Approach Exploration Paper Assignment

Students will write a paper (2,250-2,500 words) that explores one of the theological approaches discussed in the course materials. This paper should make an argument for what makes this method compelling. It will be focused on how the methodology might be juxtaposed with other approaches, the strengths and challenges of using this method in theological discourse, and how it might address a debated theological issue. The paper should use proper Turabian formatting, and it must interact with the course materials as well as other theological voices in evangelical scholarship (5 scholarly sources minimum). (CLO: A, B)

Theological Procedures Application Project Assignment

Using the procedures for conducting a Christian theological study discussed in the course materials, students will apply an integrative method in the study of a theological topic. This study will be conducted as a workflow in the Logos Bible Software and use both the resources in Logos as well as other scholarly materials as directed. The workflow will instruct students in the requirements of each step of the procedure and students are expected to complete each component completely before submission. Students will export the completed workflow from Logos and submit it in Canvas as a Word or PDF document. (CLO: C)

Theological Case Study Evaluation Assignment

Incorporating an understanding of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, students will evaluate three case studies related to doctrine, cultural issues, and the Christian life. These evaluations will involve diagnosing theological presuppositions, interpreting the situation using principles of Christian theological method, and communicating a proposed resolution of the dilemma. Though not a formal research paper, students will follow the specific instructions provided in Canvas, complete the assignment using correct grammar/syntax and Turabian formatting, and incorporate at least four scholarly resources. The completed assignment must be completed in 2,250-2,500 words. (CLO: B, C)