6
Systematic Theology
RELIGION 317
T TH 1:10-2:40 in West
Dr. Paul R. Hinlicky
Office hours: Wednesdays 1-5pm
Office: 303 West Hall, ex. 2454
Theology is knowledge of God as given in the gospel and appropriated in the church. “In earnest invocation of God it is necessary to consider what one wants to address, what God is, how he is known, where and how he has revealed himself, and both if and why he hears our pleas and cries” (Melanchthon, Loci Communes - 1558). Systematic theology is the scholarly attempt to state in ordered and coherent form the Christian message that God may be known, the church edified and the world redeemed. Such statement tests the church’s proclamation and mission for its fidelity to the Word of God (dogmatics), engages critically with rival or alternative doctrines of human deliverance both within and outside the church (apologetics) and aspires to comprehensive interpretation of human experience in construction of “world-absorbing narrative” (systematics). This course accordingly facilitates knowledge of core Christian beliefs and critical reflection on the grounds for these beliefs, interconnections between them and ways in which they are imparted.
Attendance, Preparation and Participation: This is a 300-level course. Regular attendance and informed participation based upon the assigned readings constitute the minimal core requirement. If you miss three class periods for any reason you can expect a letter of warning. You may expect to be dropped from the course upon a fourth unexcused absence. Excused absences are by permission of the instructor in advance or by signed medical note from an attending physician’s office. A sleeping student is dismissed from class with an unexcused absence and no credit for the day’s work. As the course will be taught in interactive fashion, oral participation is a very important component. You should be prepared in every class to raise critical questions or comments on the assigned topic.
The Journal: Participation will be measured by a journal. Journal entries are to begin with selecting and answering 4 of the discussion questions from each chapter of Divine Complexity (attached to this syllabus as an appendix). Thereafter, for each chapter of Beloved Community and Paths Not Taken, you are to write one paragraph of critical questions and/or analysis on a passage or idea of your choice that you will be prepared to read to the class, if called upon. The journal must be kept current. The journal will be spot checked once during the first half of the semester. If you are not in class on the day your journal is called, you will receive a zero for that grade. The journals will be collected and given a final grade during the penultimate week of the semester.
Research Presentation: Each student will present a five minute summary of their research results at the end of the semester.
The Term Paper: The term paper is the core writing component in this course. It tests your ability to apply what you have learned in a sustained argument of your own. The term paper is to be a study of no more than 15 pages (standard format) of text (including endnotes). It is to include consideration of at least two other sources than the required texts of this course. The paper is due on the final day of class. The submission of outlines or rough drafts in advance is welcomed. Students can pursue one of two paths for this paper. 1) Students can select a theme in theology (Trinity, Christology, Sin, Grace etc.) and write a comparative paper contrasting the position taken in Hinlicky’s works and another modern theologian of the student’s choosing (e.g. Tillich, Barth, Bultmann). To accomplish this, students will have to read the other theologian’s writing on that topic, and at least one secondary source to aid in comprehension. 2) Students can select another modern theologian (e.g. Moltmann, Juengel, Jenson) and write a paper on a different approach to systematic theology. To accomplish this, students will have to study the other theologian’s method, with at least one secondary source to aid in comprehension. Selection of paper topic, bibliography and preliminary statement of thesis are due after Spring Break.
How papers are graded:
F: A paper which shows no evidence of having read or understood the assigned text, with spelling and grammatical errors.
D: A paper which does not explain the sense of the assigned reading but simply agrees or disagrees with it with no deeper questions.
C: A paper which presents a plausible interpretation of the sense of the reading by correctly citing passages and relating it to the author’s position in an coherent way. No spelling or grammatical errors
B: A paper which in addition to providing a plausible interpretation also delves into the complexities of the text and the issues it raises (or fails to raise). The “B” paper is critically engaged with the reading, putting questions back to the author and wondering how the topic or argument works in present circumstances. No spelling or grammatical errors and stylistically clear and pleasant to read.
A: A paper which in addition to plausible interpretation, critical engagement and good style evinces the student’s own creative engagement with the issue raised by the reading. An “A” paper goes one step beyond (but does not skip over!) how the reading is to be interpreted, and speaks to the issue itself which is raised by the reading
Tests: There are two quizzes at the beginning of the semester. The midterm is based upon the readings, classroom lectures and discussion to that point in the class. The final exam is comprehensive.
Grading: In calculating your grade, the term paper will be worth 35%, including 5% for selection of topic, bibliography and thesis statement. The final exam is worth 20% and the two quizzes are worth 2.5% each. The research presentation is worth 5%. Class participation in the form of the journal will be worth 35%, including 5% for the spot check in the first half of the semester.
Learning Disabilities: If you are on record with the College’s Special Services as having special academic or physical needs requiring accommodations, please meet with me during my regular office hours as soon as possible. We need to discuss your accommodations before they can be implemented. Also, please note that arrangements for extended time one exams and testing in a semi-private setting must be made at least one week before the exams. If you believe that you are eligible for accommodations but have not yet formally contacted Special Services, please call 375-2248 or drop by the Office of Academic Services in the Resource Development Building (across Clay Street from Crawford Hall).
The Roanoke College Integrity System will be observed at all times and in all circumstances.
Required Texts:
Hinlicky, The Substance of the Faith
Hinlicky, Paths Not Taken
Hinlicky, Luther and the Beloved Community
Hinlicky, Divine Complexity
Diogenes Allen, Philosophy for Understanding Theology
Schedule of Tuesday and Thursday Sessions
Tuesday, Jan. 12
Introductory session reviewing syllabus
Lecture: What is systematic theology? Apologetic and kerygmatic functions. Public nature of theology. Faith, Reason and Revelation. The Modern Challenge. The Gospel and Its Interpretation of the World.
Thursday, Jan. 14
Reading Quiz
Reading: Hinlicky, Beloved Community, Chapter 1 & Allen, Chapter 11
Tuesday, Jan. 19
Reading Quiz
Reading: Substance of the Faith, Chapter 3 & Allen, Chapter 12
Thursday, Jan. 21
Reading Questions
Reading: Divine Complexity, Introduction & Chapter 1
Tuesday, Jan. 26
Reading Questions
Reading: Divine Complexity, Chapter 2
Thursday, Jan. 28
Reading Questions
Reading: Divine Complexity, Chapter 3 & Allen, Chapter 1
Tuesday, Feb. 2
Reading Questions
Reading: Divine Complexity, Chapter 4 & Allen, Chapter 2
Thursday, Feb. 4
Reading Questions
Reading: Divine Complexity, Chapter 5 & Allen, Chapter 3
Tuesday, Feb. 9
Reading Questions
Reading: Divine Complexity, Chapter 6 & Allen, Chapter 4
Tuesday, Feb. 16
Reading: Beloved Community, Chapter Two & Allen, Chapter 6
Thursday, Feb. 18
Reading: Beloved Community, Chapter Three
Tuesday, Feb. 23
Reading: Beloved Community, Chapter Four
Thursday, Feb. 25
Reading: Beloved Community, Chapter Five
SPRING BREAK
Tuesday, Mar. 9
Reading: Allen, Chapters 7 - 9
Selection of paper topic, bibliography and preliminary statement of thesis are due
Thursday, Mar. 11
Reading: Beloved Community, Chapter Six
Tuesday, Mar. 16
Reading: Beloved Community, Chapter Seven
Thursday, Mar. 18
Reading: Beloved Community, Chapter Eight
Tuesday, Mar. 23
Reading: Beloved Community, Chapter Nine & Conclusion & Allen, Chapter 10
Thursday, Mar. 25
Reading: Paths Not Taken, Chapter 1
Tuesday, Mar. 30
Reading: Paths Not Taken, Chapter 2
Thursday, Apr. 1
Reading: Paths Not Taken, Chapter 3
Tuesday, Apr. 6
Reading: Paths Not Taken, Chapter 4
Thursday, Apr. 8
Reading: Paths Not Taken, Chapter 5
Tuesday, Apr. 13
Reading: Paths Not Taken, Chapter 6
Journals due
Thursday, Apr. 15
Research Presentations/ Term Paper due
Final Exam
Discussion Questions for Divine Complexity
Introduction and Chapter 1
What is theology about?
What is the gospel?
What is the starting-point of faith?
What is the difference beweeen apophatic and kataphatic theology?
Chapter 2
Why does the resurrection of Jesus matter?
Why should the resurrection critique metaphysics rather than vice versa?
Why did Jesus die “accursed” of God?
What purpose do miracles serve?
How can the Jesus of history be identical to the risen Christ? What are the difficulties with this affirmation?
On what grounds does Christian theology equate the Son of Mary with the Son of God?
Why does it matter that the facts about Jesus are “narratable”? How is narrative different from both the propositional claims of critical historiography and mythology?
What is the purpose of doctrines or dogmas in relation to the “primary theology of promissory narrative”?
What is the relationship between promise and fulfillment? between belief and the object of belief?
Chapter 3
Why have modern Christian scholars had difficulty in seeing the continuity in the depictions of Jesus in the Synoptics, John, and Paul?
How did the earliest Christian community unite these depictions into one canon of faith?
How does the gospel of John hold together the “weeping Jesus” and the “exalted Jesus”?
How did the martyr experience shape the gospel of John?
Why is John identified as a “bridge” in early Christian development?
Why is “antidocetic christology” such an essential decision in early Christianity?
How did martyrdom serve as the “continuation” of the gospel?
In what way is the gospel the hermeneutical key to the Scriptures?
Why is it necessary to have a hermeneutical key to the Scriptures?
What is meant by a “martyrs’ canon?”
What is source in early Christian community life of the “rule of faith?”
Chapter 4
How is Paul’s doctrine a “doctrine for life”?
What is the difference between “supercession of the Temple” and “supercession of God’s election of the Jews”?
How did the earliest Christians regard the eucharist? How did their pagan enemies regard it?
What kind of “atheism” is fitting for Christian believers?
Why does a “yes” to the Holy Trinity logically require a “no” to certain other things?
How are Christians to locate the moral and spiritual courage to say the no that corresponds to their yes?
Why does Irenaeus have to “invent” dogmatic theology? What method does he use?
Why can theology ask “what” and “why” but not “how”?
What is the difference between thinking of Jesus as a symbol of God and thinking of Jesus as the advent of a person of God?
Why is the gnostic separation of the “God of love” from the “God of justice” in fact a sign of the utmost contempt for God?
Chapter 5
What does “God” mean?
What did Christianity find congenial in Middle Platonism?
What made modalism and subordinationism attractive to early Christians?
What were the two monotheisms that Origen was trying to knit together? To what extent did he succeed and to what extent did he fail?
Explain the difference between simplicity as a rule for speaking about God and simplicity as a metaphysical insight into the being of God.
Chapter 6 and Postscript
What attitude toward the state does trinitarian orthodoxy promote?
Why does everything really depend on the resurrection of the dead?
Which is correct, “God is triune” or “The Trinity is God”? Why?
Why do Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa argue that the Spirit is of the same divinity as the Father and the Son?
Why is divinity not a quality but a nature?
Why do Platonists fear “becoming” in God?
Why must Christians predicate an “impassible passibility” of the incarnate Logos? Why may contemporary Christians also predicate an impassiblity possibility to the life of the Trinity.
Why is it as misleading to say that God suffers as we do as it is to say that God doesn’t suffer at all?
6