GB 5K43 (CRN ----) Seminar in Theology: Theology of the Cross
Summer 2017
June 1 – July 28 WEB
Pre-course work required before class begins (see below)
Earl Lavender
Office: Ezell 220B
Office ph. (615) 966-5834
Course Description:
What is the meaning of the cross for the Christian – one who is dedicated to walking authentically with Jesus Christ? What is the meaning of the cross to the church? It is an event done for us, or rather an invitation to us to live a cruciform life? Several authors have recently commented that the church, as it presently exists in the West, has separated itself from the very heart of the Christian faith because of its lack of a robust theology of the cross.
This seminar is designed to dig into the meaning of the cross in all is multifaceted glory. Working out of the Christ hymn in Philippians 2:5-11, we will ask the question, “What is the meaning of the cross?” Each participant in this study will be guided to identify a robust and practical theology of the cross. The on line lectures will serve to provide parameters to this end. This will be an exploration – the course is not designed to deliver an orthodox theory of atonement or propitiation. As a participant, you will be expected to mine deeply the appropriate Scriptures to develop an understanding of how the cross ought to connect to every aspect of the believer’s and the church’s life.
The reading requirements for the course are challenging. The total page count is almost 1300 pages – but this serves as the main content of the course. A pre-course paper (essay) and a final project (see below) are the only requirements besides a weekly Tegrity presentation (BlackBoard) and threaded discussion. Basic weekly time requirements will be about the same as attending a three hour course – less than 200 pages of reading per week, one recorded lecture – and your vibrant on-line discussion with others on the same adventure.
Required Reading:
Required books:
Green, Joel B and Mark D. Baker. Recovering the Scandal of the Cross: Atonement in New Testament & Contemporary Contexts (Intervarsity Press, 2000) ISBN 0-8308-1571-6
Rutledge, Fleming. The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ (Eerdmans: 2015) ISBN 978-0-8028-4732-4
Wright, NT. The Day the Revolution Began: Reconsidering the Meaning of Jesus’ Crucifixion (HarperOne: 2016) ISBN 9780062334381.
The required books will be read during the course, with weekly presentations based on the readings.
Course Requirements:
Class preparation and participation: A class schedule will be made available the first of May. Participants in the seminar are required to do the assigned reading before participating in the weekly Tegrity recording on BlackBoard.
Each student is to participate weekly in the threaded discussion (8 in all), based on the required reading and lecture.
There is a required entry essay – a 1,000 word (minimum) description of your understanding of the meaning of the cross – how you understood it as a child and how you now understand it.
The final project is a 3,000 word paper identifying your “theology of the cross.” You are encouraged to use other resources in your paper, but because of the high page count, the sources used for the class will suffice. This paper is to conclude with a practical application of this theology of the cross in the life of an individual Christian and in the life of the church.
Grading:
Participation (timely participation in the threaded discussions) 20%
Pre-course Essay 10%
Final Paper: 70%
Grading Scale:
93-100, A; 84-92 B; 70-83, C.