Introduction to Christian Doctrine

Syllabus for J-Term 2016

January 4-9

COURSE DESCRIPTION An introductory course in systematic theology from an evangelical, Wesleyan perspective that seeks to give students a clear foundation in Christian doctrine to further their personal discipleship and enable them to minister with theological integrity and biblical faithfulness. This course will cover such topics as God, the Bible, Sin, Salvation, the Church, and Eschatology.

INSTRUCTORRussell J. Veldman III

1006 Maple St.

Lawrenceville IL 62439

cell: (618) 707-5412

REQUIRED TEXTS

Demaray, D. (1996) Basic Beliefs. Indianapolis, IN: Light and Life Communications. Available used online.

Purkiser, W.T. (Ed.) (1978). Exploring our Christian Faith. Kansas City: Beacon Hill. Make sure you get the 1978 edition! Available used online.

Thoennes, E. (2008) Biblical Doctrine: An Overview (13 articles), in The ESV Study Bible (pp. 2505-2534). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. Provided FREE in class.NOTE: this good resource is evangelical, but differs from a Wesleyan-Arminian perspective at certain points. It will beused in comparison with our other texts to help us see differences between Wesleyan-Arminian doctrine and doctrine from another evangelical viewpoint. You may not reproduce this document.

Veldman III, R. (2006). Classic Catechism. Indianapolis, IN: Light and Life Communications. Contains an appendix with the Free Methodist Articles of Religion. Available at Wesleyan Publishing House and Amazon.com

A copy of the Bible, preferably the English Standard Version or the New American Standard Bible ('95 update).

GRADING

Assignments40 points

Class Participation30 points

Final Exam30 points

NOTES ON COURSEWORK

1. Under each major topic below, read the assigned pages in Exploring Our Christian Faith (hereafter Exploring), Basic Beliefs, Biblical Doctrine: An Overview (hereafter Biblical Doctrine), and the Classic Catechism and answer the questions for that topic. Answers should be concise and cover essential points, relying primarily on the textbooks. Include biblical references were possible. Do not simply copy words from the textbooks, but do the reading, study the questions, and put answers in your own words with as much precision as you can muster.It is highly recommended that students complete all the reading and writing assignments before J-Term begins, and then revise each assignment during J-Term before handing it in.Answers count for 40% of course grade.

2. Be prepared to discuss your answers in class. Participation in class discussions counts for 30% of course grade.

3. Lessons will be handed in at the end of each class day. During class you are welcome to add to your answers as you gain insights from lectures and discussion. You will want to keep a copy for yourself. You will have time in class toask the instructor any pertinent questions you may have about the subject matter.The instructor prefers that you email your assignments to him for ease of grading.

4. Thisstudy is foundational to your walk with Jesus and the integrity of your present and future ministry. Determine to give your best effort to the glory of God. Be persistent and disciplined. You can do it!

5. On each homework page please define the lesson topics being worked and number your answers. Please write the questions on your answer sheet. If assignments are handwritten instead of being typed into a word processor, make sure that the handwriting is legible. Illegible answers are automatically considered incorrect.

6. There will be a take-home final exam, worth 30% of the course grade.

7. If you adequately complete the homework, participate in class discussion, and take the exams, then you will pass the class, I promise! More importantly, you will have a foundation for your faith and walk that can last a lifetime, and will hopefully inspire you to continue a serious study of theology to further your own worship and service to God.

ASSIGNMENTS

Date / Topics / Work Due
Pre-Class Work(all due on Monday evening, January 4) / Study
  • All ofBasic Beliefs
  • Biblical Doctrine: An Overview, pages 1-5
  • Exploring Our Christian Faith, chapters 1,2, 4, 5
Questions to answer (numbers in parentheses are page numbers of Exploring Our Christian Faithunless otherwise specified):
  1. Briefly explain three ideas that were new to you from Basic Beliefs.
  2. What section or topic from Basic Beliefs was most confusing to you?
  3. What section or topic from Basic Beliefsmost intrigued you and left you wanting far more information about it?
  4. Give your best definition so far of theology.
  5. Why do you think or not think it is important for Christian leaders to study theology?
  6. Is learning theology good for a believer's walk with God? How so? (see Biblical Doctrine, page 1)
  7. Briefly define what it means to have faith.
  8. What are some of the forms of monotheism? Briefly define each. (30-31).
  9. What are some evidences for theism? (35-50). Briefly define each.
  10. In reaction to your reading in Exploring, why do you think it is important for a Christian to be familiar with other religions?
  11. What other two major world religions are monotheistic besides Christianity?
  12. Who are the "church fathers?" (74-81)
  13. What two key doctrines were formulated during the patristic period? (77).
  14. What are the four major movements that formed the Reformation? (81-84)
  15. What was the key truth that Martin Luther recovered? (82)
  16. State the basic principles that came out of the Protestant Reformation. (81-82)
  17. What is Arminius famous for rejecting and reformulating? (84-86)
  18. What two distinct doctrines did John Wesley develop an emphasize? Briefly explain each. (89-91)

Mon., Jan. 4 / Why study theology?
Prolegomena / Pre-class work due.
Tues., Jan. 5 / Bibliology:
the study of God's revelation
Theology Proper: The study of the person of God / Study:
  • Basic Beliefs, chapters 2, 4
  • Exploring, chapter 3, 6, 7, pages 179-182
  • Biblical Doctrine, pages 6-8, 11-21
  • Classic Catechism, questions 157-161, 1-29
  • Articles of Religion (in the back of Classic Catechism), ¶108-109
Questions to answer:
  1. List the three major ways that God has chosen to reveal Himself to humankind.
  2. Discuss briefly the way God chose to reveal himself in history. (54-56)
  3. What does God's self-revelation in Christ tell us about God? (56-57)
  4. Discuss briefly the biblical doctrine of the inspiration of the Scriptures and note the several factors related to inspiration. (57-60)
  5. Regarding the method of the inspiration of the Scriptures, discuss briefly the relationship of the divine and human elements. (60-64)
  6. Briefly distinguish between "infallibility" and "inerrancy."
  7. How does the Free Methodist Church's statement about biblical inspiration compare to the description of biblical inspiration inBiblical Doctrine: An Introduction? How are they similar and different?
  8. What is your own understanding of biblical inspiration thus far? Are you in full agreement with the Free Methodist Church's position?
  9. What is the difference between the incommunicable attributes of God and the communicable ones? (Biblical Doctrine, pages 13-14)
  10. What is meant by the sovereignty of God? (117) Is the definition of this substantially different in the Biblical Doctrine: An Introduction document (p. 16)? How so?
  11. Explain what it means that God is transcendent and immanent. (119; see also Biblical Doctrine, page 47)
  12. Briefly define omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence in reference to God (120-121).
  13. What does it mean to say that God is a "person"? (122)
  14. What does it mean for us to call God "Father"? (124-125)
  15. What does it mean that God is holy? (125-127)
  16. Briefly state the doctrine of the Trinity.
  17. What are the four biblical, essential affirmations that lay the foundation for the Trinity? (see Biblical Doctrine, page 17)
  18. List and briefly define the "Historical Misunderstandings of the Trinity." (Biblical Doctrine, pages 20-21)
  19. Which one of the "Practical Implications of the Trinity" grabs your interest the most? Why? (Biblical Doctrine, page 21)
  20. What is a "mystery" in theology? (Classic Catechism, page 13)

Wed., Jan. 6 / Christology: the study of the person of Christ
Pneumatology: the study of the person of the Holy Spirit / Study:
  • Exploring, chapters 8, 9
  • Basic Beliefs, chapter 7
  • Biblical Doctrine, pages 21-34,
  • Classic Catechism, questions 97-104, 24
  • Articles of Religion, ¶103-104
Questions to answer:
  1. Why was it necessary for Christ to be born of a virgin? (148-151)
  2. What does Exploring mean when it says that "Biblical Christology is confessional"? (148)
  3. How did Jesus reveal his purpose and mission to humankind? (151-154)
  4. What four essential, biblical affirmations about the nature of Christ must be grappled with to truly understand his nature? (Biblical Doctrine, pages 21-22) Give several Scripture references for each.
  5. Name two things Christ could not do for us if he was not fully divine. (Biblical Doctrine, page 24). Explain why these are important.
  6. Name two things Christ could not do for us if he was not fully human. (Biblical Doctrine, pages 26-27)
  7. Briefly list and define the various errors regarding Jesus' humanity, deity, and the relationship of his two natures. (154-159)
  8. What are the three offices of Christ? (Biblical Doctrine, page 34-38) Briefly describe each office.
  9. What insights do you gain about Christ's ministry from studying the humiliation and exaltation chart on page 39 of Biblical Doctrine?
  10. Has the Son of God always existed? (Biblical Doctrine, page 40)
  11. Did Christ retain his physical body after his ascension? (Biblical Doctrine, page 41) What implications does this have?
  12. What is the "heavenly session" of Christ? What is He currently doing? (Biblical Doctrine, page 42)
  13. What was the nature of the Holy Spirit's ministry in Old Testament times? (165-170)
  14. Give one piece of biblical evidence that demonstrates that the Holy Spirit is a distinct personal being. (Biblical Doctrine, page 30).
  15. What are the groups or categories of OT references to the Holy Spirit? (166-170)
  16. Name five of the personal actions of the Holy Spirit. (Biblical Doctrine, page 31)
  17. Briefly explain two of the implications of the Spirit's work. (Biblical Doctrine, pages 33-34)
  18. What is one thing that is "often too quickly assumed" about Jesus' holiness? What does that have to do with believers today? (Biblical Doctrine, page 34)

Thurs., Jan 7 / Anthropology: the study of humanity
Hamartiology: the study of sin / Study:
  • Exploring, chapters 10, 11
  • Basic Beliefs, chapter 5
  • Biblical Doctrine, pages 43-51
  • Classic Catechism, questions 34-46, 52-61
  • Articles of Religion, ¶111
Questions to answer:
  1. What does it mean that God created humankind "in his image"? (190-193)
  2. Briefly explain two of the implications of "Being Created in God's Image for His Glory." (Biblical Doctrine, pages 44-45)
  3. What are some of the implications for the value of human life since humanity is made in the image of God?
  4. Briefly describe the three major theories of how human life (soul or spirit) is passed on from parent to child. What theory seems most biblical to you? Why? (189-193)
  5. Regarding the make-up of human beings, what do the terms "trichotomy" and "dichotomy" mean? Thus far, to which do you hold? (Biblical Doctrine, page 46).
  6. How extensive were the effects of the Fall on humankind? What is the present spiritual condition of human beings apart from a saving relationship with Christ? (214-215, and Biblical Doctrine, page 51, and Classic Catechism, question 60)
  7. Briefly describe several non-biblical theories of the origin of sin. (201-207)
  8. Briefly state the biblical teaching of the origin of sin. (207-210)
  9. Summarize briefly the biblical teaching on the nature of sin. (210-203)
  10. List 10 of the biblical terms for sin. (Biblical Doctrine, page 49)
  11. Sin has "brought about" what two key things in all humans? (Biblical Doctrine, page 50)

Fri., Jan. 8 / Soteriology: the study of salvation / Study:
  • Exploring, chapters 13-15
  • Basic Beliefs, chapters 9-11
  • Biblical Doctrine, pages 34-38, 51-52
  • Classic Catechism, questions 94-135
  • Articles of Religion, ¶111, 114-119
Questions to answer:
  1. Give a general definition of the term "atonement" in the biblical context. (217)
  2. List Old and New Testament terms relating to the atonement. Give a basic definition for each. (218-219)
  3. Why is the resurrection of Christ the central theme of the preaching and teaching ministry of the New Testament Church? (236-244)
  4. List the general categories of biblical evidence used to refute the limited atonement theory of historic Calvinism. Give at least one biblical reference for each. (253-256)
  5. What is meant by "prevenient grace"? Why is prevenient grace necessary in order for a person to be saved? (260-268)
  6. List the steps to salvation according to the Calvinistic understanding and according to an Arminian understanding. (260-268)
  7. What are the two conditions for salvation? (268-273)
  8. Give a brief definition of repentance. (269-272)
  9. Give a brief definition of "saving faith." (272-274)
  10. Briefly define the major results of salvation: justification, regeneration, adoption. (276-285)
  11. What three "witnesses" provide assurance of salvation to the believer? (286-290)
  12. What is the typical Calvinistic definition of sin? (291-292)
  13. Briefly summarize the teaching on "Deliverance from Sin." (295-305)
  14. When does sanctification begin in the believer? (322-323)
  15. Give a brief definition of "entire sanctification." (323-326)
  16. Briefly discuss how a Wesleyan understanding of sanctification involves both process and a crisis experience of a definite time in which the fully consecrated believer is entirely sanctified. (330-337)
  17. What are some practical results of cleansing from sin in the life of the believer? (347-356)
  18. How can a believer know that he or she has been entirely sanctified? (356-359)
  19. What are the two elements of the "chief end of man"? (461-465, see also Classic Catechism question #41)

Sat., Jan. 9 / Ecclesiology: The study of the Church
Eschatology: The study of last things / Study:
  • Exploring, 19-20, 22-23
  • Basic Beliefs, chapters 12-14
  • Biblical Doctrine, pages 53-57
  • Classic Catechism, questions 136-178
  • Articles of Religion, ¶121-131
Questions to answer:
  1. List several different ways people use the word "Church" or "church"; that is, what different things can this term be used to refer to?
  2. What are some of the New Testament metaphors used to describe the Church? Give biblical references. (363-365)
  3. Why is Pentecost often considered the birthday of the Church? (363-365)
  4. How does a person become a part of the Church?
  5. What is the essential purpose and major function of the Church? (367-369)
  6. Briefly explain the three major types of church government in today's Church. Which one does Free Methodism employ? (370-373)
  7. Briefly explain the Free Methodist position on baptizing infants. (Articles of Religion, ¶124)
  8. Briefly explain the Free Methodist position on the presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper. (Articles of Religion, ¶125)
  9. List the "means of grace." (377-393)
  10. Briefly describe the relationship between the Church and the Kingdom of God. (397-404, 408-410)
  11. Describe the pre-, post-, and a-millennial positions. (405)
  12. What is meant by the "here and now" and "there and then" nature of the Kingdom of God? (405-408).
  13. Give some biblical evidence that the immanent return of Christ was a vital belief and earnest expectation of New Testament believers. (413-420)
  14. Why is the parousia (second coming of Christ) referred to in Scripture as "the blessed hope"? (427-432)
  15. Name four things that return of Christ will be. (see Biblical Doctrine, bottom of page 54)
  16. What is the "resurrection hope" of the believer? (432-437) Why is it such an important truth?
  17. List some biblical truths about God's judgment of sin. (437-440)
  18. What is the biblical teaching on the final destiny of unbelievers? (440-443)
  19. What is the biblical teaching on the final destiny of believers? (443-446)

Introduction to Christian Doctrine, J-Term 2016, page1