TTH 313-CONTEMPORARY THEOLOGICAL TRENDS
Cincinnati Christian UniversityJames A. Snyder
TTH 313-Contemporary Theological Trends Study #8
Semester-Spring 2012Phone: 244-8153
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND RATIONALE: This course examines the major theological constructs that have been prominent from 1890-present as well as some contemporary theological issues. The rationale for this course is that part of understanding ourselves in general is understanding our heritage, our history, and cultural milieu in which we exist. Our self-understanding in the area of theology is greatly abetted as we gain more and more knowledge of the recent history of American Protestant Theology, as it led up to our present theological context. Also, such knowledge is indispensable in our attempt to understand the beliefs of many of our religious neighbors; it is often prerequisite for sound apologetics and effective evangelism.
MAIN FOCUS OF THE COURSE: This course will examine and explain the background, historical context, theology, and major theologians of Liberalism, Neo-Orthodoxy, Fundamentalism, and Evangelicalism.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: The student who successfully completes this course should be able to:
1) have a clearer understanding of Liberalism, Neo-Orthodoxy, Fundamentalism, and Evangelicalism.
2) evaluate, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of, and critique these theological systems in light of Biblical teaching.
3) be familiar with and intelligently discuss the names and beliefs of those associated with each of these theological systems.
4) see how each movement was reacted to and how these reactions became movements in and of themselves.
5) identify and discuss the doctrines of these theological systems with a view to dialogue that competently defends the integrity of sound Bible doctrine.
6) understand why the theological climate in which we find ourselves is the way it is.
7) have a deeper appreciation for the truth, beauty, and heritage of Bible-based theology.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Textbooks
Hordern, William E. A Layman’s Guide to Protestant Theology, rev. ed. London: Macmillan, 1968.
Assignments
1. The student will read A Layman’s Guide to Protestant Theology by William Hordern and type a 5-8 page review of the book. This review will be due on March 2, 2012.
3. The student will write an 8-10 page research paper on one of the following topics:
a) A biographical paper on a major theologian of one of the theological constructs examined (e.g. Adolf Harnack, Friedrich Schleiermacher, Walter Rauschenbusch, Karl Barth, Emil Brunner, Paul Tillich, Carl Henry, Kenneth Kantzer, et al.).
b) A paper that presents Liberalism’s, Neo-Orthodoxy’s, Fundamentalism’s, or Evangelicalism’s teaching on the nature of a major theological or Biblical teaching
(e.g. Liberalism’s teaching on the Deity of Christ, Neo-Orthodoxy and the Word of God, Fundamentalism and original sin, Evangelicalism and the nature of the revelation and inspiration of Scripture, et al.).
c) A paper on the view of a major theologian on a particular issue (e.g. Friedrich Schleiermacher and the Trinity, Karl Barth and the Word of God, Carl Henry and the nature of Scripture, et al.). This paper is due on April 2, 2012..
Examinations
There will be two examinations given in this course; a mid-term and a final. The mid-term will be given on a date to be announced and the final will be given on the day to be announced during the final’s week (see the schedule when it is issued).
Late Policy
Late work will not be accepted.
Attendance Policy
See the student handbook for allowed absences.
Grading
Notes on Hordern’s book 25%
Paper 25%
Mid-term25%
Final exam25%
Grading Scale
A=95-100B-=83-85D+=71-73
A-=92-94C+=80-82D=68-70
B+=89-91C=77-79D-=65-67
B=86-88C-=74-76F=0-64
NOTE: The professor reserves the right to amend or change any part of this course plan as deemed necessary.
NO LAPTOPS AND NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED IN CLASS.
How to write a book review
A book review should attempt to answer the following questions.
First, what is the writer’s overall purpose? What does he hope to accomplish with the book? What main point is he trying to make?
Second, how well does the author accomplish his purpose? Does he cover the subject adequately? Does he leave any loose ends, any questions unanswered? Does he treat all viewpoints fairly and take account all of the options? Such questions as these must be answered only in terms of the author’s intended purpose.
Third, are there logical or theological weaknesses or error’s in the author’s presentation? Are his presuppositions and conclusions legitimate? To answer these questions, the reviewer must read the book critically. He must not simply report what the book says, but must evaluate what is said.
Fourth, what is the value or usefulness of this book? Who would profit most from reading it?