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Rev. Paul R. Shockley, Th.M, M.A. College of Biblical Studies
7000 Regency Square Blvd. Summer 2009
Suite 210 281-499-6540 (H)
Houston, Texas 77036-3298 713-785-5995 (W)
www.cbshouston.edu
www.prshockley.org Office Hours: By Appointment.
Tuesday PM Class 6:30pm-9:30pm.
THEOLOGY 301: GOD, BIBLE, AND CHRIST
MAY- AUGUST 2009
“The more this truth [Word of God] is brought before the mind, the more we commune with it, entering into its import, applying it to our own case, appropriating its principles, appreciating its motives, rejoicing in its promises, trembling at its threatenings, rising by its influence from what is seen and temporal to what is unseen and eternal; the more may we expect to be transformed by the renewing of our mind so as to approve and love whatever is holy, just, and good. Men [and women] distinguished for their piety have ever been men of meditation as well as men of prayer; men accustomed to withdraw the mind from the influence of the world with its thousand joys and sorrows, and to bring it under the influence of the doctrines, precepts, and promises of the Word of God.” ~ Dr. Charles Hodge
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A systematic presentation of biblical theology in the areas of Bibliology (the inspiration and authority of the Bible), Theology Proper (the person & attributes of God the Father), and Christology (the person & work of Jesus Christ).
II. COURSE OBJECTIVES (cognitive, affective, and behavioral):
A. Overall objective: Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to articulate personal convictions rooted in an understanding of concepts, presuppositions, philosophical bases and worldviews that have been examined in light of biblical principles:
B. To familiarize students with the basic biblical and systematic theology in the areas of Prolegomena, Bibliology, Theology Proper, and Christology. Students should be able to articulate these systems in the classroom and identify them in private and public discourse.
C. To enable students to develop an informed and coherent biblical model of theology by which to operate. This will develop largely by attempting to apply biblical precepts, principles and examples to a variety of situations. The students' skills in doing this will be exemplified in classroom participation and exercises.
D. To familiarize students with the most pressing and critical theological issues confronting the church and society, so they will be equipped to take and defend a biblical position both in the Christian community and the secular arena. Students' proficiency in this will be demonstrated in class discussions, essays, reading reports, and final cumulative examinations, but the ultimate test will be outside of the classroom, in the student's daily life.
E. To challenge students to address theological doctrines not in an abstract or impersonal sense, but to practically apply them in specific compassionate Christ-centered actions.
F. To equip and motivate students toward a lifetime of communicating biblical, systematic theological values to their families, churches, communities and other spheres of influence.
III. TEXTBOOKS:
A. Required:
Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology (Chicago: Moody Press, 1986, 1999).
H. Wayne House, Charts of Christian Theology and Doctrine (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992).
B. B. Warfield, The Religious Life of the Theological Student (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 1911).
B. Suggested:
Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, edited by Walter Elwell (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984).* Prefer 1st edition.
Lewis S. Chafer, Systematic Theology, 4 vols (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1996).
Millard Erickson J. Christian Theology, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998).
Norman Geisler, Baker’s Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1999).
_____, ed. Inerrancy (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979).
______& William E. Nix. A General Introduction to the Bible: Revised and Expanded (Grand Rapids: Moody, 1968, 1986).*
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994).
Robert P. Lightner, Handbook of Evangelical Theology (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1995).
Charles C. Ryrie, Dispensationalism: Revised and Expanded (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995.
Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students: Complete and Unabridged (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1954).
John F. Walvoord, Jesus Christ Our Lord (Chicago: Moody Press, 1969).
The Theological Wordbook: The 200 Most Important Theological Terms and Their Relevance for Today by Don Campbell, Wendell Johnson, John Walvoord, and John Witmer (Nashville: Word Publishing, 2000).
IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
A. THREE DEFINITION ESSAYS:
1. You will write two definition papers in this course. Each definition paper will be examined on the basis of quality, precision of words, and justification.
a. You will define God and defend His existence. This will be your first paper. I don’t care about the amount of pages. Rather, you will be graded on quality of your definition, justification of your definition, and sources used to assist you in your definition. However, you must follow format as dictated in syllabus or you will be penalized. More information regarding what is needed for this definition paper is available on website: www.prshockley.org. Once there go to the folder on top of home page that states, ‘College of Biblical Studies.” Once there, scroll down to appropriate handout. No extensions, exemptions, or exceptions will be granted for this course is time sensitive; assignment is due at beginning of class # 6. You will need to memorize your definition and defend it on your final exam.
b. You will define and defend verbal plenary inspiration of Scripture. This will be your second definition paper. I don’t care about the amount of pages. Rather, you will be graded on quality of your definition, justification of your definition, and sources used to assist you in your definition. Once again, more information regarding what is needed for this definition paper is available on website: www.prshockley.org under “College of Biblical Studies.” However, you must follow format as dictated in syllabus or you will be penalized. No extensions, exemptions, or exceptions will be granted for this course is time sensitive; it is due at beginning of class # 10. You will need to memorize your definition and defend it on your final exam.
c. On your final exam you will be asked to define and defend the Hypostatic Union/Theanthropic nature of Jesus Christ. You will need to memorize your definition and defend it on your final exam. Though it will be part of your final, I will grade the definition on the basis of quality and ability to defend it. Library assignment is not required.
2. Format specific: Each of your two definition papers (and extra-credit paper) must have the following format:
a. Title and specific number of Chapter:
b. Double space
c. 1 inch margins
d. Font: Romans or New Times Only.
e. Size of font: 12
f. Footnotes, no endnotes.
g. Bibliography of every source consulted. You are not allowed to use any aspect of internet to assist or complete two papers whatsoever. On the other hand, you are allowed to use electronic database of articles at the school’s library. The librarians stand ready to assist you. Your bibliography will therefore include printed sources and/or articles gleaned from CBS electronic database. Use of internet means automatic zero (00).
B. FINAL CUMULATIVE EXAM:
1. This exam will involve important theological terms, re-articulation of your definition essays, central Scripture references, required readings, and other material as deemed appropriate by professor. At end of syllabus is review sheet to assist you for the final exam which will be given last day of class.
2. This exam will also include a new definition which you will need to write and defend: The Hypostatic Union of Jesus Christ.
C. CLASSROOM PARTICIPATION:
1. Every student is expected to actively participate in class exercises, do required reading, and pro-actively engage material.
2. You will need to go to library to read certain articles that correlate with your syllabus. You will be tested on the readings on your final exam. Therefore, summarize your readings (as you read them) for review as you prepare for final exam.
3. Failure to complete all required reading will reduce your final grade up to 33%. However, if you complete required reading that doesn’t mean that you automatically have earned 33%. You must actively engage in the material, classroom exercises, and discussion.
4. Because this course is time-sensitive, be sure to only ask questions or comments that are relevant at-hand. Do not dominate class discussion.
5. Punctuality is expected. Remember, “character” is the sum-total of your habits.
6. Every class you attend you must sign attendance book. This book will be located at the back of the class. You must sign your name in print (not cursive), include time you arrived, and next to your name record the percentage you read in view of required readings for that day. If you leave early from class you must sign book again citing the time you leave. Failure to comply could mean a reduction of 33% to your final grade.
V. COURSE POLICIES:
A. Weight Given to Course Requirements for Grading:
1. Final Exam: 60%
2. Definition Paper on God: 15%
3. Definition Paper on Inspiration: 15%
4. Active Participation/Reading/Attendance in Class: 10%
5. Any student wishing to earn extra credit may do so by reading books from the recommended book list. Once read, you must submit a 10-12 page paper summarizing the content of the book (following Turabian format); I’m only looking for the facts. You will conclude your paper with a summary on how the content read became applicable to your life.
a. Same format used for essays is expected here as well (no exceptions).
b. No use of internet is allowed to complete any aspect of this extra credit reading report. Failure to follow this instruction results in receiving no credit whatsoever.
c. A maximum of 10 extra credit points can be earned towards your final course grade. All papers for potential extra credit must be submitted to the professor on or before 13th class.
6. Your professor has the right to alter the requirements or grading at his discretion. The schedule of assignments and lecture material is subject to change at the professor’s discretion.
B. Class Participation:
1. Class participation is expected. All students are required to be present for announced exams and on day definition essays are due. Because of the nature of this course, it is in your best interest to attend class and engage material.
2. Always be sensitive to the topics at hand, professor, and fellow students. We only have so much time to cover the material prepared for that day of lecture (no rabbit trail conversations, please).
3. Since this is a course on college level, be sure to write down lecture notes; it is your responsibility to keep good notes. My basic lecture notes are available for download at my website: www.prshockley.org. Once there, you may download powerpoint presentations under the folder, “Systematic Theology.”
4. If you miss a particular class, be sure to ask your fellow student for a copy of his or her notes.
5. In case you misplace your syllabus, you are welcome to download additional copies from my website: www.prshockley.org. Once there, go to the folder at the top of website that states “College of Biblical Studies.” Once there, scroll down and you will find syllabus and other relevant information.
C. Attendance:
1. Students are expected to attend all classes in which they are enrolled.
2. Students are allowed to miss 20% of all class time without penalty (no more than 3 absences).
3. Absences totaling more than 20% of class time will result in an automatic “F”
4. If you are more than 30 minutes late to class you will be counted as absent for that particular class.
5. Please do not be tardy to class; it is discourteous to both students and professor.
D. Late Assignments:
1. You are required to be present at beginning of class for final exam and when class definition papers are due.
2. Any missed exam or scheduled due date for definition paper without a cogent documented excuse will be counted numerically as a zero (00). This is considerably lower than an average F.
3. You are required to submit your extra credit before or on class # 13 (at the beginning of class.
E. Attendance:
1. Students are expected to attend all classes in which they are enrolled.
2. Students are allowed to miss 20% of all class time without penalty (no more than 3 absences).
3. Absences totaling more than 20% of class time will result in an automatic “F”
4. If you are more than 30 minutes late to class you will be counted as absent for that particular class.
5. Please do not be tardy to class; it is discourteous to both students and professor.
F. Letter/Numerical Grade Scale:
A+ 99-100 / B+ 92-93 / C+ 83-85 / D+ 73-74 / F 0-69A 96-98 / B 89-91 / C 79-82 / D 71-72
A- 94-95 / B- 86-88 / C- 75-78 / D- 70
VI. COURSE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
A. Classes will involve a blend of lecture, interaction, and guided class discussion. Students are expected to be attentive not only to the instructor but to each other. Active participation in the classroom will greatly enhance each student's benefits from the course. Students should be aware that the instructor will sometimes argue for positions he does not believe, or argue against positions he does believe, in order to motivate and challenge students to develop and articulate biblical, theological, and moral convictions. Your professor unequivocally affirms the doctrinal statement of the College of Biblical Studies.
B. Class Schedule (subject to change depending upon nature of class) with Reading Requirements.
PROLEGOMENA: PRELIMINARY REMARKS:
05 May: CLASS # 1: Introduction to the Importance of Knowing and applying Theology. What is a Christian Worldview?
· Required reading of B. B. Warfield’s, Religious Life of the Theological Student
· Required reading of Ryrie’s Basic Theology, pp. 9-15.
The above readings are due by 2nd Class.
12 May: CLASS # 2: Prolegomena (Preliminary Remarks), Hermeneutics, And Dispensationalism.
· Required reading: Ryrie’s Basic Theology, pp. 16-38.