On-Campus Course Syllabus
THS 550 L00.A
Theology Intensive: Union with Christ
Fall 2017
Class Information
Day and Time:Tuesday 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Room Number:A201
Contact Information
Instructor Name:Dr. Jim Larsen
Instructor Email:
Instructor Office Hours:Tuesday, 1 PM – 3 PM; as agreed between professor and student
Course Description and Prerequisites
This course will provide the student with an in-depth study of the biblical concept of a believer’s union with Christ, particularly as it relates to the areas of soteriology and ecclesiology. The prerequisites for this course areTHS 510 and THS 515.
Course Objectives
This course is designed to guide students through a detailed examination of the biblical concept of union with Christ. While it will include documented lectures, it also will include reading, research, and interaction with fellow classmates. Furthermore, at the end of this course, students should demonstrate the ability to:
1. Discuss/describe the semantic range of the Greek preposition “en” and its impact on how New Testament authors use “in Christ” and related expressions.
2. Discuss/describe ancient through contemporary philosophical milieus within which the concept of union with Christ has been understood and articulated.
3. Analyze assigned biblical texts in light of concepts presented in course reading materials and class discussions.
4. Discuss/describe the impact of various understandings of union with Christ on contemporary soteriological and ecclesiological discussions, particularly as articulated in related Baptist doctrines.
5. Formulate personal definitions for “salvation” and “the church,” incorporating concepts relating to union with Christ as presented in the course.
6. Demonstrate how, as a leader in a local church, concepts relating to union with Christ addressed in this course have affected the student’s approach to ministry.
Required Textbooks
- The Bible – The professor typically uses the English Standard Version for course lectures.
- Christensen, Michael J. and Jeffery A. Wittung eds., Partakers of the Divine Nature: The History and Development of Deification in the Christian Traditions. Baker Academic, 2008.ISBN 9780801034404.
- Gifford, James D. Jr., Perichoretic Salvation: The Believer's Union with Christ as a Third Type of Perichoresis. Wipf and Stock, 2011.ISBN 9781610971140.
- Johnson, Marcus Peter,One with Christ: An Evangelical Theology of Salvation. Crossway, 2013.ISBN 9781433531491.
Course Requirements and Assignments
Reading Assignments (15%): Since the course texts form a foundation upon which lectures are built, it is imperative that students thoughtfully read assigned chapters prior to each class session. The percentage of assigned reading completed will be reported weekly.
Assignments (15%): This course is intended to provide an in-depth examination of the biblical concept of union with Christ as well as related theological and practical matters. Consequently, assignments are designed to challenge students thinking as well as promote more biblically mature engagement with related contemporary theological discussions. Since lectures, discussions, and reading assignments build upon each other, it is expected that students will complete assignments prior to the class for which they are assigned. Assignments will be comprised of both individual assignments to be submitted to the professor as well as online discussions/interactions. In both cases, no late assignments will be accepted, except as approved by the professor on a case by case basis. Details for individual assignments will be provided in class, while online discussions/interactions should be governed by the following guidelines:
- The professor will post an item for discussion on Canvas for which all students must provide an appropriate response.
- Once the student has provided a response to the professor’s post, he/she must then interact with the post of at least two other students as well as respond to comments relating to his/her own post. Keep in mind that these posts are intended to promote discussion, and thus grades for these discussions will reflect the quality and thoughtfulness of these interactions.
- Your postings should reflect a) facts, b) logical reasoning, c) be related to the topic, d) be written well, and e) give other students adequate time to respond.
- While it is acceptable to disagree with the posts of either the professor or another student, disagreement must be civil and gracious. Remember: challenge the thought/idea, not the person.
- When posting, be sure to present your thoughts and point of view clearly, concisely, and graciously. Try to avoid sharing your personal opinions if you cannot back them up biblically or by citing other appropriate sources.
- Your initial posts should be adequate to answer the initial question or comment, but not be too lengthy: at most 200-300 words. As well, responses/interactions need not be overly lengthy but should be adequate to answer questions raised or interact with comments provided. Again, the point of these interactions is quality discussion.
- Make sure and check discussion threads frequently enough to respond to those who interact with your posts.
Research Paper (35%): Students will be required to write a 20-25 page research paper related to union with Christ. The topic for the paper will be determined in consultation with the professor, and must be approved prior to class on 10 October. In structure, this paper will conform to the Criswell College Manual of Style, 3rd ed., available online at as well as in print form on reserve at the Wallace Library circulation desk. In content, this paper must demonstrate an understanding of and interact with significant concepts addressed in course lessons and assigned reading. In addition to the course text books, this paper must use at least eight additional sources such as books or journal articles. With the exception of online journal articles, no internet sources are to be used. In addition, a bibliography of works consulted must be included. The total page count for this assignment does not include the cover sheet or bibliography.
Book Interaction (15%): Students will write a 12-15 page interaction with James D. Gifford’s book Perichoretic Salvation, included in the course’s required texts. The first half of the paper (approximately) must include background on the author, including his context. Additionally, the first half of the paper must address the importance/significance of this particular volume, and provide a brief overview/summary of the book. The second half of the paper must provide a critical engagement with ideas, approaches, etc. presented in the book, comparing and contrasting with class discussions, other course texts, and additional sources as appropriate. Interactions are due by beginning of class on 28 November.
Application Project (15%):In consultation with the professor, each student will complete a “practical,” ministry related project dealing with some aspect of union with Christ. This project will demonstrate how, as a leader in a local church, concepts relating to union with Christ addressed in this course have affected the student’s approach to ministry.
Class Participation (5%): Students must show up on time, and must be adequately prepared to contribute to the conduct of class sessions. This may be demonstrated by asking questions, interacting with the professor and/or other students during class discussions, and/or by responding to questions posed by the professor. As one needs to be present in order to participate in class discussions, absences will affect the class participation grade.
Quizzes/Exams: It is not expected that quizzes or exams will be given in this course, but the professor reserves the right to administer quizzes and/or exams as deemed appropriate.
Extra Credit: Criswell College will be hosting this year’s annual convention of the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention (November 11-14). As a consequence, we will not have class on Tuesday, 14 November. If the student chooses, he/she may obtain extra credit by attending at least one full day (including plenary sessions) of the conference. A “full day” is to be understood as comprising the total number of sessions (breakout and plenary) included each day. A list including the date(s) and sessions attended must be provided to the professor in order to qualify for the extra credit, which will be sufficient to raise the final course grade one level (i.e. from a B- to a B, etc.).
Course/Classroom Policies and Information
Textbooks and Selected Bibliography: The selection of textbook and items on the Selected Bibliography should not be interpreted as implying the professor’s endorsement of any of the views of the authors. Textbooks and supplemental sources are selected for their perceived value in helping to meet course goals and objectives.
Recording: As a general policy, students may not record class sessions for this course. If a student desires to record a class session, written permission must be obtained in advance of the recording. Please submit a written request explaining the purpose of the recording and the extent of use of the recording. Under no conditions may recordings be duplicated, given, lent, or shared with anyone not registered for this specific class.
Original Work: Work that has been done for other classes my not be used to earn credit in this class. Submission of work for this class is presumed to include an affirmation that it is the student’s own work and has not previously been submitted in another course.
Class Attendance
Students are responsible for enrolling in courses for which they anticipate being able to attend every class session on the day and time appearing on course schedules, and then making every effort to do so. When unavoidable situations result in absence or tardiness, students are responsible for acquiring any information missed. Professors are not obliged to allow students to make up missed work. Per their independent discretion, individual professors may determine how attendance affects students’ ability to meet course learning objectives and whether attendance affects course grades.
Grading Scale
A / 97-100 / 4.0 grade points per semester hourA- / 93-96 / 3.7 grade points per semester hour
B+ / 91-92 / 3.3 grade points per semester hour
B / 88-90 / 3.0 grade points per semester hour
B- / 86-87 / 2.7 grade points per semester hour
C+ / 83-85 / 2.3 grade points per semester hour
C / 80-82 / 2.0 grade points per semester hour
C- / 78-79 / 1.7 grade points per semester hour
D+ / 75-77 / 1.3 grade points per semester hour
D / 72-74 / 1.0 grade point per semester hour
D- / 70-71 / 0.7 grade points per semester hour
F / 0-69 / 0.0 grade points per semester hour
Incomplete Grades
Students requesting a grade of Incomplete (I) must understand that incomplete grades may be given only upon approval of the faculty member involved. An “I” may be assigned only when a student is currently passing a course and in situations involving extended illness, serious injury, death in the family, or employment or government reassignment, not student neglect.
Students are responsible for contacting their professors prior to the end of the semester, plus filing the appropriate completed and approved academic request form with the Registrar’s Office. The “I” must be removed (by completing the remaining course requirements) no later than 60 calendar days after the grade was assigned, or the “I” will become an “F.”
Academic Honesty
Absolute truth is an essential belief and basis of behavior for those who believe in a God who cannot lie and forbids falsehood. Academic honesty is the application of the principle of truth in the classroom setting. Academic honesty includes the basic premise that all work submitted by students must be their own and any ideas derived or copied from elsewhere must be carefully documented.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
- cheating of any kind,
- submitting, without proper approval, work originally prepared by the student for another course,
- plagiarism, which is the submitting of work prepared by someone else as if it were his own, and
- failing to credit sources properly in written work.
Institutional Email Policy
All official college email communications to students enrolled in this course will be sent exclusively to students’ institutional email accounts. Students are expected to check their student email accounts regularly and to respond in an appropriate and timely manner to all communications from faculty and administrative departments.
Students are permitted to setup automatic forwarding of emails from their student email accounts to one or more personal email accounts. The student is responsible to setup and maintain email forwarding without assistance from college staff. If a student chooses to use this forwarding option, he/she will continue to be responsible for responding appropriately to all communications from faculty and administrative departments of the college. Criswell College bears no responsibility for the use of emails that have been forwarded from student email accounts to other email accounts.
Disabilities
In order to ensure full class participation, any student with a disabling condition requiring special accommodations (e.g., tape recorders, special adaptive equipment, special note-taking or test-taking needs) is strongly encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course, or if a student has a learning disability, please inform the professor so assistance can be provided.
Intellectual Property Rights
Unless otherwise specifically instructed in writing by the professor, students must neither materially nor digitally reproduce materials from any course offered by Criswell College for or with the significant possibility of distribution.
Resources and Support
Canvas and CAMS: Criswell College uses Canvas as its web-based learning tool and CAMS for student data. Students needing assistance with Canvas should contact the Canvas Help Support line at (844) 358-6140. Tech support is available at this number twenty-four hours a day. Students needing help with CAMS should contact the Campus Software Manager at .
Student Services: The Student Services Office exists to foster and encourage success in all areas of life—physical, intellectual, spiritual, social, and emotional. Students are encouraged to reach out for assistance by contacting the office at 214.818.1332 or . Pastoral and certified counseling services are also available to Criswell students. Appointments are scheduled through the Dean of Students Jeff Campbell, at .
Wallace Library: Students can access academic resources and obtain research assistance by visiting the Wallace Library, which is located on campus. For more information, go to the library website, or email the Wallace Library at .
Writing Center: Students are encouraged to consult with writing tutors to improve and enhance their skills and confidence by practicing techniques of clear and effective writing. To consult with a tutor, students can visit the Writing Center located on the first floor near the Computer Lab, or they can schedule an appointment by emailing r calling 214.818.1373.
Course Outline/Calendar
Tue / Topic / Assignments8/22 / *Course Preliminary Matters
*Course Introduction: “Union with Christ”
8/29 / *Metaphysics/Ontology and Conflicting Philosophical Milieus: Part 1 / C/W 9-44
Two Page Essay
9/5 / *Anthropology, Trinitarianism, and Christology / C/W 47-92
9/12 / *Theōsis, Divinization, and Participation in the Early Church / C/W 95-159
9/19 / *Metaphysics/Ontology and Conflicting Philosophical Milieus: Part 2 / J 11-57
9/26 / *Theōsis, Divinization, and Participation in the Medieval
and Reformation Church / C/W 175-229
10/3 / *Theōsis, Divinization, and Participation in the
Modern Church / C/W 233-293
10/10 / *Scripture and the Concept of “Union with Christ” / J 59-85
G complete
Paper Topics Approved
10/17 / * Union with Christ and Soteriology Part 1: Justification / J 87-114
10/24 / *Union with Christ and Soteriology Part 2: Sanctification / J 115-143
Application Project Concept Approved
10/31 / *Union with Christ, Adoption, and Preservation / J 145-187
1st Half of Int. Due
11/7 / * Union with Christ and Ecclesiology / J 189-240
November 11-14: SBTC Conference (No class on Tuesday, November 14)
November 20-24: Fall Break/Thanksgiving Holiday
11/28 / * Union with Christ and Eschatology / Book Int. Due
12/5 / *Application Project Demonstrations / Project Hard Copies
December 11-15: Final Exams
Research Papers Due: 12 December
NOTE: Abbreviations for course reading are as follows:
C/W = Christensen & Wittung, Partakers of the Divine Nature
G = Gifford, Perichoretic Salvation
J = Johnson, One with Christ
SelectedBibliography
Allen, Diogenes, and Eric O. Springsted.Philosophy for Understanding Theology. 2nd ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007.
Billings, J. Todd. Calvin, Participation, and the Gift: The Activity of Believers in Union with Christ. Changing Paradigms in Historical and Systematic Theology, edited by Sarah Coakley and Richard Cross. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.
Billings, J. Todd. Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2011.
Blackwell, Ben C. Christosis: Pauline Soteriology in Light of Deification in Irenaeus and Cyril of Alexandria. WissenschaftlicheUntersuchungenzumNeuen Testament, edited by Jörg Frey.Tübingen, Germany: Mohr Siebeck, 2011.
Boersma, Hans. Heavenly Participation: The Weaving of a Sacramental Tapestry. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2011.
Braaten, Carl E., and Robert W. Jenson, eds. Union with Christ: The New Finnish Interpretation of Luther. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998.
Bradshaw, David. Aristotle East and West: Metaphysics and the Division of Christendom. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2004.
Brunner, Emil. The Philosophy of Religion from the Standpoint of Protestant Theology.Translated by A. J. D. Farrer and Bertram Lee Woolf. London: James Clarke, 1958.
Campbell, Constantine R. Paul and Union with Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012.
Clark, John C., and Marcus Peter Johnson.The Incarnation of God: The Mystery of The Gospel as the Foundation of Evangelical Theology. Wheaton: Crossway, 2015.
Dolezal, James E. All That Is in God: Evangelical Theology and the Challenge of Classical Christian Theism. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage, 2017.
Fairbairn, Donald. Life in the Trinity: An Introduction to Theology with the Help of the Church Fathers. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2009.
Finlan, Stephen, and Vladimir Kharlamov, eds. Theōsis: Deification in Christian Theology. Princeton Theological Monograph Series, edited by K. C. Hanson. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2006.
Garcia, Mark A. Life in Christ: Union with Christ and Twofold Grace in Calvin’s Theology. Studies in Christian History and Thought. Colorado Springs: Paternoster, 2008.