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TL2310: Systematic Theology II

Syllabus for Fall Semester 2008

Goals:
To gain a basic knowledge of the historical development of christology, pneumatology and ecclesiology
To become familiar with some representative contemporary Christian theologians who deal with doctrinal theology and Christian mission
To explore how a systematic account of the meaning of Christian faith may be constructed in relation to various social and cultural contexts
To develop the ability to engage in analytical and constructive theological thought

Format:
3 classes per week, 2 lectures and 1 discussion session

Requirements:
Assigned readings and participation in class discussions
Three online discussions on Bonhoeffer, Kärkkäinen and Moe-Lobeda
Two 4 page book reports on Song and Volf
One 6 page summary statement of essential elements and pertinent issues regarding christology, pneumatology and ecclesiology

Required Texts:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Christ the Center
Jones & Lakeland, eds. – Constructive Theology
Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen – Pneumatology
Cynthia Moe-Lobeda – Public Church: For the Life of the World
C.S. Song – Jesus, the Crucified People
Miroslav Volf – After Our Likeness: The Church as the Image of the Trinity
Selected readings (available as course packet and on reserve in library)

Recommended:
Norris – The Christological Controversy
Hans Schwarz – Christology

Grading:
Papers should be concise, employ correct grammar and use inclusive language. All written work is due on the dates specified in the syllabus. 2 points will be deducted for each day written work is late. All work must be handed in by 4:00 PM on May 5th in order to receive a passing grade. Grades will be compiled from: online discussions 10% each, book reports 20% each, summary statement 30%,. Class attendance is expected and absences will lower your total grade. For students who take the course on a pass/fail basis, grades will be noted as P or F. For letter grades, 90-100 points = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C.

Course Website: http://www.lsps.edu/professors/schott/TL2310.htm

Revised Schedule:

Thurs., Sept. 4 – Introduction: What Christological issues are important for Christian mission and ministry?

Mon., Sept. 8 – From Jesus to Christ (biblical basis and earliest christologies)
Read: Jones & Lakeland, pp. 161-170; [Schwarz, pp. 75-135]

Tues., Sept. 9 – Christological Controversies and Ecumenical Councils
Read: The Christological Controversy, pp. 145-159; [Schwarz, pp. 137-160]

Thurs., Sept. 11 – The Constantinian Christ and Its Consequences
Read: Anselm, Cur Deus Homo (Book II, Ch. 109), pp. 145-155; [Schwarz 169- 200]

Mon., Sept. 15 – The Historical Jesus and Dogma
Read: Schweitzer, pp. 398-403; [Schwarz, pp. 7-39]; Jones & Lakeland, pp. 172- 179

Tues., Sept. 16 – no class

Thurs., Sept.18 – discussion of Jesus Christ in history
Read: Bonhoeffer, pp. 27-39

Fri., Sept. 19 – Twentieth Century Contributions to Christology: Methods and Challenges
Read: Bonhoeffer, pp. 43-113
Online discussion: [1] How do you think Bonhoeffer’s christology in Christ the Center compares to the christological trends and themes of the 19th century, and what relevance does it have for the social/policital context of the 21st century? [2] respond to your classmates’ assessment of Bonhoeffer’s christology

Mon., Sept. 22 – no class

Tues., Sept. 23 – Twentieth Century Contributions to Christology: Ontological Concerns [doctrine of two natures]
Read: Pannenberg, An Introduction to Systematic Theology, pp. 53-69; Jones & Lakeland, pp. 179-183

Thurs., Sept. 25 – Discussion of twentieth century christologies
Read: Jones & Lakeland, pp. 183-199

Fri., Sept. 26 – Jesus in Social and Cultural Contexts: Where is Jesus?
Read: Song, pp. 1-79

Mon., Sept. 29 – Jesus in Social and Cultural Contexts: Marginalization and the Reign of God

Tues., Sept. 30 – Discussion of Jesus, the Crucified People
Read: Song, pp. 80-165

Thurs., Oct. 2 – Jesus in Social and Cultural Contexts: The Scandal of the Cross
Read: Song, pp. 166-233

Mon., Oct. 6 – Jesus in Social and Cultural Contexts: Atonement
Read: Jones & Lakeland, pp. 170-172; [Schwarz, pp. 241-260]

Tues., Oct. 7 – Discussion of Jesus, the Crucified People
Due: 4 page book report on C.S. Song that: [1] demonstrates the relation between his context and his theology, [2] assesses the author’s arguments as a critique of the Constantinian tradition of christology, and [3] discusses the implications of his christology for pastoral ministry in the 21st century North American context

Thurs., Oct. 9 – Resurrection and the Presence of Christ
Read: Tillich, The New Being, pp. 15-24; Elizondo, Galilean Journey, pp. 115- 125; [Schwarz, pp. 260-281]

Mon., Oct. 13 through Fri., Oct. 17 – NO CLASS (Fall Semester Break)

Mon., Oct. 20 – The Spirit in the Bible and Early Church
Read: Kärkkäinen, pp. 11-36

Tues., Oct. 21 – The Spirit in Theological Tradition
Read: Kärkkäinen, pp. 37-104; Aquinas, Summa Theologica, vol. 1, pp. 183-193

Thurs., Oct. 23 – The Spirit and Contemporary Issues: Charismatic, Experiential and
Trinitarian
Read: Kärkkäinen, pp. 105-177
Online discussion: [1] Summarize an interview you have conducted with an individual about his/her experience and understanding of the Spirit, and [2] tell how you see the issues described in Kärkkäinen’s book surfacing in the accounts of these interviews by you and your classmates

Mon., Oct. 27 – The Spirit in Social and Religious Contexts
Read: Signs of the Spirit: Official Report, Seventh Assembly, pp. 27-47; Samartha, “The Holy Spirit and People of Other Faiths”

Tues., Oct. 28 – The Spirit and the World: Ecological Concerns and Cosmic
Consciousness
Read: Johnson, Women, Earth, and Creator Spirit, pp. 41-60

Thurs., Oct. 30 – Discussion of Spirit in contemporary theology
Read: Jones & Lakeland, pp. 239-278

Mon., Nov. 3 – The Church in Scripture and Theological Tradition
Read: Jones & Lakeland, pp. 201-219

Tues., Nov. 4 – The Church, the Trinity and the Reign of God
Read: Braaten, Mother Church, pp. 43-66

Thurs., Nov. 6 – Marks and Models of the Church
Read: Volf, pp. 1-123

Mon., Nov. 10 – Discussion of After Our Likeness
Read: Volf, pp. 127-220

Tues., Nov. 11 – Word and Sacraments

Thurs., Nov. 13 – Ministry in the Church
Read: Volf, pp. 221-282

Mon., Nov. 17 – Discussion of After Our Likeness
Due: 4 page book report on Volf that [1] summarizes the author’s understanding of Christian community in light of his discussion of Ratzinger and Zizioulas, [2] compares his contribution with a Lutheran understanding of church, and [3] indicates the importance of his argument for ministry in the 21st century

Tues., Nov. 18 – The Church and Challenges of Post-Modernism
Read: Moe-Lobeda, pp. 1-40; Jones & Lakeland, pp. 219-238

Thurs., Nov. 20 – The Church and Christian Life: Justification, Sanctification, Vocation
Read: Moe-Lobeda, pp. 45-75
Online discussion: Apply Moe-Lobeda’s argument to the issue of immigration in the U.S. [1] How do you think the ELCA can live out its vocation as public church in
regard to this issue? [2] Respond to your classmates’ comments.

Mon., Nov. 24 through Fri., Nov. 28 – NO CLASS (Thanksgiving Break)

Mon., Dec. 1 – Discussion of challenges for the church in the 21st century

Tues., Dec. 2 – The Church, Mission and Ecumenism
Read: Root, “Local Church, Universal Church, and Christian World Communions”; Machado, “Being Ecumenical in the Barrio”

Thurs., Dec. 4 - The Church, Mission and Interfaith Relations
Read: LaHurd, “Walking by Faith”

Mon., Dec. 8 – Discussion of ecumenical and interfaith issues

Tues., Dec. 9 – Constructive theology in the 21st cent
Due: summary paper on christology, pneumatology and ecclesiology