Christian Theology: The Doctrine of God

Whitworth University

Diploma in Lay Pastoral Ministry

June 6-10, 2011

Dr. Karen Petersen Finch

Goals of the Course

• To become more familiar with a biblical understanding of the nature and character of God
• To examine a number of issues related to the doctrine of God that have been discussed throughout Christian history, and that are still “live” issues today
• To practice reading theological texts and engaging in theological discussion
• To relate lectures, reading and discussion to our personal ministry contexts
• To honor and enjoy God and one another.

Daily Topics and Readings

Before the class begins, please read or skim:

Oden, Thomas C..  The Living God.  Systematic Theology: Volume I.  San Francisco: HarperCollins Publishers, 1992, pp. ix-52.

Note:  This book can be heavy lifting for some readers. If you find yourself getting frustrated, please feel free to skim.  We will be highlighting important passages in class.

Also, it might benefit you to read ahead as much as you can before the class begins.

Monday, June 6.                  How do we know God?

                                                The debate between natural theology and revelation

                                                (Thomas Aquinas, Luther and Calvin)

                                                God-talk and the problem of language

                                                The goal of “renewed reason”

Reading assignment:

Oden, The Living God, Chapter 5 (pp. 181-224).

Tuesday, June 7.                  What is the doctrine of the Trinity?

                                                Trinity and the early church

                                                Trinity and the Scriptures

                                                God as Persons-in-relation

Reading assignment:

Oden, Ch. 6 (pp. 225-269).

Wednesday, June 8.             God and Creation

                                                Essential and relational attributes

                                                How and why did God create?

Reading assignment:

Oden, Ch 3 (pp. 83-130).

Thursday, June 9.                The Attributes of God

                                                Personal and moral attributes

                                                The cross and the attributes of God

Reading assignment:

Oden, Ch 7 (pp. 270-316).

Friday, June 10.                    Issues in the Doctrine of God

                                                Process theology: Does God change?

                                                God and the Mystery of Evil

Follow-up Assignment: Due November 1

            Please write your own statement of faith reflecting what you have learned about God from our lectures, reading and discussion.  Your statement must be no more than 1,500 words and must include 5 biblical references, each of which relates to a daily topic for the course (Knowing God, Trinity, etc.).

            At the end of the faith statement, please identify at least two challenges of doing ministry (in your context) in a way that consciously reflects your statement of faith.

             Thank you for your participation in the class!