Assignments for this course take the form of written summaries, research, and analysis. They are designed to help us work through the course objectives, while keeping a focus on our spiritural growth through conceptual learning.

For each assignment, please develop a document and submit it to me in either Microsoft Word or HTML format (your word processing software should permit you to do a "save as" and choose either of those formats).

This course is based on the premise that the bible is the best source of study for the History of Theology. Answers for every life question can be found in the Word. Therefore, for each assignment it will be necessary to search the scriptures extensively. The tools provided via the course Resource page, along with the bible itself, are sufficient for this task.

Assignment 1
Course Objective: Understanding the development of theology as a discipline.

Question 1:
We can define "theology" as "the study of God." According to the bible, when did the study of God begin? According to human understanding (Online Study Reference) when did the study of God begin?

Question 2:
We can also understand "theology" as "the study of the things of God" through the study of the Holy Scriptures. How does the bible say we should study the scriptures? What is the role of study? Of "meditation"? What is the promise of studying the scriptures?

Assignment 2
Course Objective: Developing a concept of God
As human beings, we come to understand God in a variety of ways. Some argue that humans naturally understand the existence and nature of God. Others contend that our concept of God comes only through experience and divine inspiration.

How do the scriptures instruct us to develop our concept of God?

Assignment 3
Course Objective: The role of revelation in theology

"Revelation," that is, God's disclosure of Himself, His desires, plans, and standards, is central to any religious system. When we contend that God communicates with human beings through the Holy Scriptures, we accept that He has offered revelation to human beings.

Question 1
According to the bible, how did God offer revelation to human beings (prophets) in the Old Testament? How did that change in the New Testament?

Question 2
Please review the article "Mystery and Promise: A Theology of Revelation," by John F. Haught. How does Haught's view of revelation compare with the bible's? Compare and contast.

Assignment 4
Course Objective: The role of investigation in theology

"Investigation" refers to the process of making a careful study, and comparing various explanations of a concept in order to arrive at the truth. When we investigate the scriptures, we may be looking for answers to great questions, or we may be seeking to compare God's position to that of other authorities.

Online Resource to assist in answering this question: Bible.org's, "How to Study the Bible"

Question 1
How do we know that we can trust the scriptures? (Be sure to refer to the bible as well as any external resources.)

Question 2
How do we use the scriptures to answer specific questions? (Be sure to refer to the bible as well as any external resources.)

Assignment 5
Course Objective: How we understand fundamental truths.

"Fundamental" truths are those ideas which are considered inevitably and irrevocably true. They are undeniable.

Question 1
Is God's existence a "fundamental truth"? Use the bible and external resources in your answer.
Online Resource to assist in answering this question: Christian Philosophy Made Simple

Question 2
What is a "fundamental truth" and how do people societies come to understand and accept one? Use the bible and external resources in your answer.
One Online Resource that may assist you in answering this question: The Resurrection, The Fundamental Truth

Assignment 6
Course Objective: How concepts of death and the afterlife influence behavior.

The inevitablity of death does not make it an easier subject to address or discuss. Few people enjoy contemplating their own mortality. However, concepts about death and "what happens next" are central to our understanding and interpretation of theology.

How does the bible instruct us that our view of death and the afterlife should shape our lives? Be complete in your answer.

Final Paper Assignment
Using only the scriptures, develop a personal Bible study system. Design your system so that it provides a thorough introduction to the study of God, history, spirituality, and eternity. Develop a short manual that describes your system. Make sure your manual includes:

• A description of your study method;
• Scriptural justifications for your study priorities (what to leave in; what to leave out)
• Clear guidelines for the user;
• A strategy that leads the user toward God's truth about Himself, salvation, and eternity