Module 1: Introductory Material
Hi everyone, and welcome to the first module for the Theological Foundations course. In this section, we'll be concentrating on the theoretical underpinnings and necessary values for doing good theology. Because there is such a wide variety of mindsets and assumptions about even the most basic aspects of our lives in the world today, it is helpful to step back and investigate the most fundamental questions. In one sense, questions as basic as What is theology?
and Why should we do theology?
are fairly simple and can be answered quickly. However, as we look a little deeper, the answers to these simple questions can diverge into a wide variety of important implications, which will dramatically affect our theology in the long run. That is why it is helpful to build the foundation carefully, so that the rest of the course will be more beneficial. We invite you to examine your fundamental assumptions and work to make sure they conform with God's revelation.
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Introduction
Module Objectives and Outcomes
Module Objectives
Upon successful completion of this module, the student will:
- Describe the nature, necessity, means and goals of Christian theology.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the priority application of Biblical truth to all areas of life and ministry.
Module Outcomes
Cognitive Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:
- Describe theology as connecting revelation from God with its appropriate application in life.
- Articulate the reasons why the theological task is necessary for Christian life and ministry.
- Describe how repentance and faith are necessary for good Christian theology.
- Articulate how good theology leads to worship.
Affective Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, each student should have a conviction and desire to:
- Prioritize revelation from God over human wisdom and tradition in doing theology.
- Appreciate the value of theology for Christian life and ministry
- Acknowledge a commitment to trusting God's revelation and changing their own mind, heart and actions to conform to God's revelation.
- Hold the Lord in higher esteem as the result of theological investigation.
Devotional
Read Philippians 1:9-11
In Philippians 1:9-11, Paul tells the Philippians that he is praying for them, and he tells them the content of his prayer. He asks that their love may abound in knowledge and discernment. Notice how Paul connects Christian love with understanding. And by making growth in both of these to be the focus of his prayer, Paul shows that they are a priority. And the result of this growth is that the Philippians would be able, not only to discern, but also to approve what is most important. In the next verse, he shows that this brings about a lifestyle of purity and righteousness. For Paul, the Christian’s affections are not separated from their thought life, which is not separated from their actions.
In the same way for us, ideally, our love should grow in knowledge and understanding. This will aid us to think rightly about all parts of our world and experience. And this, in turn will aid us to live rightly and react rightly to every situation in a manner which is pleasing to God. Too often, Christians don’t think well, or they don’t connect their thinking with their lifestyle in a way that pleases God. It is so important to connect our affections, our intellect, and our actions together in a mutually reinforcing relationship. The name for this integrated task is theology. Therefore, learning to do theology well is a priority, according to Paul. And good theology will benefit everyone who takes this priority to heart.
Please, then, prayerfully consider what it would be like for Paul’s desire to be realized in your life. What specific things would change? What difference would it make? And what steps can you take to make it so?
Instruction Documents
In this section, you'll find links to the instruction documents for this module. There is an instruction document for an individual student studying on their own. And there is an instruction document for students working through this material with a group. Click the links below to access these documents.
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What is Theology?
Textbook Reading
In this section, you'll find the reading schedule and study guides for the textbook readings and supplemental readings. The textbook readings should be done before watching the lecture videos. However, the supplemental readings should typically be done after the lecture videos.
Lecture Video
In this section, you will find the video lecture for this part of module 1. Before the video, there is a link to a study guide for the lecture and a link to blank, fill-in notes for the lecture. Click the banner to open access to the video. There is also a link with the video if you prefer to watch on the Rumble or YouTube interface. In addition, there is a link to download the audio from the presentation for offline review. And there are links that open review slides and a review quiz that covers the material from this particular lecture. Click each link to access those documents.
01: What is Theology?
Lecture 01 Video 
Lecture 01 ReviewClick the prev.
and next
buttons (bottom right of the slide) to move through the slides. You can also click on any thumbnail to go directly to that slide.
Quiz for Lecture 01Here is a review quiz for the material covered in this lecture. Click the button next to the best answer for each question, or drag each term to its best definition. Then press the button at the bottom to see if your answers are correct. This quiz will be different each time, so you may close and reopen this quiz for more review and practice.
Supplemental Reading
The student will read the assigned secondary reading in the document found below. Think through the content of this article and use the insights gained as part of your course material response and application reflection or discussion.
Lecture 01 Reflection/Discussion
In this section, you will find documents containing instructions and content for either an individual reflection or group discussion based on this lecture. Follow the instructions in order to interact with and help solidify your understanding of the course material and work toward its application. Click either link below to access these documents.
1
Why Do Theology?
Textbook Reading
In this section, you'll find the reading schedule and study guides for the textbook readings and supplemental readings. The textbook readings should be done before watching the lecture videos. However, the supplemental readings should typically be done after the lecture videos.
Lecture Video
In this section, you will find the video lecture for this part of module 1. Before the video, there is a link to a study guide for the lecture and a link to blank, fill-in notes for the lecture. Click the banner to open access to the video. There is also a link with the video if you prefer to watch on the Rumble or YouTube interface. In addition, there is a link to download the audio from the presentation for offline review. And there are links that open review slides and a review quiz that covers the material from this particular lecture. Click each link to access those documents.
02: Why Do Theology?
Lecture 02 Video Lecture 02 ReviewClick the prev.
and next
buttons (bottom right of the slide) to move through the slides. You can also click on any thumbnail to go directly to that slide.
Quiz for Lecture 02Here is a review quiz for the material covered in this lecture. Click the button next to the best answer for each question, or drag each term to its best definition. Then press the button at the bottom to see if your answers are correct. This quiz will be different each time, so you may close and reopen this quiz for more review and practice.
Supplemental Reading
The student will read the assigned secondary reading at the link found below. Think through the content of this article and use the insights gained as part of your course material response and application reflection or discussion.
Lecture 02 Reflection/Discussion
In this section, you will find documents containing instructions and content for either an individual reflection or group discussion based on this lecture. Follow the instructions in order to interact with and help solidify your understanding of the course material and work toward its application. Click either link below to access these documents.
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Means and Goals
Textbook Reading
In this section, you'll find the reading schedule and study guides for the textbook readings and supplemental readings. The textbook readings should be done before watching the lecture videos. However, the supplemental readings should typically be done after the lecture videos.
Lecture Video
In this section, you will find the video lecture for this part of module 1. Before the video, there is a link to a study guide for the lecture and a link to blank, fill-in notes for the lecture. Click the banner to open access to the video. There is also a link with the video if you prefer to watch on the Rumble or YouTube interface. In addition, there is a link to download the audio from the presentation for offline review. And there are links that open review slides and a review quiz that covers the material from this particular lecture. Click each link to access those documents.
03: The Means and Goals of Theology
Lecture 03 Video Lecture 03 ReviewClick the prev.
and next
buttons (bottom right of the slide) to move through the slides. You can also click on any thumbnail to go directly to that slide.
Quiz for Lecture 03Here is a review quiz for the material covered in this lecture. Click the button next to the best answer for each question, or drag each term to its best definition. Then press the button at the bottom to see if your answers are correct. This quiz will be different each time, so you may close and reopen this quiz for more review and practice.
Supplemental Reading
The student will read the assigned secondary reading at the link found below. Think through the content of this article and use the insights gained as part of your course material response and application reflection or discussion.
Lecture 03 Reflection/Discussion
In this section, you will find documents containing instructions and content for either an individual reflection or group discussion based on this lecture. Follow the instructions in order to interact with and help solidify your understanding of the course material and work toward its application. Click either link below to access these documents.
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Activities
Reviews
In this section, you will find the review slides from all the course lectures for module 1. This is a convenient way to view and review the summaries for each lecture. Click the banner to begin the slide show.
Click the prev.
and next
buttons (bottom right of the slide) to move through the slides. You can also click on any thumbnail to go directly to that slide.
Review Quiz
This section contains a review quiz to test your understanding of the objective material for Module 1. By clicking the banner, you will reveal a series of questions, in random order. Answer each question and then push the Check Answers
button to check your answers. Every question must be answered before you can submit the quiz. At the end, you will be shown your score for the entire quiz. The quiz will be different each time, so feel free to take it more than once. Click the banner to begin the quiz.
Here is a review quiz for all the material covered in this module's lectures. Click the button next to the best answer for each question, or drag each term to its best definition. Then press the button at the bottom to see if your answers are correct.
Discussion/Reflection/Essay Questions
This section contains questions for further thought and discussion from Module 1. These questions can also be used as essay questions in a classroom setting exam. It is recommended that you take time to think through these issues in order to thoroughly grasp the significance and explore the application of the material you are learning. Click the Thumbnail to view the questions. These questions may be different every time you open this section, so feel free to close and reopen for more questions.
The following questions are for your thoughtful consideration and discussion:
- What is the Biblical evidence that theology is a worthwhile discipline? How should this be applied in everyday life?
- In what ways should we use our mind and "reason" to study theology? What ways should we avoid?
- Why should we study theology? What impact will this make in our everyday lives?
- What is the difference between theology and mythology? What difference does this make for the way that we do theology?
Personal Theological Task Journal
This section contains instructions for the Personal Theological Task Journal. This activity is the culmination and application of the various interactions with each lecture's material. The purpose of this activity is for each student to adapt and apply what they have been learning to their own particular aptitudes, situation, and opportunities. Click the link below to view the detailed instruction document for this activity.
(optional) Theology Project - Part 1
The student may create a project that will span all five modules of this course. The project will examine one theological topic of the student's choosing from a number of different perspectives, following a general theological method learned in this course. This project will be composed of five separate activities, one from each module. Please click the link below for detailed instructions for part 1 of this project.
Module Completed!
Congratulations, you have reached the end of the first module. I hope that you have found it rewarding and have noticed personal growth.
I encourage you to continue on to the next module as soon as is convenient. The button below will take you to Module 2.
