Theological Foundations - 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.
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.
Course Documents
In this section, you'll find links to important and supplemental documents for this module. Click the following links to open each document. The first group contains documents that explain and give instruction for all the course activities in this module. The second group is a set of blank lecture notes which you may use as a companion for the video lectures. And the last group contains overview and supplemental documents for some of the topics covered in this module.
Instruction Guides
- Individual Student Guide for Module 1
- Group Student Guide for Module 1
- Textbook Reading List/Study Guide for Module 1
Lecture Notes
Supplemental Documents
Videos
In this section, you will find the video lectures for all the introductory course material module. They are designed to be watched in order, but each video should make sense on its own. Click each thumbnail to open access to each video. There is also a link with each video if you prefer to watch on the YouTube interface.
Reviews
In this section, you will find the review slides from the course lectures for module 1. This is a convenient way to view and review the summaries for each lecture. Click the Thumbnail picture to begin the slide show.
Click the "prev." and "next" buttons (bottom right of the slide) to move through the slides.
Review Quiz
This section is a link to a separate page which contains a review quiz to test your understanding of the objective material for Module 7. By clicking the link, you will be taken to a series of questions, in random order. Answer each question and then push the Submit
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 Thumbnail picture to begin the quiz.
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.
The following questions are for your thoughtful consideration and discussion:
- In what ways should we use our mind and "reason" to study theology? What ways should we avoid?
- What are the two most important means of good theology? Why are these important? How can you best practice these means in your own life?
- Contrast the lie told by the serpent with wisdom as described in Proverbs. What does this have to do with the way we should do theology?
- Describe how a good theologian is NOT like a lawyer, but rather like a judge. How should you practically apply this to the way you do theology?
- What is Brad's definition of theology? What difference should this make to the way that we think about God, ourselves and all of life? What difference should this make for the way that we live?
- What is the difference between theology and mythology? What difference does this make for the way that we do theology?
- What is the Biblical evidence that theology is a worthwhile discipline? How should this be applied in everyday life?
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.
