Theological Foundations - Module 2: How to Do Theology
Hi everyone, and welcome back to the second module for the Theological Foundations course. The focus of this module is on how to do theology for yourself. You will learn practical skills and approaches to use in your own study. Some of the topics to be covered in this module are the basis and authority for all theology, the various branches of theology that connect God’s revelation to practical application, some strategies for faithful Bible study, strategies for theological thinking and application, and then specific processes and skills to do theological work. There may seem to be a lot of material to be learned. But it is most important to see that it is all connected together because God is the foundation of it all. Ideally, you will understand all the concepts and begin to practice all the skills. The material for this module is meant to provide tools that will be used (with increasing skill the more they are used) in the modules ahead. And hopefully you will see the benefit and commit to use these skills and approaches for a lifetime of theological investigation.
Module Objectives and Outcomes
Module Objectives
Upon successful completion of this module, the student will:
- Follow a systematic procedure for investigation and application of theological issues.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the primary functional authority of Scripture in all theological work.
Module Outcomes
Cognitive Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:
- Describe the different branches of theological investigation
- Articulate the logical relationship and priority of the various theological disciplines
- Apply exegetically responsible procedures for theological investigation
- Describe a flexible process for theological investigation and application
- Follow a detailed and/or an abridged process to investigate a theological topic
Affective Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, each student should have a conviction and desire to:
- Prioritize revelation from God over human reason, tradition and experience in doing theology.
- Appreciate regular Bible and theological study
- Value exegetical responsibility in all theological investigation
- Integrate intellectual investigation with appropriate affections and actions
- Value making theology practicable and actually putting it into practice
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.
Instruction Guides
- Individual Student Guide for Module 2
- Group Student Guide for Module 2
- Textbook Reading List for Module 2
Lecture Notes
Supplemental Documents
Videos
In this section, you will find the video lectures for all the course material for the second 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 Rumble or YouTube interface. In addition, there is a link to download the audio for offline review.
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. You can also click on any thumbnail to go directly to that slide.
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/Contemplation/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:
- Describe the characteristics of good application. Why are these necessary? What can you do to ensure that your application meets these standards?
- What does Kapic mean by the phrase "faithful reason"? What difference should this make to the way we do theology?
- Describe the dangers and failures of using Reason, Tradition, or Experience as our ultimate source and authority for knowledge. How can we protect ourselves from these dangers?
- Describe the progression of "Precept - Principle - Person." What does this mean and how does it apply to doing theology?
- Describe the process of building a theology from individual Bible passages resulting in a Biblical Lifestyle. What steps can you take to implement this in your own life?
- Describe the 2 types of Reason, Experience, and Tradition, and how they should be used in theology.
- Describe the task of apologetics as taught in the course material. Why is this necessary to theology? How can it be practiced in your own life?
Module Completed!
Congratulations, you have reached the end of the second module. I hope that you have found it rewarding and have noticed even more personal growth.
I encourage you to continue on to the next module as soon as is convenience. The button below will take you to Module 3.
