Introduction to Theology (270-0-20)

Instructors

Christine Helmer
847/491-2616
Kresge Hall #3341
Office Hours: Wed 2-4 pm on zoom

Meeting Info

Shepard Hall B08/B09: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Theology is an academic discipline that, like philosophy, has to do with the big questions of life: What does God have to do with the world? How does body relate to soul? Why is evil so pernicious? What is special about theological thinking? We address the question "what is theology?" by asking theologians how they think, what topics fascinate them, and how they bring their experiences to their work. We discuss Christian theologians from the past, who have impressed their ideas on both the development of theology and culture in the west. We look to contemporary theologians to explain why some forms of theology perpetuate exclusions and how theology can be a tool for thinking about inclusive practices in church and world. We read works by Augustine, Calvin, Luther, Schleiermacher, Tonstad, Cone, Johnson, and Christ/Plaskow.

Registration Requirements

no prerequisites

Learning Objectives

Students will know the basic concepts in the field of theology: creation, redemption, good works, eschatology.
Students will be familiar with a few of the fundamental works in the Christian theology.
Students will learn how to think about relations between different theological ideas.

Class Materials (Required)

Pdf files on canvas. No materials to be purchased.

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Ethics & Values Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-Registration -- Reserved for Religion students.