Trinitarianism — Course Description
Who is God? Better yet, what is God? Can we know for certain that He exists? If so, how? How can God be one yet three? How can Christ be both God and man? This course is a study of the nature, existence, and attributes of our Trinitarian God. We will examine the biblical evidence and historical development of our understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity, person of Christ (Christology), and the person of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology). Particular attention will be spent on worldview analysis in order to answer the question “What is God?” before we can approach the question “Who is God?” We will also learn and evaluate the common arguments for the existence of God that philosophers and theologians have put forth over the centuries. A defense of the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity will be put made as well as one for a belief in the full humanity and full deity of Christ.
Course Outline
Session 1 - Worldviews
Session 2 - "Knowability" of God
Session 3 - Defense of the Existence of God
Session 4 - The Incommunicable Attributes of God, Part 1
Session 5 - The Incommunicable Attributes of God, Part 2
Session 6 - The Communicable Attributes of God (including Open Theism's view of God)
Session 7 - The Doctrine of the Trinity: Historical Development
Session 8 - The Doctrine of the Trinity: Biblical Defense
Session 9 - The Christology: Humanity of Christ in History
Session 10 - The Christology: Humanity of Christ in the Bible
Course Objectives
Course Textbooks
Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.
Olson, Roger. Mosaic of Christian Beliefs. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002.
Bible (preferably New American Standard or New English Translation)
Assignment Description
1. Reading: There will be various reading assignments during the ten-week period. Each student will be expected to read and be prepared to discuss in class and/or on the forum the material according to the schedule found in the syllabus.
2. Scripture memorization: Each student will memorize the passages provided on the Scripture memorization sheet. Once completed, the student will recite the memorized Scripture to a partner who will affirm the completion by signing the Scripture Memorization Sheet (included in The Student Notebook).
The Scriptures should be memorized in one of the following translations:
New American Standard
New English Translation - NET Bible
English Standard Version
New International Version (though not preferred)
3. Case Studies: There will be two case studies that must be completed. (Online students are to post their case studies online through their Facebook group.)
4. Vocabulary Quizzes: There are two closed book theological vocabulary quizzes. Once the student looks at the quiz, he or she must take the quiz. In other words, you cannot look at the quiz and then study the terms.
Note: All students are required to acquire ten hours of community time. This can be accomplished in classroom discussion and/or the Facebook Group page discussing issues relevant to the course.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Course Outline
Session 1 - Worldviews
Session 2 - "Knowability" of God
Session 3 - Defense of the Existence of God
Session 4 - The Incommunicable Attributes of God, Part 1
Session 5 - The Incommunicable Attributes of God, Part 2
Session 6 - The Communicable Attributes of God (including Open Theism's view of God)
Session 7 - The Doctrine of the Trinity: Historical Development
Session 8 - The Doctrine of the Trinity: Biblical Defense
Session 9 - The Christology: Humanity of Christ in History
Session 10 - The Christology: Humanity of Christ in the Bible
Course Objectives
- The student will come to know God more fully and more truly.
- The student will become familiar with the various worldviews that exist, understanding that the concept of God is different in each worldview.
- The student will learn the main arguments for the existence of God.
The student will understand the historical development that early Christians went through trying to understand the doctrine of the Trinity. - The student will have a greater understanding and appreciation for the relationship of the two natures of Christ.
- The students will gain an appreciation for the positive role that heresy plays in the development of our understanding of theology.
Course Textbooks
Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.
Olson, Roger. Mosaic of Christian Beliefs. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002.
Bible (preferably New American Standard or New English Translation)
Assignment Description
1. Reading: There will be various reading assignments during the ten-week period. Each student will be expected to read and be prepared to discuss in class and/or on the forum the material according to the schedule found in the syllabus.
2. Scripture memorization: Each student will memorize the passages provided on the Scripture memorization sheet. Once completed, the student will recite the memorized Scripture to a partner who will affirm the completion by signing the Scripture Memorization Sheet (included in The Student Notebook).
The Scriptures should be memorized in one of the following translations:
New American Standard
New English Translation - NET Bible
English Standard Version
New International Version (though not preferred)
3. Case Studies: There will be two case studies that must be completed. (Online students are to post their case studies online through their Facebook group.)
4. Vocabulary Quizzes: There are two closed book theological vocabulary quizzes. Once the student looks at the quiz, he or she must take the quiz. In other words, you cannot look at the quiz and then study the terms.
Note: All students are required to acquire ten hours of community time. This can be accomplished in classroom discussion and/or the Facebook Group page discussing issues relevant to the course.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
