TH712: Theology of God and Creation
Course Discription
In TH712 Theology of God and Creation students examine who God is and what God does by exploring the doctrines of God, creation, humanity, and the Fall. This course also discusses God’s heavenly hosts and God’s providential relationship to creation, his divine knowledge, and the problem of evil. Students are introduced to the major topics, essential ideas, central issues, and doctrinal disagreements pertinent to each area of doctrine. As the first of two theology courses, students are challenged to think about the relationship between scripture and theology as well as the practical implications of biblical doctrine.1
Utilizing four different Mobile Ed Courses, TH712 invites students to learn from world-renown experts in Systematic Theology. The course begins with Dr. Michael Allen, who explores the nature and purpose of Systematic Theology and the doctrine of scripture. The course then offers a survey of Trinitarian theology by Dr. Peter Leithart. Following its look at the doctrine of the Trinity, this course presents overviews of the biblical terminology for the Persons of the Trinity (God, Christ, Holy Spirit) and God’s heavenly host by Dr. Ronn Johnson and Dr. Carl Sanders. Then, the course surveys five distinct approaches to Genesis 1-2 presented by leading Old Testament scholars and theologians, who present the distinct features and biblical basis for their particular viewpoint. The course concludes by returning to lectures by Dr. Michel Allen, who discusses themes and major topics related to humanity and the Fall.1
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Trace the major elements in the development of Trinitarian theology
- Identify and define basic categories of Trinitarian theology
- Describe practical uses of the doctrine of the Trinity
- Discuss the theological issues concerning the existence of evil, providence, foreknowledge, and free will
- Summarize various views of creation and explain the theological implications of the various approaches to Gen 1–2
- Explain what it means to be made in the image of God and the implications of being made in God’s image
- Articulate core concepts related to the doctrine of Sin
Mobile Ed Course Lecture Content: TH111, TH215, TH102, TH331
Central Texts
- The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Edited by John D. Barry, David Bomar, Derek R. Brown, Rachel Klippenstein, Douglas Mangum, Carrie Sinclair Wolcott, Lazarus Wentz, Elliot Ritzema, and Wendy Widder. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016.
- Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology. 4th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996.
- Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Edited by Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England, Steve Bond, E. Ray Clendenen, Trent C. Butler, and Bill Latta. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
- The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Edited by F. L. Cross and Elizabeth A. Livingstone. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.
- Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics. Edited by Norman L. Geisler. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999.
- Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004.
- Lexham Survey of Theology. Edited by Mark Ward, Jessica Parks, Brannon Ellis, and Todd Hains. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018
