LIVING WATERS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
“A Ministry of Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe”
Linking Academic Excellence with Spiritual Profundity
Address: No. 23C Maribou Close, Tynwald, Harare
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.livingwaters.ac.zw
COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
COURSE CODE: TH
PROGRAMMES: NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY &
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
COURSE TYPE: CORE
LEARNING HOURS: 3 HOURS PER WEEK
SEMESTER: 1ST SEMESTER, 1ST YEARS.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to the definition of Theology and its sources. Various approaches
to Theology are distinguished like, Liberal Protestantism, Catholicism, Neo-orthodoxy,
Evangelicalism, Fundamentalism and Pentecostal/Charismatic approach. Theology in historical
perspective is also summarized.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
In order for us to achieve the goals of the study the following objectives shall be necessary:
1. To expose students to the meaning of theology from various scholars
2. To analyze the concepts of God in different contexts
3. To contrast varying views of salvation against the concept of God.
4. To interrogate the Trinitarian concept of God.
For us to achieve the above objectives we shall go through the following course content and
employ the ensuing methods of study.
COURSE CONTENT:
The course content shall cover the following areas:
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES COURSE OUTLINE Page 1
Lesson 1: Introduction to Christian Theology
What is Theology?
Types of Theology
Why is it important to study Theology?
Lesson 2: Sources of Theology
Scripture
Tradition
Reasoning
Revelation
etc
Lesson 3: Views on the existence of God
Cosmological arguments
Ontological arguments
Teleological arguments
Lesson 4: Nature of God
Attributes of God
Names of God
Lesson 5: Trinity of God
Church Councils
Athanaism Creed
Lesson 5: Christology
Lesson 6: Conclusion and Revision of the subject
METHODOLOGY:
Lecturer method and class debates will be predominantly made use of.
Regular attendance of lecture sessions is mandatory except in emergencies.
Participation in class discussions is assumed and regularly assessed by the lecturer.
Students are expected to read appropriate material widely and come to class prepared.
Normal adult class learning ethics are expected from all students.
GUIDELINES ON GRADING AND STANDARDS OF ASSESSMENT:
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES COURSE OUTLINE Page 2
80+ D (DISTINCTION)
79-70 M (MERIT)
69-60 C (CREDIT)
59-50 P (PASS)
49-40 S (SUPPLEMENTARY)
39-0 R (REPEAT)
COURSE ASSESSMENT:
Evaluation shall be based on Coursework (40%) and Examination (60%). Students will be
required to submit one individual assignment, a group presentation, and a final semester
examination during the course.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Banana, S.D. 1991.Come and Share: An Introduction to Christian Theology. Gweru: Mambo
Press.
Bediako, K. 1992. Theology and Identity: The impact of culture upon Christian Thought in
the second century and modern Africa. Oxford: Regnum Press.
Black, C.E. (1988) Christian Theology An Inspiration, NGKB, London.
Buchanan, J. 1987. The Doctrine of Justification. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1961.
Conner, K.J. 1980.The foundations of Christian Doctrine.A Practical guide to Christian
Belief. England: Sovereign World International.
Durrwell, F.X. 1960. The Ressurection: A Biblical Study. London: Sheed& Ward.
Green, E.M.B. 1965. The Meaning of Salvation. London: Hodder& Stoughton.
Kung, H. 1964. Justification: The Doctrine of Karl Bath and a Catholic Reflection. London:
Burns and Oates.
McGrath, A.E (2001) An Introduction To Christian Theology, Blackwell, Oxford.
McGrath, A.E (2001) Christian Theology: 2nd Edition, Blackwell: Oxford.
McGrath, A.E. (1998) Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian
Thought, Blackwell, Oxford.
Mbiti, J.S. 1969. African Religion and Philosophy. Oxford: Heinemann Educational.
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