A introductory course in Christian Theology Based upon Alister McGrath's Theology; The Basics This short, basic introduction to Christian theology is aimed specifically at those who are approaching it for the first time, and who feel intimidated by the thought of studying theology. It sets out to introduce you to some of its basic themes, problems, and personalities, and to whet your appetite to know more. Alister McGrath WHAT IS THEOLOGY?
Write your own definition below:
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ The word theology has been used for centuries to mean talking about God. For Christians we use this to mean talking about God in a Christian way. We do this in two ways, - it is the process (series of actions or steps) of thinking, and, - it is also _____________________________ _______________________________________ The word theology has been used for centuries to mean talking about God. For Christians we use this to mean talking about God in a Christian way. We do this in two ways, - it is the process (series of actions or steps) of thinking, and, - it is also _____________________________ the outcome, the result of our thinking. _______________________________________ We do this thinking about God in a organised and planned way, so that Christian theology can then be defined as, _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ We do this thinking about God in a organised and planned way, so that Christian theology can then be defined as, _______________________________________ [The] intellectual reflection on the _______________________________________ act, content and implications of the _______________________________________ Christian faith. This includes coming to an understanding of what a doctrine means, e.g. what is the church? This includes coming to an understanding of what a doctrine means, e.g. what is the church? - all people, believers and unbelievers (saved and unsaved), who attend a local place of worship This includes coming to an understanding of what a doctrine means, e.g. what is the church? - all people, believers and unbelievers (saved and unsaved), who attend a local place of worship - those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord Do the two ideas have results that change what we think church is? What is good about each of them, do they affect the way we live as Christians? We might also ask, - Why believe in the Trinity and not just in God? - Why is it important to believe Jesus was fully God and fully human? - Are we in danger of making Christian belief too hard to understand? _______________________________________ _______________________________________ We might also ask, - Why believe in the Trinity and not just in God? - Why is it important to believe Jesus was fully God and fully human? - Are we in danger of making Christian belief too hard to understand? For us theology should explain the _______________________________________ Christian faith and help us to _______________________________________ understand it better. [THEOLOGY IS BASICALLY] FAITH SEEKING UNDERSTANDING ANSELM OF CANTERBURY (1033-1109) For Christians this should help to _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Theology is also important in church life _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ are all changed by our theological view. For Christians this should help to deepen our relationship with the Lord, _______________________________________ and create a greater desire for him _______________________________________ within us _______________________________________ Theology is also important in church life _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ are all changed by our theological view. For Christians this should help to deepen our relationship with the Lord, _______________________________________ and create a greater desire for him _______________________________________ within us _______________________________________ Theology is also important in church life how we minister is affected by what we _______________________________________ believe, so pastoral care, preaching, _______________________________________ how we walk with God etc. _______________________________________ are all changed by our theological view. Much of the Western world was shaped by Christian thinking and so understanding theology will help people to understand its culture, art and literature. THEOLOGY CAN BE THOUGHT OF AS THE CHRISTIAN'S DISCIPLESHIP OF THE MIND. ALISTER MCGRATH McGrath describes his intention in writing the bookthese are some of the reasons we are studying it. - To explore some of the basic ideas of Christianity. - To meet some of the leading Christian theologians / thinkers. - To introduce you to the basics of Christian theology. - By the way...The book assumes that you know nothing about theology. - It introduces and explains Christian theological ideas as they are found in the Apostles' Creed. - It show how those ideas were developed and justified. - It gives the basic vocabulary, especially technical terms, used in discussion of those ideas - It outlines some of the key debates that have influenced Christian thinking - It also encourages you to interact with these ideas, by helping you to look at other texts setting out some approaches to these questions. - To introduce you to a range of different theological approaches, Protestant, Pentecostal and Catholic theological standpoints will be seen in the text. - To avoid denominational bias and treat all positions with respect and fairness. THE APOSTLES CREED This book is based loosely on the Apostles Creed, which is widely used as a basic summary of the Christian faith and included as part of public worship in many places. It is a simple statement that gives a good framework for exploring central ideas of Christian theology. The version below was written in about the eight century, I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Assignment: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Memorise the catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the
Apostles Creed resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.