This course provides a general yet intermediate-level introduction to systematic theology and the philosophy of religion. Structured across multiple modules, it offers a comprehensive exploration of Christian doctrine, emphasizing its systematic-theological formulation and coherence.
The course aims to deepen students' understanding of how Christian doctrines are interrelated, mutually presuppose one another, and together shape a cohesive theological framework. Special attention is given to the connections between anthropology, soteriology, and the Christian life.
With a focus on Lutheran theology and its reformatory foundations, the course critically engages with alternative denominational perspectives on key doctrines. Through an examination of doctrinal interconnectivity, students will develop a nuanced appreciation of theological differences and their implications.
The philosophy of religion module further explores these themes by examining the dynamic relationship between theology and philosophy. Key topics include the role of subjectivity in Christian theism, philosophical anthropology, epistemology, and apologetical perspectives.
The course consists of the following modules:
- Trinitarian Theology and Christology (6 ECTS)
- Anthropology, Soteriology, and the Christian Life (10 ECTS)
- Philosophy of Religion (4 ECTS)
The teaching is organized with both online and session-based modules.
The online modules usually contain reading guides for the course literature, instructional texts for the online lessons, as well as audio or video lectures.
The session-based teaching amounts to 28 hours of instruction divided between two gatherings, one on campus and one digital.
Knowledge
The students:
- have knowledge about trinitarian theology and Christology.
- have knowledge about anthropology, salvation and the Christian life including various theological interpretations.
- can articulate a reformatory perspective on the doctrines explored in the course.
- can compare the Lutheran understanding of anthropology, salvation, and the Christian life with that of other denominations.
- understand how various core theological dogmas cohere with one another.
- can examine the biblical foundations of the doctrines covered in the course.
- knowledge of selected topics in Philosophy of Religion.
Skills
The students can:
- critically analyse theological texts from a systematic-theological perspective.
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the doctrines presented in the course.
- apply a trinitarian perspective in theological reflection.
- identify and explain the interrelations, coherence, and correlations among doctrines of the Christian faith.
- integrate theological concepts to enhance their own theological development and understanding.
General Competence
The students can:
- communicate their views in various settings, both orally and in writing.
- can critically engage with scholarly work in the field Christian dogmatics.
Exam and Assessment
All course requirements and exams are individual and are submitted digitally.
Course Requirements:
To receive final assessment, you must:
- Attend the two gatherings (both on campus and digital) and a minimum of 70 % of the lectures (cf. chap. 5.5) *
- A paper on a given topic in Philosophy of Religion (1500 words).
- Record a presentation of a given topic (5-7 minutes).
- Give feedback on a fellow student’s presentation.
Deadline for submission is given at the start of the semester but notice that the requirements must be completed not later than two weeks before the exam date.
Final Assessment:
| Form of assessment | Duration | Grading scale | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Exam | 30 minutes | A-F | Online |
Final assessment is based on the exam. The course and the exam will be graded A-E for pass and F for fail.
Some readings are available digitally on the school’s learning management system (LMS) and are marked with *.
Trinitarian theology and Christology (circa 400 pages)
Beckwith, C. L. (2016). The Holy Trinity. The Luther Academy. (400 pp.).
Anthropology, soteriology, and the Christian life (circa 820 pages):
Cooper, J. (2014). Christification: A Lutheran Approach to Theosis. Wipf and Stock, pp. 1-47 (circa 45 pages).
Cooper, J., & Fenn, M. (2024). The Doctrine of Sanctification: Theological Essays from the Weidner Institute. Just & Sinner Publications, pp. 7-112 (circa 105 pages).
Schreiner, T. (2015). Faith Alone: The Doctrine of Justification: What the Reformers Taught… and Why It Still Matters. Zondervan Academic, pp. 21-67 and 97-230 (circa 180 pp.).
Schulz, K. D. (2023). Theological Anthropology and Sin. The Luther Academy. (255 pp.).
Treat, J. (2023). The Atonement: An Introduction. Crossway. (190 pp.).
Philosophy of religion (circa 300 pages):
Flint, T. P. & Rea, M. (Eds.) (2011). The Oxford Handbook of Philosophical Theology. Oxford University Press, pp. 403-540 (137 pages).
Davis. S. T. (2006). Christian Philosophical Theology. Oxford University Press (300 pages).
Source Texts (circa 70 pages)
A selection of source texts will be provided at FIUC’s Learnings Management System (Canvas).
