Spurgeon's College Moodle

This unit builds on the discussion of introductory issues in unit 112 Introduction to the Bible and on skills acquired in unit 103 Reading and Using the Bible. It helps students to improve their exegetical skills and to read and use commentaries and other aids independently. It also pays attention to contemporary use of the Old Testament.

This unit builds on the discussion of introductory issues in unit 112 Introduction to the Bible and on skills acquired in unit 103 Reading and Using the Bible. It helps students to improve their exegetical skills and to read and use commentaries and other aids independently. It also pays attention to contemporary use of the Old Testament.

This unit focuses on basic grammar and syntax as contained in the textbook; it also offers a brief historical treatment of language and of the transmission of the text, and pays attention to idiomatic expressions in New Testament Greek. Reading from the original text is emphasised from the start of the unit. The biblical text used is Johns Gospel, with selections from the Letters of John. The teaching of grammatical forms and structures is supported by teacher-prepared handouts with forms being introduced in the context of New Testament examples.

This unit provides the theological foundations for a missional ecclesiology and explores contextualised expressions of mission in various shapes of contemporary church. The missiological significance and potential of both inherited and emerging churches is explored, and emphasis is placed on critically evaluating these. Consideration is given to building missional churches in a range of settings, including urban, rural and cross-cultural environments, and the dynamics of both large and small mission-shaped churches are discussed. Throughout the unit students are encouraged to reflect theologically and critically on the models.

Starting with brief orientations on the discipline of Biblical Theology and on the relationship between OT and NT, this unit reviews the major theological contributions within the NT (Matthew, Luke, John, Paul, Hebrews, Peter). Issues such as salvation history, unity and diversity, and NT ethics receive specific attention. The students are encouraged to think through the implications of the biblical texts for Gods people today and they will increase their skills in interpretation and application.

This unit provides a critical examination of various approaches to the theological task. It also explores the potential of an integrated approach to the process of doing theology, which gives due weight to Scripture, tradition and culture. Key themes, such as soteriology, Christology and the doctrine of the Trinity, will be outlined and critically explored. These central themes will help to demonstrate the relevance of theologys critical and constructive tasks. This focus upon specific doctrinal loci will further demonstrate the value of drawing upon the resources of Scripture, tradition and culture. The unit provides foundations for thinking theologically and critically, and enables students to deepen their appreciation of mainstream Christian belief.

The unit focuses on three contemporary challenges to orthodox Christian belief – atheism, pluralism and changing notions of truth - seeking to deepen an understanding of their origins within a wider historical and cultural context. Particular attention focuses on the rise of the so-called ‘new atheism’ and the contrast with older forms of atheism. The social reality and theological challenge presented by religious pluralism is critically examined using a variety of theological resources. The related notion of truth, the rise of dogmatic pluralism and the associated breakdown in notions of authority are examined. Differing theological responses to these issues are examined through engagement with significant texts; the response of the local church to these challenges is addressed in a way that is theologically consistent with the Christian Faith and practically relevant.