THE101: Theology Foundations

Course Overview

Theology Foundations offers a systematic exploration of core Christian doctrines, from the nature of God to salvation and the church. Over 12 weeks, students will engage with key theological concepts through Scripture, historical perspectives, and contemporary applications. The course encourages critical thinking, discussion (via optional forums), and personal reflection to build a robust theological framework.

Why It's Important

Theology isn't just academic—it's the lens through which we understand God and His world. This course is vital for avoiding doctrinal errors, deepening worship, and articulating faith in a skeptical society. It empowers believers to teach, counsel, and lead with sound doctrine, ensuring ministries are biblically aligned and spiritually fruitful.

Course Outline

• Week 1: Introduction to Theology and Revelation
  This week defines theology as the study of God and His relation to the world, exploring general revelation (creation, conscience) and special revelation (Scripture, Jesus). Students will examine how God reveals Himself progressively through history, setting the foundation for trustworthy knowledge of divine truths.
• Week 2: The Doctrine of God (Trinity, Attributes)
  Focusing on God's nature, this week covers the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) with biblical support (e.g., Matthew 28:19) and attributes like omniscience, omnipotence, holiness, love, and immutability. Discussions include how these truths inspire awe, trust, and ethical living in response to a perfect God.
• Week 3: Creation and Humanity's Role
  Exploring Genesis 1-2 and related passages, this week addresses God's creative acts, the order of creation, and humanity's imago Dei (image of God) status. Topics include stewardship of the earth, human dignity, gender roles, and the implications for environmental care, social justice, and personal purpose.
• Week 4: Sin and Its Consequences
  This week examines the fall (Genesis 3), original sin, total depravity (Romans 3), and effects on individuals, society, and creation. Students will reflect on sin's universality, consequences like death and brokenness, and the need for redemption, fostering humility and dependence on grace.
• Week 5: Christology: Person and Work of Jesus
  Delving into Jesus' dual nature (fully God, fully human) via the hypostatic union, this week covers His incarnation, virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. Emphasis on how Christ's personhood enables His mediatorial role, bridging God and humanity.
• Week 6: Atonement and Salvation
  This week unpacks theories of atonement (substitutionary, Christus Victor) from passages like Isaiah 53 and Romans 5, explaining justification, regeneration, and adoption. Students will explore salvation's process (calling, faith, repentance) and assurance, addressing debates on election and free will.
• Week 7: The Holy Spirit and Pneumatology
  Covering the Spirit's personhood, deity, and roles (conviction, regeneration, sanctification, gifts), this week draws from John 14-16 and Acts. Discussions include baptism in the Spirit, fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5), and how to live empowered by the Spirit in daily life and ministry.
• Week 8: The Church and Ecclesiology
  This week defines the church as the body of Christ (Ephesians 4), exploring its universal and local aspects, marks (unity, holiness), and functions (worship, edification, mission). Topics include leadership structures, discipline, and the church's role in society as salt and light.
• Week 9: Sacraments and Ordinances
  Examining baptism and the Lord's Supper, this week compares views (paedobaptism vs. credobaptism, real presence vs. memorial). Biblical foundations (Matthew 28, 1 Corinthians 11) are analyzed, with reflections on how these practices symbolize and strengthen faith.
• Week 10: Eschatology: End Times and Hope
  This week surveys end-time events—rapture, tribulation, millennium, judgment, new creation—from Revelation and prophecies. Various interpretive views (premillennial, amillennial) are presented, emphasizing hope, urgency for evangelism, and living in light of eternity.
• Week 11: Theology in Ethics and Daily Life
  Applying theology to ethics, this week uses doctrines to address issues like bioethics, justice, and sexuality (e.g., via the Ten Commandments, Sermon on the Mount). Students will learn to integrate theology into decision-making, worldview, and cultural engagement.
• Week 12: Review and Personal Theological Statement
  Synthesizing the course, this week reviews key doctrines and guides students in crafting a personal creed or statement of faith. Reflections on growth, applications, and ongoing study encourage a lifelong pursuit of theological depth.

Note: Detailed lesson content, readings, and assignments are available only after enrollment and registration.