Vocation and Theology III: Constructive Theology

TE 621

Phillips Theological Seminary

Spring semester, 2010
Thursdays, 1:15-4:00

Instructor: Joseph Bessler

Robert Travis Peake Associate Professor of Theology
joe.bessler-northcutt@ptstulsa.edu
office hours: W. 1:30-2:30; R. 1-2

Course Description

This course represents the completion of the PTS student's required course work in the
area of theology and ethics. Enrollment in the course assumes successful completion of
TE 500 Introduction to Theology, and at least one upper level theology course. In
addition, TE 621 represents the culmination of three Vocation and Theology courses (the
other two being CD 500 ITEM and TE 571), which aim to assist students in connecting
the practice of academic study to the life and practice of ministry. Therefore, students
enrolling in TE 621 must also have completed successfully TE 571 The Art and Practices
of Ministry.

In light of its prerequisites, Vocation and Theology III: Constructive Theology asks
students to formulate a public construction of the faith that successfully integrates an
interpretation of the Christian tradition and the current cultural situation. Discussed will
be the central themes of method, scripture and tradition, God, revelation, creation, human
being, sin, suffering, and evil, Christ and salvation, the church, prayer and spirituality,
sacraments, the Kingdom of God and everlasting life.

II. Program and Departmental Goals

Program goals for the MDiv, MTS, and MAMC programs can be found in the PTS
Catalog [available on the PTS website] on pages 19, 28, and 33 respectively. Please
review the goals of your academic program and commit them to memory. These goals or
expectations, established by the faculty as a whole, name the variety of intellectual and/or
pastoral skills that should accrue to students as they engage and successfully complete
their academic programs.

In addition to these broad but compelling program goals, faculty members within the
different academics areas have developed a set of more specific goals for student learning
within those discreet areas. In Theology and Ethics the following statement and goals
were approved in the Fall of 2008:
 2

In the ecumenical ethos of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the theology
and ethics division aims to nurture a contemporary expression of Christian faith and
ethics, rooted in respect for Christian traditions but responsive to the differing voices
and multiple contexts of today’s world.

Students completing coursework in the division should be able to:

1. explain basic vocabulary, topics, and approaches to theology and ethics.

2. differentiate and compare theological/ethical arguments from various historical
periods and/or social locations.
3. integrate these studies into a coherent theological/ethical voice of ministry and
leadership.

These program and departmental goals help shape the course goals for all your work in
the area of Theology and Ethics. Put another way, achievement of the following course
goals for TE 500 should activate the broader goals of the department and the academic
program respectively.

Course Goals

1. That students comprehend the nature of constructive theology and how theological
systems are developed.
2. That students be able to formulate, in an introductory way, and in conversation with a
contemporary constructive theologian, as well as in conjunction with their
denominational affiliation, the basic contour and content of their own "systematic" or
constructive theology.

Course Objectives

On the basis of the lectures, presentations, required readings, discussions, and papers, as
well as drawing on previous course work, students should be able to:

1. articulate: a) the major theological "themes" and "issues" of their respective

denominational bodies, b) their most significant learning experiences in seminary, c) an
understanding of the biblical texts that orient their theological commitments, and d) their
convictions about the work of ministry and the church, as prelude to the development of a
coherent, constructive theological statement.

2. explain the theological vision and methodology of a major systematic/constructive

theologian.

3. integrate their study of constructive theology with their central convictions about
ministerial leadership and spiritual formation.

4. develop a constructive theological statement in conversation with a theologian who has

produced a constructive theology.
 3

Class Format

The course will utilize readings, lectures, student presentations, and discussions.
Generally, the first half of each seminar session will be given to lecture and discussion of
the week's specific theological focus. In the second portion of class, we'll work in a more
focused workshop-style on particular issues. Sometimes we will break into discussion
groups to test our developing constructive positions. Time will be available for class
presentations of the students' work in progress.

Course Requirements and Grading

Course Requirements

1. Required Readings and Class Attendance/Participation

2. Initial writing assignment / (portfolio)
3. Paper on your theologian
4. Constructive Theological Paper (20 - 25 pages) (portfolio)

1. Required Readings and Class Attendance

As the completion of required readings prior to class time is essential for seminar
participation, everyone is to have read and thought through the materials assigned before
coming to class. Failure to be prepared consistently for class discussion will result in the
lowering of one's grade and may result in failure of the course.

Class will begin promptly at 1:15 p.m. Please respect the time of your fellow students
and instructor by being on time each week. If a student is late on a routine basis (i.e.
more than twice in the semester) the instructor will treat any subsequent late attendance
as an absence. I reserve the right to lower a grade due to absenteeism. As a guideline,
you can expect the following: Your final grade will not be lowered for one absence.
The second, however, will result in your final grade being lowered by a full letter grade.
A third absence will result in failure of course. PTS academic policy mandates failure
if a student misses more than 20% of a class.

Students, in consultation with the professor, may select another systematic/constructive

theologian other than those listed below. Should a student choose this option, the choice
must be made by the second week of class, with a corresponding list of assigned
readings, running parallel to the syllabus, submitted by the third week. Apart from a clear
interest in a different theological method, students should be cautious about selecting this
option.

2. Initial Writing Assignment

Due the fourth week of class (February 18th), this 10-12 page (double-spaced) assignment
asks the student to respond equally to four questions/concerns that are designed to surface
the student’s “theological voice” in a practical way: 1) To what key biblical passages
(select only one or two) do you find yourself returning again and again as provocations
 4

and guides for ministry? Why and how are those texts important to you? 2) Describe your
theological passion; this could be a focus on one of the theological disciplines (biblical
studies, theology, pastoral care) or it could be expressed in ministerial terms (passion for
social justice, presence in the midst of hurting persons or communities, reconciliation,
and so on). After describing that passion or concern, discuss why that concern is so
important to you. 3) What course work at PTS (again two or three courses at most) has
been most influential in shaping your understanding of theology and ministry? Why?
What happened in those classes to move you intellectually, emotionally, personally? 4)
Which theological themes, images or practices from your denomination (no more than
three) are essential to your theology? Again, explain why those themes or practices are
vital to your practice of theological reflection.

3. Paper on Your Theologian. Students will write a seven page (double spaced) essay
discussing either 1) the theological method utilized in the text, or 2) the theologian’s
treatment of two interconnected topics, such as sin and Christology or Christology and
ecclesiology. Additional directions to follow. Due, March 11.

4. Constructive Essay
What is envisioned and required here is much more than a simple statement of belief, or
credo. Certainly this course involves continuous reflection on one's own internalized
faith. In addition, however, the essay must show clear signs of scholarly and critical
reflection, including — but not limited to — conversation with the
constructive/systematic theologian the student is reading. The task of constructive
theology involves a critical restatement of the Christian faith for the contemporary
situation or context. Moreover, it involves some clear statement of method — of how one
has gone about the process of developing one’s constructive position. Simplistic
repetitions of orthodoxy are inappropriate here. Due April 29th (11th week of class) for
all graduating seniors; otherwise May 6 (12th week of class).

More specific requirements for the paper will be discussed in class.

April 8th (8th week of class), all students are to submit – as hard copy or as an email
attachment -- at least 10 pages of work towards their final paper. While this need not be a
final draft of those pages, it needs to reflect a serious engagement with the course
materials. The purpose of this requirement is to keep all students on track and from
putting off the final paper. Failure to turn in the ten pages will result in a full letter
reduction of the student's final grade. If the ten pages show poor attention to the
project there will be a similar, automatic grade reduction.

The professor reserves the right to alter the syllabus as needed.

Grading

Class Attendance, Incompletes, Academic Misconduct

 5

Because this is a seminar, class participation is extremely important and will count for
20% of the student's grade. By class participation I mean that participation which
specifically addresses the articles, essays, and issues directly under discussion in the
seminar. Thus, participation means well-informed participation. Simply airing one's view
does not constitute positive contribution to the seminar and such "contribution" will be
negatively assessed. An "A" in class participation means consistently prepared for class,
evidenced in thoughtful contributions, questions and insights, a readiness to listen and
thoughtfully engage one's peers and professor. A "B" in class participation also means
consistently prepared for class. The difference between the "A" and the "B" in this
category will be found in the clarity of thoughtfulness and insight. One must be
consistently prepared for class, and give evidence of that preparation, in order to expect
an "A" or a "B" in class participation.

As this is a seminar, presence, listening, and contribution are important aspects of the
learning experience. Furthermore, as each class meeting represents an entire week's worth
of work, and the discussion of an entire doctrine, missing class sessions is extremely
injurious to the student's comprehension of the overall scheme of the course.

If a student must miss a class session, please notify the instructor before class, by
leaving a message with the Seminary receptionist that s/he will not be in class for a
particular session.

There will be no "incompletes" given except for medical emergencies documented by

physician. The instructor reserves the right to evaluate any request for an incomplete.

Please consult the student handbook describing, and providing examples of plagiarism.
Students are to avoid all forms of academic misconduct. Any act of misconduct will
result minimally in failure of the course, and not simply failure of the paper.

Value of the Assignments:

1. Class participation in the seminar will comprise 20% of the student's grade.
2. Initial Writing Assignment – pass/fail but must be completed to pass the course.
3. Paper on your theologian will comprise 20%
4. The constructive/research paper will comprise 60% of the grade.

Portfolio
Ideally, the graded copy of your constructive essay should be included in your portfolio.
If you are graduating, however, and scheduling your exit interview with your adviser, the
assignment may not be completed or graded by that time. In that case, I suggest you use
the initial writing assignment, due the third week of class, as your interim portfolio
assignment, discussing your progress in class with your advisor.

Disability Accommodation Statement:

Phillips Theological Seminary is committed to providing equal access to its programs of

graduate professional education for all qualified students with learning, physical,
 6

medical, or psychological disabilities. The Seminary aims to provide reasonable

accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability (based on clinical
documentation) to ensure their access and participation in Seminary programs. For
details, see “Disabilities Policies and Procedures” in the 2007-2008 Student Handbook,
pp 15-16. Please contact the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Services for
consultation.

Required Texts

1. Buy either: a) Essentials of Christian Theology, ed. William C. Placher, Westminster

John Knox Press, ISBN-13: 978-0664223953, or b) Constructive Theology: A
Contemporary Approach to Classical Themes, eds., Serene Jones and Paul Lakeland,
Augsburg Fortress, ISBN-13: 978-0800636838

2. Christian Theology: An Introduction to its Traditions and Tasks,

Edited by Peter C. Hodgson and Robert H. King, Fortress Press, ISBN-13: 978-
0800618483

3. Reconstructing Christian Theology, edited by Rebecca Chopp and Mark Lewis Taylor,
Augsburg Fortress Press, ISBN-13: 978-0800626969

4. New and Enlarged Handbook of Christian Theology, edited by Don Musser and Joe
Price, (Nashville: Abingdon Press, ISBN-13: 978-0687091126

5. In addition to the first four required texts, students are also required to purchase
and read a one-volume systematic/constructive theology text. Options include the
following:

James Cone, A Black Theology of Liberation, Orbis, ISBN-13: 978-0883446850

James H. Evans, We Have Been Believers: An African American Systematic Theology,

Augsburg Fortress, ISBN-13: 978-0800626723

Langdon Gilkey, Message and Existence, Wipf and Stock, ISBN-13: 978-1579108038

Stanley Grenz, Theology for the Community of God, Wm. B. Eerdmans, ISBN-13: 978-
0802847553

Douglas John Hall, The Cross in Our Context: Jesus and the Suffering World, Fortress
Press, 2003. ISBN-13: 978-0800635817

Dwight Hopkins, Down, Up, and Over: Slave Religion and Black Theology, Augsburg
Fortress, ISBN-13: 978-0800627232.

Peter C. Hodgson, Winds of the Spirit, WJKP, ISBN-13: 978-0664254438

See also: Liberal Theology, Augsburg Fortress, ISBN-13: 978-0800638986
 7

Elizabeth Johnson, She Who Is, Crossroad, ISBN-13: 978-0824519254

Gordon Kaufman, In Face of Mystery, Harvard University Press, ISBN-13: 978-

0674445765

Catherine Keller, The Face of the Deep: A Theology of Becoming, Routledge,

ISBN-13: 978-0415256490

Clara Sue Kidwell, George E. “Tink” Tinker, and Homer Noley, A Native American
Theology, Orbis, ISBN-13: 978-1570753619

Sallie McFague, The Body of God, Augsburg Fortress, ISBN-13: 978-0800627355

John McQuarrie, Principles of Christian Theology, Prentice Hall, ISBN-13: 978-

0023745102

Ted Peters, God — The World's Future, Fortress Press, ISBN-13: 978-0800625429

Karl Rahner, Foundations of Christian Faith, Crossroad, ISBN-13: 978-0824505233

Deotis Roberts, Liberation and Reconciliation: A Black Theology, WJKP, ISBN-13: 978-
0664229658

Systematic Theology: Perspectives From Liberation Theology,

Edited by Jon Sobrino, Orbis, ISBN-13: 978-1570750687

Marjorie Suchocki, God, Christ, Church, Crossroad, ISBN-13: 978-0824509705

David Tracy, The Analogical Imagination, Crossroad, ISBN-13: 978-0824506940

Clark M. Williamson, Way of Blessing, Way of Life: A Christian Theology. Chalice Press,
ISBN-13: 978-0827242432

If a student does not have a strong preference in the direction of a particular

contemporary theologian, (e.g., Sallie McFague, Clark Williamson, Peter Hodgson, etc.)
or a particular theological method (e.g., liberationist, feminist, ecological, revisionist,
postliberal, evangelical etc.), then our default text will be Douglas John Hall’s new book,
The Cross in Our Context: Jesus and the Suffering World, (Fortress Press, 2003. ISBN:
0800635817).

Also on Reserve:
Required Texts

Contact me regarding questions of these or other texts.

joe.bessler-northcutt@ptstulsa.edu
 8

Course Plan
ECT, Essentials of Christian Thought, ed. Placher
NH, New Handbook of Christian Theology, ed. Musser and Price
CT, Christian Theology, eds., Hodgson and King
RCT, Reconstructing Christian Theology, eds., Taylor and Chopp
***, Readings from your theologian of choice
Res. = Reserve Reading
 9

Date Topic Readings

1/28 (1) The work of Constructive Theology CT, Intro. ECT:Intro

RCT, Intro; ***
-- map and context
Begin: the logic of classical Christian Theology

2/4 (2) Resources that Move Us CT: 2,

Scripture, Tradition, Experience, and Reason: NH: related entries on
More on Context &
Initial Discussion of Theological Method Script/trad. & theol method

Assignment: Bring two copies (plus one for yourself)

of a successful sermon to class

2/11 (3) Theological Method (con’t.) CT: 1; ***

Modern and Post-Modern Theological Models
Four-Question Assignment Due

2/18 (4) Faith and Grace: Their meaning in different models ECT: 6, 7; RCT: 12
***

2/25 (5) God: Mystery and Reality CT, 3; NH: related

The Trinity ECT: 2,3;RCT, 1,2 ***

3/4 (6) Creation, Theological Anthropology CT: 6, RCT: 5-6; NH: related
AND ECT: 4 ***
Sin
Order, Disorder, and the Impossibility of Justice CT: 7, RCT: 7,8.9;
NH: related
What Kind of Order in Creation? Res. Keller, pp.3-24
Ten page draft of Constructive Paper Due via email

3/11 (7) Christology, I CT: 8, RCT: 10, 11 NH: related

ECT: 5, RCT, ***

3/18 Reading Week

3/25 Concentrated Course Week
4/1 Holy Week break

4/ 8 (8) Christology II ***

4/15 (9) The Holy Spirit and the Church: CT: 9, 10, 11; NH: related
 10

4/22 (10) Eschatology Now and Then CT, 12; RCT: 13-14; ECT: 9
NH: related ***
Sign up for oral exams on selected theologians

4/29 (11) “Rough Parity” and the Religions CT: 13; NH: related
Class Discussion of Papers ECT: 8 ***
Senior Papers Due

5/6 (12) Discuss Papers

Constructive Papers Due

5/13 (13) Final Class

Wrap Up and Discuss Course papers
Grades due12/18

5/21 Grades Due