Reformed Theological Seminary
centercenter02HT6320 THEOLOGY OF JOHN CALVINMichael AllenSummer 2021COURSE SYLLABUS002HT6320 THEOLOGY OF JOHN CALVINMichael AllenSummer 2021COURSE SYLLABUSProfessor’s Contact InformationName: Michael AllenEmail: mallen@rts.edu Phone: 407-278-4445Course DatesIn Class Dates: July 6-9Course Completion Date: August 13Course OverviewDescription:This course is devoted to the life and theology of John Calvin. Class presentations and discussions focus on his Institutes of the Christian Religion and his commentaries. Attention is given to the relevance of Calvin's theological insights for the church today. 2 credit hours.Purpose:To equip you to study the theology and writings of John Calvin with care for his literary style and his wider theological and exegetical commitments. Goals:In this seminar on the theology of John Calvin, the student will grow in their ability to:read theological texts with care and critical engagement;appreciate the biblical, philosophical, historical, and cultural factors involved in the practice of Christian theology;grasp the structure, breadth, emphases, and coherence of biblical teaching on particular topics;understand the role of John Calvin in shaping Reformed theology;appreciate the exegetical argumentation in his work;grasp the structure and emphases of his theology;familiarize themselves with his literary style;discern various interpretations of or responses to his theology;assess the value of his theology for contemporary faith and practice.Course RequirementsReadingThe student is required to read carefully excerpts from the following text as assigned. Reading is due by July 6.John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (ed. John T. McNeill; trans. Ford L. Battles; Library of Christian Classics; Philadelphia: Westminster, 1960; repr. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2005). ISBN# 9780664220280.The student will read the entirety of book 3 of the Institutes as well as a few other selections (bk. 1, chs. 1-6; bk. 2, chs. 12-15; and bk. 4, chs. 1-2).Some notes about the text:This is a modern translation of the final edition of the Institutes (the 1559 edition). It represents the culmination of Calvin’s ongoing editorial work to a text that had been released in various editions over the course of more than 20 years (and in both French and Latin). It is significantly larger than earlier editions that are available today. The single most important thing to note, then, is that you must read the 1559 edition rather than an earlier one.The McNeill/Battles edition (available from WJK in the Library of Christian Classics series) is strongly to be preferred to the Beveridge edition for its editorial notes (provided throughout in footnotes). If finances dictate buying a cheaper version, you may substitute in the Beveridge edition. Do not opt for any other translation. This edition is also available through Logos Bible Software: (). Note, however, that page numbers can be lost in using a digital version, making referencing the text much more difficult. Caveat emptor (“buyer, beware”).Reading Briefs Every student will prepare 8 reading briefs on assigned portions of the text. They will be submitted on Canvas. Reading briefs summarize the reading as well as respond to it with analysis and questions. They are no more than 350 words each. The 8 briefs relate to the readings from book 3 of the Institutes. They cover selected portions: Brief 1 (III.1-2); Brief 2 (III.3-5); Brief 3 (III.6-10); Brief 4 (III.11-15); Brief 5 (III.16-19); Brief 6 (III.20); Brief 7 (III.21-24); and Brief 8 (III.25).Reading briefs are due on July 6 before class begins. For more information on reading briefs, see the documents “How to Write a Brief” and “Example of Brief” in the course resources section on Canvas.Final ProjectEvery student will read a significant portion of biblical commentary by Calvin (selected in consultation with the professor during the week of class). The student will select an excerpt that addresses theological issues raised in book 3 of the Institutes. It is expected that these selections will total at least 100 pages.The student will then write a 1500 - 2000 word paper that offers analysis of Calvin’s teaching on some soteriological issue, drawing on both the material in the Institutes and especially in that portion of biblical exegesis. The paper is meant to be both expository and analytic: you will be graded on whether or not you (1) show sensitive awareness of what Calvin is saying and how he is saying it and (2) keen judgment in analyzing the various facets of his argument and their theological value then and now. In so doing, it is meant to show that you can engage in critical appropriation or retrieval of a classic theologian’s work for your own current theological reflection. Style and grammar matter greatly, as I will be grading not only content but also the clarity and communicative force of your argument. Papers may reference the Institutes and the particular commentary passage parenthetically within the text and, thus, need not employ footnotes or extensive bibliographic information. Due August 13.Grading Policy:Grades will be based on the briefs (50%) and final paper (50%). Grades may be adjusted based on participation in class. Note that I take catalog descriptions of grades seriously. Doing the work does not guarantee an A. Note that a “B” is a good grade for a seminarian, noting “above average” work; however, an “A” or “A-“ will be given only for consistently or occasionally “excellent” work.Academic Honesty (adapted from Dr. Timothy Phillips of Wheaton College)1.The assignments are designed to extend and deepen your comprehension and appreciation of Christian theology and to increase your facility with theological method. The processes of defining a topic, researching the results of others' studies, critiquing those studies, and organizing your conclusions in a clear and cogent presentation provides valuable skills for your various leadership ministries. The use of sources is an essential step in appropriating the learning of the Church's tradition in its relationship to cultures to help us understand and faithfully practice Scripture.2.Using information obtained from a source without indicating it (whether by footnote, parentheses, or bibliography or some other appropriate reference, depending on the type of assignment) is plagiarism (intellectual thievery and lying). This applies to any information that you gain from someone that is not “common knowledge.” It does not apply only to exact quotations or precise verbal allusions. Altering the wording does not remove the obligation to acknowledge the source.3.Cheating is the presentation of someone else’s work, which the student ought to have done personally. This includes submitting answers to test questions derived by some means other than that intended by the instructor. It also includes turning in written assignments composed in whole or in part by someone else.4.Cheating or plagiarism results in the disqualification of that unit of the course affected. A student caught plagiarizing or cheating will forfeit that project and may result in stricter penalties if deemed necessary by the instructor. A second offense will result automatically in the forfeiture of the course. Course ScheduleClass will involve lectures on Calvin’s life, theology, and writings as well as discussions of the material read from book 3 of his Institutes of the Christian Religion.Tuesday, July 6Calvin’s BiographyPreface to the ReaderUnion with Christ (Institutes, III.1-2)Knowledge of God and Knowledge of SelfCalvin as Pastor and AuthorWednesday, July 7Double Grace (Institutes, III.3-5)ScriptureMortification and Vivification (Institutes, III.6-10)Against IdolatryLibrary Work on Final Project(PM)Thursday, July 8Justification (Institutes, III.11-15)TrinityFreedom and Works Righteousness (Institutes, III.16-19)Servetus Old and NewFinal Project DiscussionFriday, July 9Prayer (Institutes, III.20)ChristologyPredestination (Institutes, III.21-24)In the Society of Christ Blessed Hope (Institutes, III.25)Final Paper Due: August 13Further ReadingIf you are interested in gaining wider familiarity with Calvin’s life and theology, here are introductory texts that provide helpful background.Biography: Bruce Gordon, Calvin (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2009); or Herman T. Selderhuis, John Calvin: A Pilgrim’s Life (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2009).Overview: Donald K. McKim (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to John Calvin (Cambridge Companions to Religion; Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004).Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning OutcomesCourse: 02HT6320Professor:AllenCampus:OrlandoDate:Summer 2021MDiv* Student Learning OutcomesIn order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes. *As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus.RubricStrongModerateMinimalNoneMini-JustificationArticulation (oral & written)Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. StrongFinal project involves oral communication; classroom seminar discussions involve oral communication.ScriptureSignificant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.)ModerateEngagement of classic biblical commentary material to be related to a systematic theological text by the same author.Reformed TheologySignificant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. StrongCareful study of Calvin’s theology and writings.SanctificationDemonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student’s sanctification.NoneN/ADesire for WorldviewBurning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God.StrongCareful study of Calvin’s role in shaping a Reformed worldview.Winsomely ReformedEmbraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-Christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.)StrongBroad study of Calvin’s place in shaping Reformed faith and practice within wider catholic Christianity.PreachAbility to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.NoneN/AWorshipKnowledgeable of historic and modern Christian-worship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service.NoneN/AShepherdAbility to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both in America and worldwide.MinimalIntroduction to a major pastor-theologian figure in his life and times.Church/WorldAbility to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues.StrongCareful study of the ongoing impact of John Calvin on the contemporary Reformed scene today.—— ................
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