Doctrine 1

Building bridges between the Biblical message and one’s specific cultural setting.
Assessing doctrine on the basis of the Word of God:

As dependent creatures who have fallen into sin but are saved by the blood of the Lamb;
As the Word of the Creator;
Through the theology of the Cross;
In the proper distinction of Law and Gospel;
Leading to an appropriated interpretation of Christian and other analyses of the relationship between God and his human creatures;
A clarity of about the two kingdoms;
Application of Biblical truths to life; and
The communication of one’s own insights regarding the teaching of the church to others.

3. Developing understanding concerning:

An essential outline of the chief contents of Christian doctrine as conveyed through the LCMS;
The variety of approaches to issues in Christian theology which have been and are being raised by theologians; and
Understand the implications of relating Christian principles to everyday life.

4. Fostering attitudes:

Of appreciation for the tasks of the person who teaches the Christian faith and the methods which are used in the task;
Of the various elements at work in formulating meaningful expressions of Christian teaching; and
Of thankfulness for the presence of the Holy Spirit in the teaching process of the church.

Required Texts:

Koehler, E. W. A. (2006). A Summary of Christian Doctrine: A Popular Presentation of the Teachings of the Bible: New King James Edition (3rd edition). Concordia Publishing House.
Kolb, R., & Wengert, T. J. (2000). The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (C. P. Arand, Trans.; 2nd edition). Fortress Press.
Luther, M. (2017). Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation—2017 Edition (2017th edition). Concordia Publishing.
Mueller, S. P. (Ed.). (2006). Called to Believe: A Brief Introduction to Christian Doctrine. Wipf and Stock.

Outline of the Course