The Creeds & Practical Theology

The Creeds & Practical Theology

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Creeds encapsulate Christian beliefs; they also attempt to quell theological controversy. This course examines the historical origins of the Nicene and Apostles Creeds with special attention to the theological conflicts that animated their formulations. After treating the original contexts in which the creeds were developed, the course will investigate contemporary Christian attitudes toward the creeds. During the term, we will see that creeds function as brief “systematic theologies.” In other words, creeds succinctly express intricate understandings of God and God’s relationship with human beings. Topics covered include Christology, Pneumatology (Doctrine of the Holy Spirit), Trinitarian Theology, Doctrine of Creation, Anthropology, Sin, Grace, Soteriology, Atonement, and Eschatology. It will be evident during our explorations that the creeds not only articulate what Christians believe; they also shape Christian life. 

Book list: 

  • McGrath, Alister. Christian Theology: An Introduction. Fifth edition. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.  (ISBN: 1444335146)
  • McGrath, Alister, ed. The Christian Theology Reader. Fourth edition. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.  (ISBN: 0470654848)

Save these dates and times for Zoom meetings: 7:00-8:30PM Central Time,  Tuesday evenings, November 1, 15, 29 and December 13, 2022.

Instructor: Mark McInroy, M.Div, Th.D., Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of St. Thomas. mark.mcinroy@stthomas.edu