Mere Christian Theology 101

Mere Christian Theology 101 is a basic, yet unique, theological survey of orthodox Christian doctrines. This mere Christian approach to theology is unique because of its delivery—it introduces mere Christian theology by emphasizing the common challenges that people share in their journey of faith. This course will delve into foundational Christian beliefs and show how mere Christian theology gives the Christian hope to travel the road of faith. This course is designed to remind Christians where they agree, why they agree, and how they share similar struggles. In this revelation, students will not only be prepared to discuss doctrine, but be more inclined to lift one another up in spite of denominational difference. This course will inspire students to more readily, and more often come together in the great hall of mere Christianity.

This 32-week course consists of four eight-week quarters. Each quarter, students will meet via web conference weekly for a seventy-five minute recitation to discuss weekly readings. Each week, students will be assigned readings, related discussion questions, and a pre-recorded lecture. For the minor grades throughout the course, students must participate in discussion board forums: this is where the learning is done—putting our minds together. The teacher will provide appropriate guidelines to discuss, however, students will also be encouraged to think and speak freely in regards to assigned readings. Each quarter, students will submit a portfolio as their major grade: one devotional (300-500 words), one apologetic defense of orthodox doctrine (500-700 words), and one research paper (500 – 800 words). In the course of the year, students will have attended at least 30 recitations, participated in 32 online discussions forums, and completed four portfolios.

Mere Christian Theology 101 is available for all high school age students (9-12). The reason for this broad range of grades is not many students, no matter their age, have the theological foundation necessary in a Christian life. This course will provide that foundation in such a way that it will be beneficial for freshmen as well as the seniors. It will aid the freshman in facing the difficulties inherent in high school and prepare the senior to stand firm in the perplexities of adulthood. Furthermore, as with any good course, this course will challenge students to grow academically; however, the main focus of this course will be to challenge each student to grow spiritually. Spiritual growth does not have an age range.

Course Objectives:

1. To develop a broad knowledge of orthodox Christian doctrine.
2. To provide a foundational understanding of the origins of Christian Doctrine.
3. To enhance the ability to study, debate, and research orthodox Christian doctrine.
4. To grow empathetically in relation to their fellow Christian.
5. To be prepared to focus on specific denominational beliefs, and see where, why, and how they align with other denominations.
6. To cultivate a desire to think critically about orthodox Christian doctrine.

Texts:

If an ISBN is listed with the book or a specific version is listed, be sure to get that version.

• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
• The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
• The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan – Make sure that the version you get has the author’s apology at the beginning. (The Christian Classics Ethereal Library has the apology.)
• On the Incarnation by Saint Athanasius, with an introduction by C.S. Lewis - ISBN-13: 978-0881414271
• The Absolute Basics of the Christian Faith by Phil Tallon - ISBN-13: 978-1628242973
• Engaging Theology: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Introduction by Ben C. Blackwell and R.L. Hatchett - ISBN-13: 978-0310092766
• Turabian, K. (2013). A manual for writers of term papers, theses, and dissertations: Chicago style for students and researchers (8th ed.). Chicago: University of Chicago Press. - ISBN-13: 978-0226816388