"Welcome. Have a seat. Not there — that chair has been reserved for Barth since 1932. Good. Now I will ask you a simple question: what is theology? Do not answer yet. First read. Re-read. Then you will perhaps begin to have an approximate idea of the question, which is already quite something." — Professeur Tryphon, week 1
General introduction
What is theology?
History of the term, distinction natural/revealed/dogmatic/practical theology.
Church History
The Reformation in 10 dates
From Wittenberg (1517) to Westphalia (1648). Luther, Calvin, Zwingli.
Biblical studies
Introduction to the Bible
Canon formation, textual transmission. Hebrew text vs Septuagint vs Vulgate.
Protestant theology
The Five Solas
Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria — the theological heart of the Reformation.
Comparative theology
Three traditions compared
Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox — where they agree and where they differ on salvation, the Church and the sacraments.
Propaedeutic milestone
Name the five Solas; locate Luther and Calvin on a timeline; distinguish the Hebrew OT from the Septuagint; explain the 73 vs 66 books discrepancy.