NEW CPP & DEADLINE Doctrinal Statement of God

Essay Instructions:

Instructions on writing the Doctrinal Statement of God. The student will develop a four to six-page single-spaced doctrinal synthesis paper on Trinitarianism. There are three parts to the paper: (1) a Brief Statement, (2) a Detailed Exposition (with endnotes), and (3) Practical Implications and Reflection. (Note: elements of this doctrinal synthesis paper will be reused in ST106 Eschatology in the student’s final capstone doctrinal synthesis assignment.) Students will submit the first draft in Unit 7 for peer review and a final Statement in Unit 8. How well you incorporate your peer-review interactions in the first draft will be evaluated in the final draft. You will have 3 days to interact. See Canvas for the final due date of the interactions. With the draft, interactions, and final submission, the Doctrinal Statement of God constitutes 20% of your 3-credit grade or 40% of the 2-credit grade. For an example of the layout for the Doctrinal Statement, click here. Download click here. Three Parts: Part One - Brief Statement (Credo): In about 150 words (about one-fourth of a page), the first section summarizes Trinitarianism in non-technical (but biblically and theologically accurate) language similar to an article in a church’s or ministry’s doctrinal statement. It includes parenthetical key Scripture references and reflects the orthodox, protestant, evangelical faith. Part Two: Detailed Exposition. In 500–750 words (about three-fourths of a page) this second section provides an elucidation of Trinitarianism (and Christology) using technical, traditional language and covering the major issues related to Trinitarianism (see course description and outline). This exposition should read like a document one would submit as part of an ordination or interviewing process. To substantiate the detailed exposition, you will include two to four single-spaced pages of endnotes (not footnotes) that provide biblical-exegetical, historical-theological, and scientific-philosophical evidences, arguments, and explanations of the doctrinal assertions. The endnotes will include not only key biblical references but also interpretive notes that incorporate commentaries, theological works, or historical citations. Biblical citations should be without quotation, except when an exegetical point is not obvious. Justify interpretations of ambiguous passages with clarifying notes. Likewise, you should incorporate into the endnotes insights gained from other courses in the curriculum, especially from other courses in Biblical Studies and Theological Studies. Bibliographic references should use Turabian formatting: e.g., Glenn R. Kreider, “Wise Unto Salvation: Gospel, Atonement, and Saving Grace,” in Nathan D. Holsteen and Michael J. Svigel, eds., Exploring Christian Theology, vol. 2, Creation, Fall, and Salvation (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2015), 127. You must incorporate sources beyond the required reading for this course. Part Three: Practical Implications: Reflection (500–750 words, or one page). This section provides your discussion of practical applications and ministry implications of Trinitarianism. The student will integrate insights from the course into his or her ministry emphasis, degree program, or anticipated area of vocational ministry focus. The student may also incorporate insights gained from other courses in the curriculum, as well as reflections on his or her Christian walk and ministry experiences. Endnotes in this section should be minimal, but the student must properly cite any sources or quotations. Draft Phase Interaction: In this phase of the assignment, each student should critique the first draft of the Definition and Endnotes of two fellow students. Due with Module 8, your final draft should take into consideration peers’ comments as well as Readings for Units 7 and 8. See Syllabus Supplement.

Essay Sample Content Preview:

Doctrinal Statement of God Name Tutor Course Date Doctrinal Statement of God Part One - Brief Statement The concept of trinity or trinitarianism is among the complex prospects of Christianity as a religion bearing the impacts that it has on the whole belief system. The doctrine of trinity stems from the understanding that God exists as three distinct and interdependent entities. That is, there is God, the Father, the Son (who is Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. While the Father is the origin of the Godhead as indicated in John 14:281, the Son is begotten of the Father eternally as showcased in John 11:1-4. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son (John 15:26) and is vital in convicting the world of sin and regenerating the hearts of believers as indicated in John 16:8-11. Additionally, the books of Deuteronomy 6:4 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 emphasize the existence of the three entities both independently and collectively. Also, each entity in the trinity showcases the divine attributes of God which include omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence. Hence, each of the entities of the trinity is worthy of the believers' adoration and worship. Collectively, trinitarianism as revealed in the scripture is a vital aspect understanding of God’s prospects of love, purpose, and redemption.[1 John 14:28: You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.] [2 John 11:1-4] Part Two: Detailed Exposition The doctrine of the trinity remains a principal pillar in the Christian belief system considering how it claims the nature of God’s existence. As noted, the existence of the three distinctive entities of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit both transcends natural understanding of humanity as it marks the ground on which the purpose and redemptive work of God is anchored. Trinitarianism is a concept that has attracted inputs from different factions that include biblical passages, historical analyses, as well as philosophical considerations. If explored collectively, the varying inputs provide an insightful platform for understanding the nature of God. The coexistence of the trinity is highly explored in the biblical context with multiple texts in the scripture defining the nature and scope of the trinity even if through unique approaches. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), for example, is one of the instances of such declarations. That is, Deuteronomy 6:4 declares an absolute oneness in Godhead by asserting "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." Genesis 1:1 extrapolates the above declarations by showing that there is plurality within the oneness declared in Shema. To affirm plurality, it is noted that "In the beginning, God ("Elohim") created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). In the traditional language, the use of the word Elohim is an implication of plurality. Hence, while considered largely as one at the beginning, the scripture proves that the whole trinity existed right at the time of creation.[3 Genesis 1:1] [4 Gerhard F. Hasel, The Old Testament Theology: Basic Themes in Historical Theology (Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1972), 112-113. Though some argue for a collective plural ("divine beings"), the singular verb "created" suggests a unified agency within the plurality.] From the perspective of the bible, a clearer manifestation of the co-existence of trinity is marked by the baptism of Jesus. Matthew 3:16-17 shows that there was an appearance of the three entities in the baptism context. Primarily, the Father was present as a voice2. The Son (theophany), was present in human nature. Ultimately, the baptism was also occasioned by the appearance of the dove to represent the Holy Spirit. There are more manifestations of the trinity’s coexistence in the New Testament. In John 10:30, Jesus identified Himself as "I and the Father are one". The same implication is showcased at the great call to baptize believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as emphasized in Matthew 28:19. Both in the Old and New Testaments, there are distinct aspects that showcase the personhoods and the nature of the Godhead. Trinitarianism has also been linked to various historical developments and controversies throughout its existence. Proponents of the early chu...

Updated on July 15, 2024

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