reclaiming the mind for christ. outline i.what is ttp? ii.why is ttp needed? iii.why are theological...

Reclaiming the Mind for ChristReclaiming the Mind for Christ

http://www.stonebriar.org/

Outline

I. What is TTP?II. Why is TTP needed?III. Why Are Theological Programs

Neglected?IV. Why Do Theological Programs

Fail?V. Why do Theological Programs

Succeed?VI. Values of TTP

I. What is TTP?II. Why is TTP needed?III. Why Are Theological Programs

Neglected?IV. Why Do Theological Programs

Fail?V. Why do Theological Programs

Succeed?VI. Values of TTP


What is The Theology Program?What is The Theology Program?What is The Theology Program?What is The Theology Program?


Introduction to the Theology Program

The Theology Program is an intense theological studies program, designed for busy people who may never go to seminary but who want deep theological training. While there are many great subjects, biblical and spiritual, that Christians can and need to study, our focus is on seven specific courses of systematic theology. Our desire is to teach people how to think by opening their minds to diverse views, learning from history, wrestling with difficult issues, and graciously engaging an increasingly relativistic and postmodern world.

The Theology Program is an intense theological studies program, designed for busy people who may never go to seminary but who want deep theological training. While there are many great subjects, biblical and spiritual, that Christians can and need to study, our focus is on seven specific courses of systematic theology. Our desire is to teach people how to think by opening their minds to diverse views, learning from history, wrestling with difficult issues, and graciously engaging an increasingly relativistic and postmodern world.


Introduction to the Theology Program

Mission: Reclaiming the mind for Christ by equipping people and churches to understand and defend the faith.

Goal: “Our goal is not so much to teach good theology, as important as that is, but to teach people to think.”

Mission: Reclaiming the mind for Christ by equipping people and churches to understand and defend the faith.

Goal: “Our goal is not so much to teach good theology, as important as that is, but to teach people to think.”


Introduction to The Theology Program

What makes The Theology What makes The Theology Program different?Program different?

1. Intensity in studies2. Irenic theology3. Intentional program design4. Comprehensive coverage5. Doing theology in community

What makes The Theology What makes The Theology Program different?Program different?

1. Intensity in studies2. Irenic theology3. Intentional program design4. Comprehensive coverage5. Doing theology in community


Intensity in Studies

The Church must have an avenue of intense, interactive Christian education through a program which gives people an opportunity to learn at a level that other venues cannot provide. TTP endeavors to be this avenue.

The Church must have an avenue of intense, interactive Christian education through a program which gives people an opportunity to learn at a level that other venues cannot provide. TTP endeavors to be this avenue.



Low Commitment High Commitment

SermonSermonFellowship/Fellowship/

Sunday SchoolSunday School Interactive ClassroomInteractive Classroom



Low Expectations High Expectations

•Attendance•Assigned readings•Books•Papers•Case studies•Memorization of Scripture•Grades




Devotional(Brings encouragement for the week)

Foundational(Builds theology for a lifetime)





Short-term life change Long-term life change






Exhortation Education





The education program of the The education program of the Church needs to include Church needs to include allall of of

these these in balancein balance..




Irenic Theology

Key TermsKey TermsIrenic Theology: Theology that is done peaceably,

accurately representing all views, even when you oppose them.

Polemic Theology: Theology that is done in a warlike manner inside the Church, prophetically speaking against those with whom there is disagreement.

Apologetic Theology: Theology that is done to defend the faith against those who oppose outside the church.

Key TermsKey TermsIrenic Theology: Theology that is done peaceably,

accurately representing all views, even when you oppose them.

Polemic Theology: Theology that is done in a warlike manner inside the Church, prophetically speaking against those with whom there is disagreement.

Apologetic Theology: Theology that is done to defend the faith against those who oppose outside the church.


Irenic Theology

Polemic Apologetic

Irenic

Peace

War Defense


Intentional Program Design


Comprehensive Coverage

In the courses, we will address all the relevant major issues, current and historic, of which we think people need to be aware.

In the courses, we will address all the relevant major issues, current and historic, of which we think people need to be aware.


Doing Theology in a Community

We believe that truth is not found in Spirit-illuminated individuals, but in a community of Spirit-illuminated individuals. Therefore, we believe that the Body of Christ, both alive and dead, must come together to understand theology, shaping it from many perspectives and differing experiences. This is doing theology in a community.

We believe that truth is not found in Spirit-illuminated individuals, but in a community of Spirit-illuminated individuals. Therefore, we believe that the Body of Christ, both alive and dead, must come together to understand theology, shaping it from many perspectives and differing experiences. This is doing theology in a community.


The column represents a pillar, communicating that our theology creates a strong foundation upon which our life, purpose, and actions exist.

The “T” stands for “Theology” in The Theology Program.

Notice how the draft goes outside the lines at times. This represents how our theology, while having a great respect for tradition, must break with tradition at times. This is the Reformers’ principle of semper reformanda (“always reforming”).

Notice how the draft is incomplete and erased at places. This illustrates how our theology is never finished in this life, but is always undergoing change and development.

The tablet upon which we construct our theology is broken. This represents an imperfect people, broken by sin, doing our best to understand God in our state of imperfection.


What TTP is Not

1. It is not an accredited seminary or college, and we do not seek to become one.

1. It is not an accredited seminary or college, and we do not seek to become one.


What TTP is Not

2. It is not a typical lay-institute. We are better called a lay theological education program.

2. It is not a typical lay-institute. We are better called a lay theological education program.


Theological Studies Department.1. Theological Studies Program

(TTP) 2. Teacher Training3. Leadership Training4. Continuing theological

education for staff

Theological Studies Department.1. Theological Studies Program

(TTP) 2. Teacher Training3. Leadership Training4. Continuing theological

education for staff

Where TTP Fits into SCC Ministries


Why is TTP needed?Why is TTP needed?


Why is TTP Needed?

1. The need within the local church for an intentional and comprehensive theological program designed for laypeople.

1. The need within the local church for an intentional and comprehensive theological program designed for laypeople.


Why Is TTP Needed?

2. The influx of the anti-intellectual mind-set of the culture and church.

2. The influx of the anti-intellectual mind-set of the culture and church.

“We live in what may be the most anti-intellectual period in the history of Western civilization. . . We must have passion—indeed hearts on fire for the things of God. But that passion must resist with intensity the anti-intellectual spirit of the world.”

—R. C. Sproul


Why Is TTP Needed?

“Ignorance is not a Christian virtue if those virtues mirror the perfections of God’s own character.”

— J. P. Moreland


Why is TTP Needed?

3. The postmodern adherence to subjectivity and relativity needs to be understood and challenged by the body of Christ.

3. The postmodern adherence to subjectivity and relativity needs to be understood and challenged by the body of Christ.


Why is TTP Needed?

Recent polls indicate that the majority of evangelical students entering into the colleges and universities do not believe in any absolutes. Parents are at a loss as to how to intellectually defend against postmodern epistemology.

Recent polls indicate that the majority of evangelical students entering into the colleges and universities do not believe in any absolutes. Parents are at a loss as to how to intellectually defend against postmodern epistemology.


Why is TTP Needed?

4. The lack of training in theological methodology and doctrine both in the church and in the schools.

4. The lack of training in theological methodology and doctrine both in the church and in the schools.


Why is TTP Needed?

“The scandal of the evangelical mind is that there is not much of an evangelical mind . . . Despite dynamic success at the popular level, modern American evangelicals have failed notably in sustaining serious intellectual life. They have nourished millions of believers in the simple verities of the gospel but have largely abandoned the universities, the arts, and other realms of “high” culture. . . . The historical situation is . . . curious. Modern evangelicals are the spiritual descendants of leaders and movements distinguished by probing, creative, fruitful attention to the mind.”

— Mark Noll


Why Are Theological Why Are Theological Programs are Programs are Neglected?Neglected?


Why Are Theological Programs Neglected?

1. The local church’s over reliance on public and private schools and the universities to take care of the “academic side” of learning.

1. The local church’s over reliance on public and private schools and the universities to take care of the “academic side” of learning.



In the past, subjects relevant to the education of Body of Christ were taught in schools and universities:

1. Theology2. Bible3. Philosophy4. Logic5. Greek6. Latin7. Rhetoric

In the past, subjects relevant to the education of Body of Christ were taught in schools and universities:

1. Theology2. Bible3. Philosophy4. Logic5. Greek6. Latin7. Rhetoric



Now schools and universities teach:

1. Comparative religions2. Evolutionary Science3. Deconstructionalism 4. No Theology5. No Bible6. No Philosophy7. No Logic8. No Greek9. No Latin10. No Rhetoric

Now schools and universities teach:

1. Comparative religions2. Evolutionary Science3. Deconstructionalism 4. No Theology5. No Bible6. No Philosophy7. No Logic8. No Greek9. No Latin10. No Rhetoric



“We face two tasks in our evangelism, ‘saving the soul and saving the mind’—that is, converting people not only spiritually but intellectually as well—and the church . . . is lagging dangerously behind in this second task.”—J. P. Moreland and William Lane Craig

“We face two tasks in our evangelism, ‘saving the soul and saving the mind’—that is, converting people not only spiritually but intellectually as well—and the church . . . is lagging dangerously behind in this second task.”—J. P. Moreland and William Lane Craig



2. A misunderstanding of faith’s relationship to reason.

2. A misunderstanding of faith’s relationship to reason.



3. Lack of understanding the importance of knowing why you believe what you believe.

3. Lack of understanding the importance of knowing why you believe what you believe.



4. The prevalent view that theology is divisive and should not be taught.

4. The prevalent view that theology is divisive and should not be taught.


Why Do Theological Why Do Theological Programs Fail?Programs Fail?


Why Do Theological Programs Fail?

1. Lack of educated teaching.1. Lack of educated teaching.



2. Lack of excellence in teaching:

“The Bible gives record of many teachers who sought to teach truth with diligence and accuracy. All of the teachers were uniquely dynamic, engaging, gracious, transparent, creative, and persuasive. Therefore, we follow this model of teaching, seeking leaders who have all of these qualities bringing the people to God’s truth with great passion.”

2. Lack of excellence in teaching:

“The Bible gives record of many teachers who sought to teach truth with diligence and accuracy. All of the teachers were uniquely dynamic, engaging, gracious, transparent, creative, and persuasive. Therefore, we follow this model of teaching, seeking leaders who have all of these qualities bringing the people to God’s truth with great passion.”



3. Lack of intentionality in the program.

3. Lack of intentionality in the program.



4. Lack of credentials.4. Lack of credentials.


Why do Theological Why do Theological Programs Succeed?Programs Succeed?


Why do Theological Programs Succeed?

1. High standard in teaching.– Competent– Gracious– Dynamic– Engaging– Committed– Creative– Persuasive

1. High standard in teaching.– Competent– Gracious– Dynamic– Engaging– Committed– Creative– Persuasive



2. Intentional program design.

2. Intentional program design.



3. Confidence in the students desire and ability to learn theology.

3. Confidence in the students desire and ability to learn theology.



4. High standard of excellence in all that is done.

5. Commitment to truth and God’s word.

6. A profound understanding of the importance of the development of a systematic theology for every believer.

4. High standard of excellence in all that is done.

5. Commitment to truth and God’s word.

6. A profound understanding of the importance of the development of a systematic theology for every believer.


What are the Values What are the Values of TTP?of TTP?


Values of TTP

1. Diligence in pursuit of the knowledge of God (ethic)We believe that the diligent pursuit of the knowledge of God through the revelation of God is the first pursuit of order that makes all other pursuits justified and fruitful to God’s glory. This pursuit is of utmost importance for every believer.

1. Diligence in pursuit of the knowledge of God (ethic)We believe that the diligent pursuit of the knowledge of God through the revelation of God is the first pursuit of order that makes all other pursuits justified and fruitful to God’s glory. This pursuit is of utmost importance for every believer.


Values of TTP

Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being my priest. Since you have forgotten the lack of your God, I also will forget your children.” (See also: Ezra 7:10; Ps. 1:2; Prov. 9:10; 2 Tim. 2:5)

Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being my priest. Since you have forgotten the lack of your God, I also will forget your children.” (See also: Ezra 7:10; Ps. 1:2; Prov. 9:10; 2 Tim. 2:5)


Values of TTP

2. Development of a biblical worldview (essence)People who think and act biblically are exceptional in today’s world. People’s understanding of life’s most important questions (How did the world come into being? What is life about? What is my purpose? What does the future hold? Who’s in control?) constructs their worldview. Therefore, we lead people in the development of a biblical worldview by seeking out what the Bible has to say in answer to these and other questions.

2. Development of a biblical worldview (essence)People who think and act biblically are exceptional in today’s world. People’s understanding of life’s most important questions (How did the world come into being? What is life about? What is my purpose? What does the future hold? Who’s in control?) constructs their worldview. Therefore, we lead people in the development of a biblical worldview by seeking out what the Bible has to say in answer to these and other questions.


Values of TTP

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (See also: Jn. 17:14-17; 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:9-10)

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (See also: Jn. 17:14-17; 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:9-10)


Values of TTP

3. Commitment to objective truth through God’s revelation (rule) We adhere neither to the modernist assumption that man can know all things nor to the postmodernist assumption that man can know nothing. We believe that the sovereign God has revealed many things to man, and, as well, has chosen to withhold many things from him. Therefore, we are diligent to discover objective truth through the revelation that God has given to us. We are committed to the Bible as the primary source of objective truth because it is the only infallible standard that God has made available to us.

3. Commitment to objective truth through God’s revelation (rule) We adhere neither to the modernist assumption that man can know all things nor to the postmodernist assumption that man can know nothing. We believe that the sovereign God has revealed many things to man, and, as well, has chosen to withhold many things from him. Therefore, we are diligent to discover objective truth through the revelation that God has given to us. We are committed to the Bible as the primary source of objective truth because it is the only infallible standard that God has made available to us.


Values of TTP

Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.”(See also: Jn. 17:17; Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.”(See also: Jn. 17:17; Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)


Values of TTP

4. Construction of a comprehensive theology (scope) The scriptures address a wide range of theological concepts. It is important that the believer pursues and diligently studies all these concepts because of their interdependence. Therefore, we value a holistic understanding of God’s revelation through systematic study.

4. Construction of a comprehensive theology (scope) The scriptures address a wide range of theological concepts. It is important that the believer pursues and diligently studies all these concepts because of their interdependence. Therefore, we value a holistic understanding of God’s revelation through systematic study.


Values of TTP

2 Tim 3:16-17 “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (See also: Eph. 4:11-13)

2 Tim 3:16-17 “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (See also: Eph. 4:11-13)


Values of TTP

5. Doing theology within community (audience)God has constructed the Body of Christ in such a way that all members need each other for growth to occur. We believe that theology should not be developed in a vacuum. If theology is done alone, it will be limited by each individual’s perspective. Therefore, when constructing theology, we value the input of the entire Body of Christ, both living and dead.

5. Doing theology within community (audience)God has constructed the Body of Christ in such a way that all members need each other for growth to occur. We believe that theology should not be developed in a vacuum. If theology is done alone, it will be limited by each individual’s perspective. Therefore, when constructing theology, we value the input of the entire Body of Christ, both living and dead.


Values of TTP

Phil 2:1-2 “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” (See also: Rom 12:16; 1 Cor. 1:10)

Phil 2:1-2 “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” (See also: Rom 12:16; 1 Cor. 1:10)


Values of TTP

6. Excellence in teaching (standard)The Bible gives record of many teachers who sought to teach truth with diligence and accuracy. All of the teachers were uniquely dynamic, engaging, gracious, transparent, creative, and persuasive. Therefore, we follow this model of teaching, seeking leaders who have all of these qualities bringing the people to God’s truth with great passion.

6. Excellence in teaching (standard)The Bible gives record of many teachers who sought to teach truth with diligence and accuracy. All of the teachers were uniquely dynamic, engaging, gracious, transparent, creative, and persuasive. Therefore, we follow this model of teaching, seeking leaders who have all of these qualities bringing the people to God’s truth with great passion.


Values of TTP

Acts 18:24, 28 “Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, a man with eloquent and convincing speech, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures . . . He powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.”(See also: Ecc. 9:10)

Acts 18:24, 28 “Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, a man with eloquent and convincing speech, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures . . . He powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.”(See also: Ecc. 9:10)


Values of TTP

7. Irenic Approach (style)Truth cannot be communicated when it is not represented fairly and accurately. We understand that people hold to alternative positions in theology for reasons that vary in relevance. Therefore, it is our purpose to evaluate and critique the all theological positions with grace and accuracy, believing that truth will ultimately be more persuasive when greater understanding of all the positions are given. We also understand the necessity of such an approach in a world that is increasingly relativistic and disillusioned with the common dogmatic approach represented by many traditions.

7. Irenic Approach (style)Truth cannot be communicated when it is not represented fairly and accurately. We understand that people hold to alternative positions in theology for reasons that vary in relevance. Therefore, it is our purpose to evaluate and critique the all theological positions with grace and accuracy, believing that truth will ultimately be more persuasive when greater understanding of all the positions are given. We also understand the necessity of such an approach in a world that is increasingly relativistic and disillusioned with the common dogmatic approach represented by many traditions.


Values of TTP

7. Satisfying power of biblical truth (result) We believe that a person with the Spirit of God residing in them has no greater thirst than to learn deeply of the object of their affection. We also believe that there is nothing more satisfying to this thirst than the learning of biblical truth. Therefore, we seek to bring people to the fountain from which we all long to drink through the teaching and open discussion that takes place in the courses.

7. Satisfying power of biblical truth (result) We believe that a person with the Spirit of God residing in them has no greater thirst than to learn deeply of the object of their affection. We also believe that there is nothing more satisfying to this thirst than the learning of biblical truth. Therefore, we seek to bring people to the fountain from which we all long to drink through the teaching and open discussion that takes place in the courses.


Values of TTP

John 4:14 “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”(See also: Psalm 42:1; 63:1; Jer. 31:25; Ps. 143:6)

John 4:14 “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”(See also: Psalm 42:1; 63:1; Jer. 31:25; Ps. 143:6)


What Are Students What Are Students Saying About TTP?Saying About TTP?


“I . . . wanted to let you know that your class has truly been a blessing to me. I have never taken any type of Theology course before and am really even a novice at studying the bible (I've read it through twice, but have never really studied it). Now having taken your class, I can honestly say it is the most interesting class I have ever taken. I am more excited than ever to continue studying the bible and learning through the CBS courses.”


“Thanks for the great instruction in the Intro to Theology class. "Doing theology" has been an eye-opener. Forcing myself to understand and defend those beliefs I've long held has been so beneficial. It's impossible to convince others of truth if one can't convince themselves!”


“I am taking both your Intro to Theology and Bible Study Methods courses. Just wanted to let you know that I think this program is fantastic. I am young in my spiritual journey (although I am 33 years old!!) and this program is growing me faster than I ever imagined - and we've only just begun the program.”


“I just wanted to let you know that I am really enjoying your class. Not having had any formal theological training, I am really soaking this up. It has personally been very thought provoking. . . . I feel like I am one of those persons who has a rudimentary understanding of their salvation (sufficient enough - I hope), yet my eyes are now being opened as I better understand what distinguishes my theology and ultimately my salvation from those around me. While I have no aspirations (or calling) to be a professional theologian, I feel this will help me be able to better understand and verbalize my faith and therefore more adequately present, promote and defend it. I appreciate what you're doing.”


“I am really enjoying this class. It's an awakening for me. I am so filled with folk theology and totally unaware of it till now. I have never questioned some of the things I believe or that have just sort of attached themselves to me, like-- you mean that Peter really isn't going to be standing at the Pearly Gates?? Well all right then. I guess I can deal with it. Seriously though I am really enjoying the class. I think this class is going to help me to figure out what I believe and why and make me more aware of the influences going on around me. Right now I feel like we are taking everything apart and looking at it and then we're going to put it all back together again, and it's going to be more solid this next time around.”


reclaiming the mind for christ. outline i.what is ttp? ii.why is ttp needed? iii.why are theological...

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