Introduction to Christianity (ENREL03)

Course Description

This introductory course studies the foundational doctrines of the Christian. It offers an overview of the interrelated doctrines about God, creation, the Bible as the central text of Christianity, human beings and sin, the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Church as Christ’s Body, and the Christian doctrine of the last things. While there is a stress on the evangelical Christian perspective in this course, there will also be key interactions with the Roman Catholic and mainline Protestant Christian traditions.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the student will:

1. Understand the foundational doctrines and practices of the Christian tradition.
2. Be acquainted with some of Christianity’s main traditions.
3. Know about the person and work of Christianity’s central figure, Jesus Christ.
4. Learn about the nature and mission of the Church as the Body of Christ.

Requirements

1. Students are required to read and reflect on the assigned reading in every session.  They are to keep a journal and write what they consider important about the topic. They can also write down questions which can be discussed when the class meets, or when the instructor meets with them individually. The instructor will check the journal before the end of the course.
2. Two (2) Reflection Papers are required in this course which are to be based on the readings and discussions. The first paper will be from the readings for the first half of the
3. course, with the second reflection based on the readings for the second half. The paper should be three (3) pages in length, double-space with a 12-font size.
4. There will also be two quizzes, the first given at the midpoint of this course and the second one toward the end.

Readings

1st Session: Kingdom of God and the Church

Reading: Ekstrom, Bertil. “The Kingdom of God and the Church Today.” Evangelical Review of Theology 27, no. 4 (October 1, 2003): 292–305.

In this initial session: it is important for students to first have an understanding about two fundamental and interrelated concepts about God’s reign, kingdom, and His people as expressed in the biblical ideas of the Kingdom of God and the Church. The reading gives an insightful overview of the nature of the more comprehensive reality of God’s Kingdom, and how the Church which was established through Jesus Christ, fits into that reality. Some of the key challenges the Church faces in the modern world will be discussed which will help students to understand the various expressions of the Christian missionary mandate.

2nd Session: The Bible as the Word of God

Reading: Packer, James I. “Hermeneutics and Biblical Authority,” Temelios 1, no.1 (1975): 3-12.

In this session: we will look at the Bible as the final authority for Christians in all matters of doctrine, faith, and practice. We will also look at some views that degrade biblical authority. It is important to know, as the reading emphasizes, that how one views the Bible, for instance whether it is divinely inspired or not, has a crucial impact in the way it is interpreted. Christians who have a high view of the Bible, such as Evangelical Christians, revere the Bible as the very Word of God.

3rd Session: Creation and Stewardship

Reading: Gnanakan, Ken (Ken R). “Creation, Christians and Environmental Stewardship.” Evangelical Review of Theology 30, no, 2 (December 2006).

In this session: we will see that while the Bible is authoritative mainly for Christians, its claims are however universal and go beyond far beyond the walls of the church, as exemplified in the biblical doctrine of creation, which explains why all human beings are called to care for the environment and all creatures. This universal call necessitates understanding that all creation is dependent for its very existence and sustenance upon God, who is the Maker of heaven and earth. The Bible teaches that while all creation is valuable to God, humans have a very special place for they have been created in God’s image, which means they are to be responsible for creation, most especially for fellow human beings, as God’s stewards. Loving others is therefore a central Christian teaching, which has roots in the creation doctrine.

4th Session: Sin and Creation’s Decay

Reading: Jewett, Paul King. “Original Sin and the Fall of Man.” Southwestern Journal of Theology 19, no.1 (1976): 18–30.

In this session: the discussion continues to focus on the solidarity of creation and humanity, but this time regarding their solidarity in sinfulness and decay, which resulted from the “the fall of man” or the occasion when sin first entered the world when Adam and Eve, humanity’s first parents, willfully disobeyed God. From then on, sin deeply affected all creation and separated human beings from God. Thus, humans needed a Savior, who the Bible teaches to be none other than Jesus Christ. The work of Christ as Savior, as we will see, is closely related to the character and nature God who is Trinitarian.

5th Session: The Mystery of the Trinity     

Reading: Macchia, Frank D. “The Doctrine of the Trinity: The Revolution of Christian Thought.” Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies 27, no. 2 (December 31, 2024): 237–52. 

In this session: we will be studying one of Christianity’s great mysteries, the Trinitarian nature of the Godhead, which refers to God as composed of Three Persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This community within the Godhead is characterized by a relationship of love that forms the very foundation for all relationships in creation, especially God’s relationship with human beings and vice-versa. Moreover, based on the biblical narrative, while the Trinitarian God always and act in unity, each of the three Persons was revealed more fully at various periods in the history of salvation. In the Old Testament such as in the creation story and God’s dealings with Israel, it was God the Father that can be seen more clearly; in the Gospels we know more about God the Son, Jesus Christ; and after Jesus’ death and ascension, the Holy Spirit’s role is at the forefront.                    

6th Session: Salvation Through Christ Alone

Reading: Foster, Richard J. “Salvation Is for Life.” Theology Today 61, no. 3 (October 1, 2004): 297–308.

In this session: we will learn about the Trinitarian God’s greatest demonstration of love for human beings and all creation as expressed through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for the salvation of humankind. Here we will see the centerpiece of the Christian faith—salvation through Jesus Christ alone. The significance of salvation from sin through Christ, nonetheless, is not only about the believer’s future eternal life with God; it is also about Christian living and transformation in the present, which is made possible by their participation in the life of the resurrected Christ through spiritual disciplines. Salvation therefore sets the believer toward a journey of spiritual growth and formation with the believer called to participate in God’s transformative actions against all forms of evil and sinfulness in the world.

7th Session: Hell is Real

Reading: Grounds, Vernon C. “The Final State of the Wicked.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 24, no. 3 (December 31, 1981): 211–20.

In this session: we will look at the biblical concept of hell and look at some of the views that reject the notion of eternal torment for those who reject Jesus Christ alone as Lord and Savior. Because the doctrine of hell is one of the most difficult doctrines of the Christian faith, and one in which a wrong view could lead a person’s life astray both in the present and in the future, it is important to think through the objections and provide answers based on sound theological arguments that cohere with the biblical data. The reading guides us through this complex doctrinal terrain.

8th Session: Christianity and Love of Neighbor

Reading: Lubich, Chiara. “Unity and Jesus Crucified and Forsaken: Foundation of a Spirituality of Communion.” The Ecumenical Review 55, no. 1 (December 31, 2003): 87–95.

In this final session: it will be good to remember that human beings are created in God’s image, which means in the most fundamental level we are all connected with one another, and were created to be in community with one another under God. The reading shares the journey of the Focolare Movement which seeks to embody such unity among peoples from different faith traditions. What theologically animates the Movement’s initiatives for unity is the abandonment and suffering Jesus experienced on the cross, which makes him a brother to all suffering people in the world. Indeed, following the Christ leads the believer to care and love others, especially being with and for them in their sufferings.