Humanity and Sin Course Description

Why did God create man? What is man anyway? What is the Fall? How can people be condemned for a sin they did not commit? Do we have a free will? Is there such a thing? Men and women: what is the big difference? Hard questions that affect the way we view and relate to one another. This course is a study the nature of humanity and sin. We will look at the nature of humanity from a biblical perspective examining the what and why of man. We will spend time understanding the different theories about the composition of man and attempt to understand what it means to be in the image of God. The issue of free will shall be covered with sensitivity and conviction, tracing the debate through the centuries. We will also wrestle with issues pertaining to the nature, purpose, and design of the sexes, understanding that our stance will ultimately affect our view of marriage and society.

Course Outline

Course Objectives

• The student will gain knowledge of the different theories concerning human constitution, understanding that one?s view in this area affect his or her entire worldview.
• The student will learn what affect the fall had on the mind of man as well as his moral, social, and volitional abilities.
• The student will learn that while man is not was he was supposed to be, he retains great dignity reflecting the glory of God.
• The student will critically evaluate the notion that people are essentially good and the notion that all people are essentially evil.
• The student will learn to appreciate the design of the sexes and how man and women are to function in the family, church, and society.

Course Textbooks

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.

Olson, Roger. Mosaic of Christian Beliefs. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002.

Bible (preferably New American Standard or New English Translation)

Assignment Description (for self-study and certificate students)

1. Reading: There will be various reading assignments during the ten-week period. Each student will be expected to read and be prepared to discuss on the forum the material according to the schedule found in the syllabus.

2. Scripture memorization: Each student will memorize the passages provided on the Scripture memorization sheet. Once completed, the student will recite the memorized Scripture to a partner who will affirm the completion by signing the Scripture memorization sheet (included in The Student Notebook). The Scriptures should be memorized in one of the following translations:

• New American Standard
• New English Translation - NET Bible
• English Standard Version
• New International Version (though not preferred)

3. Case Studies: There will be two case studies that must be completed. These will be handed out by the teacher. Online/DVD students are to post their case studies online on the RMM forum.

4. Vocabulary Quizzes: There are two closed book theological vocabulary quizzes. Once the student looks at the quiz, he or she must take the quiz. In other words, you cannot look at the quiz and then study the terms.

Note: Online/DVD students only: All online students are required to aquire ten hours of community time. This can be accomplished on Paltalk or in the forum discussing issues relevant to the course. Each course will have a separate section on the forum.

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