2009 - 2010 Academic Catalog - Westminster Theological Seminary

{Course Descriptions}
Systematic Theology
ST 791 Issues in Theology Proper
Purpose:
• To introduce students to current discussions in theology proper
• To develop a response to challenges to
a Reformed doctrine of God
Students will be expected to analyze and critique both classical and
contemporary essays that look at language about God, God and
evil, God and morality, as well as God’s necessity, omnipotence,
omniscience, eternity, providence, foreknowledge, and simplicity.
Seminar discussions in these and related areas.
Fall semester. Mr. Oliphint.
ST 803 The Theology of Karl Barth
Purpose:
• To understand the place of Barth in his western
European post-Enlightenment context
• To evaluate the foundations of Barth’s theological approach
• To gain exposure to some of Barth’s theological writings
• To reflect on the critique of Barth offered by Cornelius Van Til
Spring semester. Mr. Oliphint and Mr. Tipton.
ST 811 Covenant Theology
Purpose:
• To provide a thorough understanding of critical issues
in the development of Reformed covenant theology
Topics covered include Trinity and covenant, the pactum salutis,
the covenant of works, the covenant of grace, covenant theology
and justification, and covenant theology and epistemology. Special
attention will be given from an exegetical perspective to the development
of Reformed covenant theology.
Fall semester. Mr. Tipton.
ST 821 The Theology of B. B. Warfield
Purpose:
• To explore how, though he did not write a systematic
theology, Warfield’s wide-ranging contributions
to biblical, historical, and systematic theology
touch most points in the theological system
Topics covered include both the outlines of his thought and his
specific contributions in such areas as Scripture, Christology, and
sanctification.
Fall semester. (Not given in 2009-2010) Mr. Ferguson.
ST 851 Theology of the Sacraments
Purpose:
• To study carefully the biblical texts and the
history of the theology of the sacraments
Topics covered include baptism and the Lord’s Supper with special
attention to their place and significance in Reformed theology.
Fall semester. (Not given in 2009-2010.) Mr. Ferguson.
ST 881 The Theology of John Owen
Purpose:
• To study Owen’s life and the influences on his theology
Topics covered include the covenant structure of his theology and
his distinctive contributions to Puritan teaching.
Fall semester. (Not given in 2009-2010.) Mr. Ferguson.
ST 909 The Trinitarian Theology
of Cornelius Van Til
Purpose:
• To investigate the context, structure, and significance
of Cornelius Van Til’s trinitarian theology
• To encourage the student to engage critically central issues
in trinitarian theology from a Van Tilian perspective
Topics covered include the architectonic significance of the Trinity,
both in Van Til’s theology and apologetics. Special attention will be
given to Van Til’s historical and theological context, his theology of
triune personhood, the structure and function of the representational
principle, the distinctively trinitarian character of the transcendental
method, and his place in contemporary discussions of trinitarian
theology, ranging from the theological function of perichoresis to the
notions of relationality and temporality within the Godhead.
Fall semester. Mr. Tipton.
2009–2010
115