Catalogue 2008 Book - Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

THEOLOGICAL-HISTORICAL DEPARTMENT
TH.209 JERUSALEM: THE HOLY CITY IN HISTORY, THEOLOGY, AND CONFLICT
This course surveys the history of Jerusalem from biblical times to the present, with attention
to its place(s) in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic theologies. We consider the nature of pilgrimage
and sacred space, the role of Jerusalem in liturgy, theology, and eschatology, and relations
among the Abrahamic religions. Six credits. Mr. Bodman
TH.211 BEGUINE SPIRITUALITY
During the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, medieval Europe witnessed a remarkable
fl ourishing of groups of lay people who were committed to living lives of holiness in
community. The focus for this seminar is the writings of four women mystics, Mechthild
of Magdeburg, Hadewijch of Antwerp, Angela of Foligno, and Marguerite Porete, as well as
other texts in translation. Participants ponder how some themes from these writings, such
as the nature of the human, incarnation, the Trinity, and union, can enrich our spiritual life
today. Six credits. Ms. Babinsky
TH.212 SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY II
The second in a two-course sequence, this course explores the theological heritage and
signifi cance of the Reformation and modern eras, challenging students to deepen their
capacities for theological refl ection and integration. Attention is given to the diversity and
vitality of the Protestant and Reformed traditions, to their continual transformation, and to
their constructive restatement in the church’s life today. Representative fi gures will ordinarily
include Calvin, Wesley, Schleiermacher, and Barth. Prerequisite: TH.104. Six credits.
Mr. Jensen; Spring
TH./Bi.213 LAW AND GRACE
Throughout history, biblical and theological scholars have struggled to understand and
articulate the relationship between law and grace. In this course, we examine some of the
major biblical texts and theological arguments that have been central to the discussion. The
questions we consider include: Does the law prepare us to receive the gospel? Does the gospel
enable us to keep the law? What is the purpose of the law in the lives of Christians? Does
grace silence justice or make possible its realization? What does the relationship between law
and grace tell us about the character of God, the nature of the atonement, and Christian
discipleship? Prerequisites: Bi.116 and TH.104. Six credits. Mr. Donelson and Ms. Rigby
TH.215 THE CHURCH IN THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST
This course examines the growth and development of the church in the American southwest.
From missions established by Roman Catholic missionaries to the rise of a Protestant presence,
Dr. James S. Currie
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Dr. Ismael García