ST102 TRINITARIANISM REVISED SYLLABUS - Student Ministry & Job Board | DTS
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Dr. J. Scott Horrell ST102OL Trinitarianism
Email: shorrell@dts.edu Spring Semester 2020
Dallas Theological Seminary January 14–May 7, 2020
ST102 TRINITARIANISM REVISED SYLLABUS
Prof. J. Scott Horrell
Welcome to the study of our triune God. Everything
in Christian theology and in the believer’s life finally
comes back to who God is: the divine nature, the persons
of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is the Cre-
ator of all things and in whose image we are made. He is
the Judge of all things, the referent of all that is right and
holy. God is love, and from him flows the plan of re-
demption for mankind and the cosmos. Thus, bibliology,
angelology, anthropology, soteriology, sanctification, ec-
clesiology, and eschatology all flow forth from the
tripersonal God. The Holy Trinity is “the Center of Eve-
rything.” Nothing is more astonishing, more challenging,
and more potentially life-transforming than knowing
God.
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
DTS Catalogue: “A study of the existence and attributes of the one God, the Holy
Trinity; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Scripture and in Christian history; and the
ramifications of Trinitarian belief today. Prerequisite ST101: Introduction to Theology.
3 hours.” The course includes the persons of Christ and the Spirit. It does not include
angels (ST103), the works of Jesus Christ (ST104) or the ministries of the Holy Spirit
(ST105).
II. COURSE OBJECTIVES
A. Evaluate Biblical-Historical Foundations for Trinitarian Understanding
1. Course participants will learn and evaluate the primary biblical evidence con-
cerning the character and tri-personhood of God and the God-man Jesus
Christ.
2. Students will demonstrate familiarity with the historical development of the
doctrines of God, the Trinity, the two natures of Christ, and the person of the
Holy Spirit.
3. Students will become conversant on selected contemporary issues regarding the
existence of God, divine attributes, and Trinitarian theology, with implications
for all of Christian thought, apologetics and missions.ST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 2
B. Demonstrate Growth in Theological Skills
1. Through readings, lectures, and discussion, students will form and articulate
their own doctrinal statement regarding the triune God.
2. Participants will grow in ability to evaluate and respond to positions outside
biblical-historical orthodoxy, notably to theological modernism, sub-Christian
sects, and the world religions.
3. Students will synthesize their understanding of the triune God with a larger
Christian worldview and apply it meaningfully to aspects of personal, familial,
ecclesial, and/or public life.
C. Deepen Personal Love for Our Lord
1. The final goal of theology is the transformation of our lives as we focus on the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The course intends that students grow in purity,
confidence, and joy through understanding and obeying the triune God.
2. Students are invited to enter various forms of worship, through song, prayer
and creative involvement. Such activity is designed to enrich fellowship with
our Lord. Jesus prayed for us that…
all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May
they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have
given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:
I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the
world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved
me. [John 17:21–23]
III. COURSE MATERIALS
A. Trinitarianism Material Online
1. All Material Online, except Required Textbooks
Please read the Syllabus carefully. The Supplement contains a Selected Bibli-
ography, Reading Reports (done online, due with Exams), Exam Study Guides,
all Extra Credit Forms, and various examples of book reviews. Except the re-
quired textbooks, all Course Notes (professor’s) and Course Readings are
online (Canvas) at https://online.dts.edu.
2. Class Notes Under Construction
Class Notes are in preparation for publication, therefore the length of the read-
ings may vary from the Reading Report forms. Read what is posted. Please be
patient.ST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 3
B. Required Textbooks (Except Reeves for MABC 2-credit students)
Holsteen, Nathan D. and Michael J. Svigel, eds. Exploring Christian Theology, Vol.
1: Revelation, Scripture, and the Triune God. Minneapolis: Bethany, 2014. Part
Two, “God in Three Persons,” 125–272.
Reeves, Michael. Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith.
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2012.
C. Suggested Books: The Best
Anatolios, Khaled, ed. The Holy Trinity in the Life of the Church. Brookline, MA: Holy
Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and Grand Rapids: Baker, 2014.
Athanasius. On the Incarnation: The Treatise De Incarnatione Verbi Dei. Ed. and
trans. by a religious of C.S.M.V. Intro. C. S. Lewis. Crestwood NY: St. Vla-
dimir’s Seminary Press, 1998. Or other versions.
Augustine. The Trinity. Intro, trans., notes Edmund Hill. Ed. John E. Rotelle. Brook-
lyn, NY: New City Press, 1991. (Or other editions).
Bates, Matthew W. The Birth of the Trinity: Jesus, God, and Spirit in the New Testament
and Early Christian Interpretations of the Old Testament. Oxford: Oxford Uni-
versity Press, 2015.
Bird, Michael F. and Scott Harrower, eds. Trinity Without Hierarchy: Reclaiming Ni-
cene Orthodoxy in Evangelical Theology. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2019.
Bock, Darrell L. with Benjamin I. Simpson. Jesus the God-Man: The Unity and Diver-
sity of the Gospel Portrayals. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2016.
Bray, Gerald. God Has Spoken: A History of Christian Theology. Wheaton, IL: Cross-
way, 2014.
Crisp, Oliver D. and Fred Sanders, eds. Advancing Trinitarian Theology: Explorations
in Constructive Dogmatics. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014.
Di Berardino, Angelo, gen. ed. Encyclopedia of Ancient Christianity. 3 vols. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2014.
Durst, Rodrick K. Reordering the Trinity: Six Movements of God in the New Testament.
Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2015.
Emery, Gilles and Matthew Levering, eds. The Oxford Handbook of the Trinity. Ox-
ford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2011.
Feinberg, John. No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001.
Frame, John M. The Doctrine of God: A Theology of Lordship. Phillipsburg: P&R, 2002.
Giles, Kevin, The Eternal Generation of the Son: Maintaining Orthodoxy in Trinitarian
Theology. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2012.
Grenz, Stanley J. Rediscovering the Triune God: The Trinity in Contemporary Theology.
Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2004.
Hill, Wesley. Paul and the Trinity: Persons, Relations, and the Pauline Letters.
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2015.
Holmes, Stephen R. The Quest for the Trinity: The Doctrine of God in Scripture, His-
tory, and Modernity. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2012.
Jowers, Dennis W., and H. Wayne House, eds. The New Evangelical Subordination-
ism? Perspectives on the Equality of God the Father and God the Son. Eugene,
OR: Pickwick, 2012.
Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. The Doctrine of God: A Global Introduction. 2d ed. Grand
Rapids: Baker, 2017.
Leithart, Peter J. Traces of the Trinity: Signs of God in Creation and Human Experience.
Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2015.ST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 4
Letham, Robert, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship. Phil-
lipsburg, NJ: P & R, 2004.
Lossky, Vladimir. The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church. Reprint. Crestwood,
NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1976.
McCall, Thomas H. Forsaken: The Trinity and the Cross, and Why It Matters. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2012.
McDermott, Gerald R. and Harold A. Netland. A Trinitarian Theology of Religions:
An Evangelical Proposal. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2014.
Moltmann, Jürgen. The Trinity and the Kingdom. Trans. Margaret Kohl. 1980; Lon-
don: SCM Press, 1981.
Oden, Thomas C., Series ed. Ancient Christian Doctrine [Citings of the Fathers
around the Nicene Creed]. 5 vols. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press,
2009.
Oden, Thomas C. Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology. 1 vol. revised ed. New
York: HarperOne, 2009.
Phan, Peter C., ed. The Cambridge Companion to the Trinity. Cambridge, UK: Cam-
bridge University Press, 2011.
Sanders, Fred. The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything. Wheaton,
IL: Crossway, 2010.
Sanders, Fred. The Triune God. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016.
Sanders, Fred and Klaus Issler, eds. Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective: An Introductory
Christology. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2007.
Sanders, Fred, and Scott Swain, eds. Retrieving Eternal Generation. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2017.
Sexton, Jason S., ed. Two Views on the Doctrine of the Trinity [Stephen R. Holmes,
Paul D. Molnar; Thomas McCall; Paul S. Fiddes]. Grand Rapids: Zonder-
van, 2014.
Shehadeh, Imad N. God With Us and Without Us. Vol. One: Oneness in Trinity versus
Absolute Oneness. Carlisle, UK: Langham Global Library, 2018.
Sheridan, Mark. Language for God in Patristic Tradition: Wrestling with Biblical An-
thropomorphism. Wheaton IL: InterVarsity Press, 2015.
Soulen, R. Kendall. The Divine Name(s) and the Holy Trinity: Distinguishing the
Voices. Louisville, KY: WJK, 2011.
Spitzer, Robert J. The Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary
Physics and Philosophy. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2010.
Torrance, T. F. The Trinitarian Faith. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1993.
Ware, Bruce A. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance.
Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2005.
Ware, Bruce A. and John Starke, eds. One God in Three Persons: Unity of Essence,
Distinction of Persons, Implications for Life. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2015.
Wellum, Stephen J. God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ. Wheaton, IL: Cross-
way, 2016.
Whitfield, Keith S., ed. Trinitarian Theology: Theological Models and Doctrinal Appli-
cation [B. Ware, M. Yarnell III, M. Emerson, L. Stamps]. Nashville: B & H,
2019.
Yang, Hongyi. A Development Not a Departure: The Lacunae in the Debate of the Doc-
trine of the Trinity and Gender Roles. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R, 2018.
Yarnell, Malcolm B., III. God the Trinity: Biblical Portraits. Nashville: B & H, 2016.
Zizioulas, John. Being as Communion: Studies in Personhood and the Church. Crest-
wood NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1985.ST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 5
IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A. Class Readings
1. Required Reading. All ST102 Class Notes (prof’s) and Class Readings are on
Canvas https://online.dts.edu except for the course textbooks. In ST102, Ex-
ams are based on the professor’s lectures and Class Notes (chs in process, pages
may vary). Completed reading of all assigned Class Notes (A-level) and Class
Readings (B-level) should be recorded on Canvas via Quizzes; the Reading Re-
ports are additionally located in the Supplement, pp. 6–11. Readings are due at
the same times as the three Exams, valuing 5% each for a total of 15%.
MABC (2-credit) students are only required to read the textbook Exploring
Christian Theology Vol 1, Part 2 (114 pp) and the professor’s Class Notes (A-level
of each module, marked in yellow). Each Reading Report values 10% for 30%
of the grade.
2. Optional Readings. (See IV.G.3 below.) For regular three-credit students, in-
cluded in the Course Schedule (VII. below) and in the Supplement’s Reading
Reports are optional articles highlighted in gray. Three-credit students may re-
port these via Canvas, 0. Course Forms, on the Extra Credit Reading Report (3-
credit) at the end of the semester (see also Supplement 10–11). Students may
read some or all of these for up to three points of extra credit. See other extra
credit reading options below (G.3.b).
Two-credit MABC students may read the regular class B-level readings for
up to 3 points of extra credit (about 330pp). This would include Reeves’ De-
lighting in the Trinity. These must be reported on Canvas, 0. Course Forms on
the ST102 MABC Extra Credit B-Readings Form. See other extra credit reading
options (G.3.b).
B. Online Videos (All Students)
Students are required to view video lectures for a given unit or portion of a unit
(module) prior to beginning the Learning Activity and group discussion.
C. Interactions (2-Credit MABC students exempted)
1. Graded Interactions. Three of the ten units (1, 3, 7) require posted assignments
and online interactions. Each interactive assignment has two due dates: (1) the
post of the assignment itself and (2) the completion of interactions with class-
mates. Both of these dates are marked in the appropriate Units. Note that (1)
you must post your assignment several days before the unit ends, thus giving
time for interactions. You are not to consult assignments of others before writ-
ing and posting your own work. (2) During the final days of a unit assignment,
you must respond to work posted by at least two of your classmates. Interac-
tions are a vital part of the online experience. If emergencies prohibit your
timeliness, contact your Teaching Assistant. Classmates are dependent on your
interactions, late posts forfeit 15% per day.ST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 6
2. All Interactions Are Required (except 2-credit MABC). The first Interaction
(Unit 1, see 3.a below) serves to familiarize students with one another and,
then, to share meaningful insights from the first reading. The two subsequent
Interactions in Units 3 (3.b and 3.c below) call for deeper engagement. Each
post plus interaction values 5%, totaling 15% of the final grade. Please post all
assignments as .pdf attachments on Canvas.
3. Interaction Schedule
a. Unit One: Post a video describing who you are. How did you come to faith
in Jesus Christ? Describe a highlight in your life of faith. Then share three
or four observations that you found significant from Reeves’ Delighting in
the Trinity. Your posted assignment should be the equivalent of about 400
words total. You then have three days to interact with at least two peers.
b. Unit Three will take some planning. You are to interview three Christian
leaders in different churches or parachurch organizations about the place
of the Holy Trinity in their ministries. Briefly identify the denomination and
the cities of the persons you interviewed (no names). For example, you
might ask “How would you define the Trinity?” “How is the doctrine of
God as Trinity communicated in your church?” “Do you incorporate the
Creeds in your worship services?” “How does the belief in the triune God
influence your own ministry?” Each interview should average 10–15
minutes. In about 600 words, you are to evaluate and compare the place of
Trinitarian teaching and emphasis by each of leaders in their respective
churches. Post your evaluation in Canvas for peer interaction. Click in the
Reply box to open a Canvas editor, then share your thoughts. You have
three days then to respond to at least two fellow students’ posts.
c. Unit Seven: Submit your Doctrinal Statement of God (see D below)—a one-
page doctrinal statement of God as Trinity and the Person of Christ and a
second page of applications for your emphasis, followed by 3-5 pages of
endnotes. In the interaction you will critically evaluate the Statements of
two of your peers. The final text of your Doctrinal Statement of God is due
in Unit 8 (with no peer interaction). Follow the instructions below (D).
D. Exams (All Students)
All students will take three exams online during the semester. Exams are divided
between objective questions (multiple choice, definitions, matching of NIV text
with reference) and short essays requiring synthetic thinking and application.
Study Guides for each exam are found in the Supplement, pp. 12–17 and on Can-
vas in 0.General Materials, 0.0 Exam Study Guides. The Final Exam is divided into
two parts taken consecutively: (1) a Theological Studies departmental exam of 25
multiple choice, 30 minutes; (2) definitions and essays, 45 minutes. For all stu-
dents, each exam values 10% for a total of 30%.ST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 7
E. Doctrinal Statement of God (All Students)
All students will develop a personal Statement of Faith regarding God and the
Person of Jesus Christ (deity/humanity). Think of this as a summary of what you
have learned in the course and what you will use as a statement of your belief for
a church or organization. There are four parts to this assignment. See the directions
and example in the Canvas file “0. General Materials,” “0.4 Doctrinal Statement
Example” (from ST106). The Doctrinal Statement counts 20% of the grade, except
for MABC students for whom it is 40% of the grade. MABC students are strongly
encouraged to send a first draft of their Statement to their GTAs for initial sugges-
tions. Our Logos specialist has put together a “how-to” video for a doctrinal
statement at https://youtu.be/ZxAT92ijywE.
1. Part One: A Brief Statement on Trinity and Christ
Part One precisely summarizes your doctrine of the Trinity and the person of
Christ in 100–125 words (single-spaced), using non-expert language, similar to
what one might find in a church or ministry’s statement of faith. Parenthetical
citations will include only Scripture references relaying key passages related to
the doctrinal affirmations. This section should reflect the broad orthodox,
protestant, evangelical position.
2. Part Two: Detailed Exposition of the Trinity and Christ’s Two Natures
The remainder of Page 1 (and possibly part of p. 2) will consist of a personal,
detailed “exposition” or “definition” of about 500 words. This will be much
more detailed, using technical, traditional, and time-honored language, thor-
oughly covering major issues and answering key questions addressed in the
course. Assertions will be substantiated with numerous Endnotes (Part Four)
that support your position biblically, exegetically, theologically, and histori-
cally. In Part Two there will be no parenthetical text citations or quotations of
sources, as these are to be included in the Endnotes (Part Four). Part Two serves
as (a) an opportunity to articulate your theology with detailed elements, (b)
synthesize and summarize the content of the lectures, discussions, papers,
readings, etc. from the course; (c) express the results of critical thinking regard-
ing controversial issues and articulating as best you can your perspective; and
(d) begin to synthesize the contributions of your other coursework in BE (bib-
lical theology), OT and NT (exegetical analysis and conclusions), and ST and
HT (including philosophy, theology, and history).
3. Part Three: Practical Implications of Trinitarianism and Christology Proper
In this section you will apply the doctrinal content of this course to your own
life and area of ministry focus. In another 500 words (page 2), articulate in prac-
tical, ministry-oriented discussion how Trinitarianism makes a significant
difference. This section serves as (a) a means of prompting personal reflection
and practical application of the doctrines covered in this course; (b) an oppor-
tunity for critical and constructive theological reflection on coursework doneST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 8
in your major emphasis; and (c) an exercise in integration of this locus of the-
ology into the student’s particular ministry emphasis, such as pastoral
ministry, homiletics, leadership, biblical counseling, media arts, world mis-
sions, apologetics, evangelism, family ministry, lay ministry, worship ministry,
academic ministry, etc. In Part Three you may continue to use endnotes, but do
so more sparingly.
4. Part Four: Endnotes
Endnotes are to reference, document, defend, and discuss the doctrinal expo-
sition of Parts Two and Three (less for Part Three). This is where you
demonstrate a higher degree of research methods, critical thinking skills, and
proper use of sources, evidence, and arguments. It is also the place where you
have opportunity to incorporate expositional, exegetical, historical, philosoph-
ical, cultural, practical, and other considerations as you wrestle with the details
of the doctrine. You are not merely to articulate your theological perspective
but to defend it with compelling, substantive arguments. Three to five pages
of single-spaced Endnotes would be considered a reasonable length.
Due as marked in Units 7 and 8, the Doctrinal Statement constitutes 20% of the
grade, and Unit 7 peer reviews/interactions another 5%. For MABC students, the
Statement values 40% of the final grade.
F. Trinity Personal Project (2-Credit MABC students exempted)
This is yours to enjoy. The student is free to develop a personal project around an
interest of her or his choice related to the course. About eight hours of work is
expected. The project should reflect familiarity with the class notes and bibliog-
raphies. Criteria for grading will take into account theological insight, excellence
within its genre, apparent effort, clarity and neatness in presentation. The Trinity
Personal Project values 20% of the final grade. Options include:
1. Research Paper: The work should reflect a precise identification of the subject
within Trinitarianism and a logical structure and progression of argument;
demonstrate investigation of important sources; and conclude with relevant
application. Academic papers should be double-spaced (excepting footnotes)
and about ten pages in length. Use Turabian format and include an additional
bibliography with at least eight books or articles. Options include:
a. An exploratory paper on the implications of the Holy Trinity for: human
psychology, marriage, family, local church, ministry, community, govern-
mental forms, racial or cultural differences, ecology, or cosmology.
b. A problem-solving monograph regarding a tension (textual, theological,
philosophical, practical) concerning the attributes of God, the Trinity, the
hypostatic union of Christ, the “Mother of God,” the Trinitarian fathers,
contemporary issues, etc.ST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 9
2. Apologetic or Defense of the Trinity addressed to secularists, a world religion,
a non-Trinitarian sect, or even a mixed setting of believers and non-believers.
The project may follow various formats, including #1 (above) or #3 (below).
3. Public Presentation of the doctrine of the Trinity or related issues. In a preface,
clarify the demography of your audience and your presentation’s context (im-
agined or real): i.e., children, a university setting, SS class series, messages at a
retreat, a non-Western culture, etc. How many presentations are involved? For
how many minutes each? You may want to incorporate handouts, music,
video, PowerPoint, Prezi, YouTube, Vimeo, or other communication mediums.
Students are responsible for posting their projects in accessible form or other-
wise delivering them to their GTA and professor. This form of project is
encouraged by the professor.
4. A Critique of Art, Film, Music or a Secular Book related to the content of this
course. The critique should evaluate the art as well as the content, making spe-
cial note of the theological implications. At least one third of the 12–14 page
critique should be an evangelical evaluation. Be sure to employ academic re-
views by secular and Christian critics, and include these in the bibliography.
Examples include: (art) Edvard Münch; (books) Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A
Brief History of Humankind (London: Vintage, 2014) and Homo Deus: A Brief His-
tory of Tomorrow (London: Vintage, 2017); and (music) from Gregorian chants
to Lady Gaga. Verify the subject with your GTA or professor.
5. Artworks of Various Genres. Art projects may include composition and record-
ing of music, dance, painting, sculpture, even YouTube posts. Creative projects
are encouraged but are not intended to shortcut the six to eight hours expected.
Approval for an art project should be given by the GTA or professor. Artworks
require a one-page explanation of (1) how this artwork is an authentic expres-
sion of you the student; (2) the process and technique of the work, including
the number of hours involved; and (3) the theology behind the artwork—what
you are portraying, how, and why? (Note: poetry and literary works such as
short stories are not accepted.) If your Project is sent from off campus, you are
fully responsible for submitting the work in an accessible format to the GTA
and professor (pdf., video, etc.). By submitting your Trinity Personal Project
(unless you request otherwise), you are giving permission for your work to be
used for future Trinitarian courses. See Project examples in Canvas, 0 General
Materials, 0.7 Trinity Project Examples.
G. Extra Credit (Up to a Maximum of 3 Points)
1. Memorization
Committing Scripture and/or central Christian Creeds to memory serves many
fruitful purposes in our lives. The student may choose to memorize any or allST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 10
of the passages on the “Scripture Memory Verification Form” and/or the
“Creedal Memory Verification Form.” Each 8 biblical passages gains one point
of extra credit; each memorized creed gains 1.5 points. See the Sup. pp. 18–19.
2. Fasting
Students are encouraged to engage in fasting for the purpose of seeking the
Lord in prayer and meditation. Each fast should be no less than 30 hours in
duration, without food or heavy liquids (no soups or milkshakes!). The pro-
ject is designed to be an experience in spiritual discipline and to contribute to
a student’s awareness of biblical-historical means of seeking God’s presence.
To receive credit, you must fill in the form(s) provided in the Syllabus Supple-
ment for each fast period (pp. 20–21). Each fast values 1.5 extra credits.
3. Optional Reading: Two Choices
a. As noted earlier, included in the VII. Course Schedule below and the Sup-
plement (pp. 6–9) are multiple readings of articles highlighted in gray (C-
level), all of them strategic to the course. Students may read some or all of
these for up to three points of extra credit. See in 0. Course Forms, the Extra
Credit Reading Report (3-credit), and on pp. 10-11 of the Supplement.. Re-
port this work on Canvas in at the end of the semester.
Two-credit MABC students may read the regular class B-level readings
for up to 3 points of extra credit (about 330pp). This would include Reeves’
Delighting in the Trinity. These must be reported on the ST102 MABC Extra
Credit B-Readings Form.
b. You may gain up to three points of extra credit by reading an additional
book from the bibliography. To receive credit, you must submit a two-page
critical review (c. 500 words). The purpose of the critical review is for you
to think comprehensively about a given work, evaluating its strengths and
weaknesses. See examples in the Supplement (pp. 22–25).
You should state the full bibliographic information of the book: the au-
thor’s name; the title (and subtitle); the editor and translator; place, name
and date of publication (and edition, if not the 1st); total pages. In the first
paragraph, if possible, give a little background information about the au-
thor as you introduce the book. For our purposes, no more than half the
review should summarize what is in the book—this, of course, in a bal-
anced, non-pejorative manner. The concluding half should be devoted to
critical evaluation and interaction with the work. Has the author success-
fully argued his case? What do you deem valuable and what do you find
obscure, objectionable or unfair and why. Focus on quality rather than
quantity and economize words.ST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 11
V. GRADING
A. Letter-Number Grade Scale
A+ 99–100 B+ 91–93 C+ 83–85 D+ 75–77 F 0–69
A 96–98 B 88–90 C 80–82 D 72–74 Sub-zero
A- 94–95 B- 86–87 C- 78–79 D- 70–71
B. Weighing of Course Requirements for Grading (Except MABC, see C. below)
3 Interactions at 5% each (Units 1, 3, 7) 15
Required Reading at 5% each (due 4, 6, 10) 15
Exams at 10% each (Units 4, 6, 10) 30
Doctrinal Statement of God & Christ (Final Draft in Unit 8) 20
Trinity Personal Project (Unit 10) 20
100
Extra Credit: Up to 3 Points Maximum (Total)
Memorization, Texts and/or Creeds, up to 3
Fasting with Report, up to 3
Optional Readings C-Level (gray) 3
Book Review 3
C. Weighing of MABC Two-Credit Requirements for Grading
Readings A-Level (yellow highlight) at 10% per Report 30
Exams at 10% each 30
Doctrinal Statement of God & Christ 40
100
Extra Credit: Up to 3 Points Maximum (Total)
Memorization, Texts and/or Creeds 3
Fasting with Report 3
Regular Class Readings (B-level, 1 credit per c. 110pp) 3
Book Review 3ST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 12
D. Terms of Assignments
1. Late Assignments
All assignments, unless otherwise noted, are to be posted by the due date.
Please note that it is the server time listed in the upper right of any web page
that marks the proper time for papers due. Please keep your GTA well in-
formed of reasons for delay (trips, pregnancy, sickness, emergencies). Without
a valid excuse, late assignments will be penalized 10% per day.
2. Assignments Related to Previous or Parallel Course Work
Work that has been done (or is being done) for other classes may not be used
to earn credit in this course. Nor is use of any work done by others permissible
without full documentation. Students are not to consult previous exams, inter-
actions, or definitions of God, nor to discuss the exams with others.
3. Plagiarism
From the Student Handbook: 1.17: “Plagiarism occurs in research whenever a
writer appropriates material that falls outside the sphere of common
knowledge, and is from any source not his own without indicating his or her
indebtedness to that source. The theft may have to do with substance (i.e., ideas
or information taken from a source without acknowledgment in the form of
proper documentation), or it may have to do with verbal expression (i.e., word-
ing or phraseology taken from a source without acknowledgment in the form
of proper documentation and quotation marks around the quoted material). In
either of these forms, plagiarism constitutes a serious academic and ethical im-
propriety. For this reason any work submitted that gives clear evidence of
plagiarism, whether committed deliberately or naively, will receive a grade of
zero. Each case will be reported to the Dean of Students. Depending on the
circumstances, the student may be subject to additional disciplinary action.”
Included on the Canvas Home page (Unit 7) and in the 0 General Materials
folder as 0.4a Vericite Plagiarism Self-Check are brief directions and a video on
how to evaluate your own work for plagiarism. GTAs and graders look at this
very carefully. With Bible verses and Creeds often cited, we expect some direct
quotes. Beyond those citations, all work should be your own. When quoting the
professor’s notes, include in the endnotes: J. S. Horrell, ST102 Class Notes, [e.g.]
“Ch.4 God Made Flesh,” DTS, Mar. 2019, 29.
4. Graduating Students
All work of graduating students—including the Final Exam, Reading Report 3,
and the Trinity Personal Project—is due as marked in the course schedule be-
low unless otherwise oriented by the professor (normally in Unit Nine).
VI. COURSE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
“DTS does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the operation of any of its
programs and activities. To avoid discrimination the student is responsible forST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 13
informing the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities and the course
instructor of any disabling condition that will require modifications.”
VII. COURSE SCHEDULE, ST102OL Spr 2020
The Readings below are correlated with the Canvas online Reading Reports (quiz-
zes) and the Reading Report Forms in the Supplement, pp. 6-12. Note the Coding below
for all Canvas file materials: 1.A1—the first number is the Module/Unit. The letter
(A/B/C) distinguishes A-level Class Notes (highlighted in yellow) required for all stu-
dents, B-level Required Readings for 3-credit students; and C-level Optional Readings
(marked in gray). The final number 1.B3 marks the chronological selection of Class Notes
or Readings. Textbooks as Reeve’s Delighting in the Trinity are noted separately. Copy-
right restricted readings (read-only) are marked with “x.” in pdf files. To turn a locked
reading (“x.”), download it on your desktop, open, and then in View, rotate it as needed.
MABC students are required only to read Exploring Christian Theology Vol 1, Part 2 and
the professor’s Class Notes A-level (.A marked below in yellow). Again, MABC students
may read the regular B-level readings for extra credit.
NOTE: Dates below are tentative, subject to Online Department adjustment.
PART 1: THE EXISTENCE AND NATURE OF GOD
1.14 BEGIN ONLINE VIDEO VIEWING
COURSE INTRODUCTION
UNIT 1: THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
The Existence of God: Who or What Is God?
Arguments for the Existence of God
The Problem of Evil
Reading: TEXTBOOK Michael Reeves, Delighting in the Trinity (IVP, 2012) 9–130;
Class Notes, 1.A1 Horrell, “The Existence of God,” 1–20; 1.A2 “The Problem of
Evil,” 1–11; 1.B1 William Lane Craig, “God Is Not Dead Yet,” Christianity Today,
July 2008, 22–27; 1.B2 Jordan Monge, “The Atheist’s Dilemma,” Christianity To-
day, Apr 2013, online (2pp); OPTIONAL 1.C1 “When Americans Say They
Believe in God?” PewResearch Apr 25, 2018, 1-12; 1.C2 Pew, “Worldwide, Many
See Belief in God Essential to Morality,” PewResearch, Mar 13, 2014, 1-4; 1.C3
Michael Rota, “Why You Can Still Bet Your Life on Christ,” Christianity Today,
Apr 24, 2016, 5 pp; 1.C4 Christopher Tollefsen, “The Conflict Really Lies within
New Atheism,” Public Discourse, June 12, 2012, 1-4.
1.24 Unit 1 Video Viewing Report
1.24 *Post 1, Personal, Highlights of Delighting in the Trinity (See IV.C.3.a), Sat 11:59PM
1.27 *Interaction 1, with at least 2 peers
1.28 UNIT 2: NAMES AND ATTRIBUTES OF GODST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 14
Names of God
Attributes of God 1
Reading: 2.A1 Horrell, “The Names of God,” 1–6; 2.A2 “The Attributes of God,” 1–
28; 2.B1 Murray Pura, “The Divine Game of Pinzatski,” Crux 24:4 (Dec 1988, 8–
10) 261–66; 2.B2 Robert Chisholm Jr., “Does God Change His Mind?” Kindred
Spirit, Sum 1998, 4–5; OPTIONAL 2.C1 Mark Sheridan, Language for God in Pa-
tristic Tradition (InterVarsity Press, 2015) 217-36 (19pp); 2.C2 x.R. Lister, Ch. 10
“Impassibility and Incarnation,” God Is Impassible and Impassioned (Crossway,
2013), 260–84 (24pp); 2.C3 x.D. A. Carson, The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God
(Crossway, 2000) 9–24.
2.10 Unit 2 Video Viewing Report
2.11 UNIT 3: ABERRANT MODELS OF GOD; TRINITARIAN DEFINITIONS
Aberrant Modern Models of God
Trinitarian Definitions and Issues
Reading: 3.A1 Horrell, “Aberrant Models of God,” 1–15; 3.A2 Horrell (Trinity Ch 1)
“Revelation and Mystery: Approaching the Doctrine of the Trinity,” 1–41;
TEXTBOOK, N. Holsteen & M. Svigel, eds., Exploring Christian Theology,“ 3 vols.
(Bethany, 2014) Vol 1:2, 127–241 (113pp); 3.B1 Simon Chan, “Why We Call God
Father,” Christianity Today, Aug 13, 2013, 1-5; 3.B2 C.Reissig, “Above All Earthly
Metaphors,” Christianity Today, June 29, 2015, 1-3.
2.11 12:00PM CST (Noon Tues) Webcast, Live Video Dialog with Dr. Horrell
2.15 *Post 2, Interview & Evaluation, 3 Christian Leaders (See IV.C.3.b), Sat 11:59PM
2:17 Interaction with Peers, Post 2, Mon 11:59
2.22 Unit 3 Video Viewing Report
2.22-24 EXAM 1 and READING REPORT 1, Online, Sat–Mon 11:59PM
PART 2: THE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY
2.25 UNIT 4: OT EVIDENCES; GOD THE FATHER
OT Evidences of Divine Unity and Diversity
God the Father
Reading: 4.A1 Horrell (Trinity, Ch 2) “Veiled Glory: Trinitarian Evidences in the
Old Testament” 1–43; 4.A2 (Trinity, Ch 3) “The Father Who Draws Near,” 1–51;
4.B1 Benjamin Sommer, The Bodies of God and the World of Ancient Israel (Cam-
bridge Univ Press, 2009), summary, 4pp; 4.B2 Derek Rishmawy, “The Loving
Father Who Judges,” CT Nov 27, 2017, 1-2; OPTIONAL 4.C1 “Father Facts”
[Web Resources], National Fatherhood Initiative, 1-5; 4.C2 Halee Scott, “When
Dads Don’t Stay,” Her.meneutics/CT, June 2014, 1-2.ST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 15
3.2 Unit 4 Video Viewing Report
3.3 UNIT 5: DEITY AND HUMANITY OF CHRIST; MARY
The Deity of Christ in the NT
Mary, the Virgin Birth and Modern Mariologies
The Incarnation, Humanity, and Hypostatic Union of Christ
Reading: 5.A1 Horrell (Trinity, Ch 4) “God Made Flesh,” 1–49; 5.A2 “Mary, the
Mother of Jesus,” 1-14; 5.A3 “One Person, Two Natures,” 1-10; 5.B1 Athanasius,
On the Incarnation, online, 90pp or other versions; 5.B2 Philip Yancey, “Unwrap-
ping Jesus: My Top Ten Surprises,” Christianity Today, June 17, 1996, 29–34; 6.B3
Michael Bird, “How God Became Jesus—and How I Came to Faith in Him,”
Christianity Today, Apr 16, 2014, 4pp; OPTIONAL 5.C1 x.John F. Walvoord,
“Christ in OT Prophecy,” Jesus Christ Our Lord (Moody, 1969) 79–95; 5.C2 Scot
McKnight, “The Mary We Never Knew,” Christianity Today, Dec 2006, 26–30;
5.C3 x.Darrell Bock & Ben Simpson, Jesus the God-Man (Baker, 2016) 65–87; 5.C4
Christopher Cowan, Ch2 “I Always Do What Pleases Him,” One God in Three
Persons, ed. Bruce Ware and John Starke (Crossway, 2015) 47–64.
3.16 Unit 5 Video Viewing Report
3.17 8:00PM CDT Webex Dialogue with Dr. Horrell
UNIT 6: HISTORY OF CHRISTOLOGY; HOLY SPIRIT; TRINITY IN NT
History of Christology
The Deity and Personhood of the Holy Spirit
Intra-Trinitarian Relations in the NT
Reading: 6.A1 Horrell (Trinity, Ch 5) “The Other Comforter,” 1–49; 6.A2 (Trinity,
Ch 6) “NT God Three and One,” 1–50; 6.A3 “Incarnate Son, Substitution and
Trinity at the Cross,” 3pp; 6.B1 Michael Bird, “How God Became Jesus—and
How I Came to Faith in Him,” Christianity Today, Apr 16, 2014, 4pp; 6.B2 C.L.
Irons, “Let’s Go Back to ‘Only Begotten,” Bible & Theology, Nov 23, 2016, 4pp; 6.B3
P.Leithart, “How to Glimpse the Trinity,” Christianity Today, May 2015, 5pp; 6.B4
x.F.Sanders, The Triune God (Zondervan, 2016) 239–43 (5pp); OPTIONAL 6.C1 Hor-
rell, “The Trinitarian Passages [133] of the NT,” 2016, 1–24; 6.C2 Wesley Hill,
Paul and the Trinity (Eerdmans, 2015), 167-72.
3.21 Unit 6 Video Viewing Report
3.21-23 EXAM 2 AND READING REPORT 2, Online, Sat–Mon 11:59PM
PART 3: TRINITY IN HISTORY AND CHRISTIAN LIFE TODAY
3.24 8:00PM CDT Webex Dialogue with Dr. Horrell
UNIT 7: THE TRINITY IN HISTORY
Trinitarian Development to Nicaea (325)
Eastern and Western Post-Nicene History
Reformation to Modern EraST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 16
Reading: 7.A1 Horrell (Trinity, Ch7) “Pathway to Nicaea,” 48pp; 7.A2 “Trinitarian
and Christological Development” (Summary) 4pp; 7.A3 (Trinity, Ch8) “Two
Streams: East and West,” [in process] 20pp; 7.B1 Melito of Sardis, “The Man Was
Christ,” trans. G. Hawthorne, Christianity Today, Mar 24, 1978, 23–26; 7.B2 x.Au-
gustine, Bk 15, The Trinity, ed. J. Rotelle, trans. Edmund Hill (New City Press,
1991) 395–99 [Aug’s summary]; 7.B3 x.Robert Letham, Ch 5 “Eternal Generation
in the Fathers,” One God in Three Persons, ed. Bruce Ware and John Starke (Cross-
way, 2015) 109-25; OPTIONAL, 7.C1 x.Nonna Vera Harrison, Ch4 “Gregory of
Nyssa on Knowing the Trinity,” The Holy Trinity in the Life of the Church, ed.
Khaled Anatolios (Holy Cross/Baker 2014) 55-61; 7.C2 Paul Negrut, “The East-
ern Orthodox Church,” Christian Research Journal 20:3 (1998), 1-17pp; 7.
C3 Mary Cagney, “Patrick the Saint,” Christian History/CT, Mar 17, 2016, 7pp.
3.31 8:00PM CDT Webex Dialogue with Dr. Horrell
4.3 Unit 7 Video Viewing Report
4.4 *Post 3, First Draft of Doctrinal Statement (See IV.C.3.c), Sat 11:59PM
4.6 *Interaction 3, with 2 peers, Mon 11:59PM
4.7 8:00PM CDT Webex Dialogue with Dr. Horrell
UNIT 8: TRINITY IN TODAY’S WORLD
Contemporary Trinitarianism
Sub- and Non-Trinitarianism in Sects
Jesus, Trinity, and World Religions
Reading: 8.A1 Horrell, “Modern Trinitarian Developments,” 1–11 [in process]; 8.A2
Horrell, (Trinity, Ch 10) “Trinity and SubTrinitarianism,” 39pp; 8.A3 Horrell,
(Trinity, Ch 11) “Christ and Trinity in World Religions,” 32pp 8.B1 x.S. Holmes,
Ch.1, “’The History that God is’: Studying the Doctrine of the Trinity in the 21st
Century,” The Quest for the Trinity (InterVarsity, 2012), 1–32; 8.B2 Horrell,
“Global Trinities,” 2pp; OPTIONAL, 8.C1 Horrell, “Names of Key Theologians
in Trinitarian History,” 9pp; 8.C2 Jason S. Sexton, “The State of the Evangelical
Trinitarian Resurgence,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 54:4 (Dec
2011): 787–807 (21pp); 8.C3 Horrell, “Son of God and Islam: Analogy, Theology,
and What’s at Stake?” (ETS, 2016) 1–18.
4.20 Unit 8 Video Viewing Report
*Due Final Draft of Doctrinal Statement of God, Sat 11:59PM
4.21 8:00PM CDT Webex Dialogue with Dr. Horrell
UNIT 9: TRINITY IN LIFE, CENTER OF EVERYTHING
Toward a Trinitarian Worldview
Trinity in Family, Local Church Life, and Missio Dei
Worshipping the Father, Son, and Holy SpiritST102OL Spr’20 Trinitarianism Rvsd, Horrell 17
Reading: 9.A1 Horrell (Trinity, Ch 12) “Toward a Trinitarian Worldview,” 39pp;
9.A2 Horrell, “Persons: Divine and Human,“ (ETS, Nov 2018), 18pp; 9.A3 Hor-
rell, “The Trinity, the Imago Dei, and the Nature of the Local Church,” Connecting
for Christ, ed. F. Tan (Singapore, 2009) 1–30; 9.A4 Horrell, “Worshiping the Tri-
une God,” 23pp [in process]; 9.B1 x.Hongyi Yang, “Conclusion,” A Development
Not a Departure (P & R, 2018) 299-305; OPTIONAL 9.C1 x.Khaled Anatolios, Ch
9 “Personhood, Communion, and the Trinity,” The Holy Trinity in the Life of the
Church, ed. Anatolios (Holy Cross/Baker, 2015) 147-64; 9.C2 Horrell, “Comple-
mentarian Trinitarianism,” The New Evangelical Subordinationism? ed. D. Jowers
and W. House (Wipf & Stock, 2012) 339-74.
4.24 *Due All Work by Graduating Students (Fri 11:59PM)
4.28 8:00PM CDT Webex Dialogue with Dr. Horrell
5.1 Unit 9 Video Viewing Report
5.2 UNIT 10 (Final Assignments)
5.2-4 EXAM 3 and READING REPORT 3, Online, Sat–Mon 11:59PM
5.7 *DUE: TRINITY PERSONAL PROJECT, Thur 11:59PM
*DEADLINE: All Extra Credit and late workYou can also read
