Doctrinal synthesis paper Bibliology

The student will develop a 5–7 single-spaced doctrinal synthesis paper Bibliology (including inspiration, inerrancy, authority, sufficiency, and canonicity). There are three distinct parts to the paper: 1) a Brief Statement, 2) a Detailed Exposition, and 3) a Practical Implications Reflection. (Note that elements of this doctrinal synthesis paper will be reused in ST106 Eschatology in the student’s final capstone doctrinal synthesis assignment.) 1) The Brief Statement (150–200 words or one-fourth to one-third of a page). This first section will summarize Bibliology in non-technical (but biblically and theologically accurate) language similar to an article in a church’s or ministry’s doctrinal statement. It will include parenthetical key Scripture references and will reflect the orthodox, protestant, evangelical faith. (See sample doctrinal synthesis paper provided on Canvas.) 2) The Detailed Exposition (500–750 words or two-thirds to three-fourths of a page). This second section will provide a succinct but thorough elucidation of Bibliology using technical, traditional language and covering the major issues related to Bibliology (see course description and outline for major issues in this area of doctrine). This exposition should read like a paper one would submit as part of an ordination or interviewing process. Substantiating his or her detailed exposition, the student will include three to five single-spaced pages of endnotes (not footnotes) that provide biblical-exegetical, historical-theological, and scientific-philosophical evidences, arguments, and explanations of the doctrinal assertions. These endnotes will include not only key biblical references but also interpretive notes that incorporate commentaries, theological works, or historical citations. Biblical citations should be without quotation, except when an exegetical point is not obvious. Justify interpretations of ambiguous passages with clarifying notes. Exegetical, theological, and historical sources, references, and observations should explain the student’s reasons for the affirmations in the main Detailed Exposition. In these notes, the student should incorporate insights gained from other courses in the curriculum, especially from other courses in the Biblical Studies and Theological Studies divisions. Bibliographic references should use Turabian formatting. E.g., Glenn R. Kreider, “Wise Unto Salvation: Gospel, Atonement, and Saving Grace,” in Nathan D. Holsteen and Michael J. Svigel, eds., Exploring Christian Theology, vol. 2, Creation, Fall, and Salvation (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2015), 127. The student must incorporate sources beyond the required reading for this course. 3) The Practical Implications Reflection (500–750 words). This section will provide a discussion of practical applications and ministry implications of Bibliology. In this section, the student will integrate insights from the course into his or her ministry emphasis, degree program, or anticipated area of vocational ministry focus. The student should also incorporate any insights gained from other courses in the curriculum, especially from the Ministry and Communications Division, as well reflections on his or her Christian walk and ministry experiences. Footnotes in this section should be minimal, but the student must properly cite any sources or quotations.