2014-2015_02 2ST502 Intro to Pastoral and Theological Studies

178 Pages·2014·1.48 MB·English

Reformed Theological Seminary – Orlando
ST502: Introduction to Pastoral & Theological Studies
Fall Semester 2014|Ligon Duncan

Course Description
This course is the RTS introduction to theology and pastoral ministry from the standpoint of the seminary’s
confessional, theological and pastoral commitments and convictions. The classroom lectures and interaction,
and the reading assignments for this course will acquaint the student with important exegetical, theological,
historical, and practical issues for Christian life and ministry. Students will see the integral connection
between theology and pastoral ministry: that all theology is practical and that biblical pastoral ministry must
flow out of and be founded upon sound biblical theology. Students will be equipped to apply Reformed
Theology in all areas of pastoral labors, and to derive their theology of ministry from theological
commitments.

Course Objectives
To familiarize students with the basics of Reformed Theology in historical context and encourage students to
reflect on the basic hermeneutical and practical implications of Reformed Theology. The course will study the
significance of a Reformed worldview for pastoral and theological studies. It will also set forth and commend
the distinctives of Reformed Theological Seminary in order to enhance students’ ability to benefit from the
rest of the curriculum.

Contact Information
Ligon Duncan, PhD – John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Chancellor of RTS
RTS Orlando Office: Chancellor’s Office, Email: [email protected]
RTS Jackson Office: Horace H. Hull Administration Building
5422 Clinton Boulevard
Jackson, MS 39209
Phone [phone]
Executive Assistant Jan Hyde: [email protected]

Assisting me to facilitate this course will be my RTS Jackson TA: Jonathan Hunt Email: [email protected]
and also (in case Jonathan is otherwise occupied) John Rakshith Prabhakar Email: [email protected]
Assignments may be submitted to [email protected] electronically, and Jonathan and John Rakshith are both
available to answer questions for you about logistical matters related to the course.

Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be the student’s own. Group study is encouraged, but work submitted must be the
student’s own (and not group-produced). Plagiarism is specifically addressed in the Student Handbook.
Students who do not fulfill assignments with requisite academic integrity will be referred to the Academic
Dean (the student should also consult pp. 33-34 in the Handbook for further details).

Technology Use
In the interests of learning, students should take notes by hand in this course. Laptop computers may not be
used. Phones and other handheld devices should remain in the off position and stowed.

Course Texts
John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Westminster Press, 2011) [McNeill/Battles edition]
*William Cunningham, An Introduction to Theological Studies (A Press, 1993)
The Confession of Faith and Catechisms with Scripture Proofs (PCA; Great Commission Publications)
J. I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life (Crossway, 2010)
*B. B. Warfield, The Plan of Salvation (Various Publishers)
*Herman Witsius, On the Character of a True Theologian (Reformed Academic Press, 1994)

*Selected required texts will be made available electronically on the course website.
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Course Assignments and Evaluation
Short Essays (30% of Final Grade)
Students will complete a total of five essays:
1) Christian Experience: Describe how you came to faith, and what God has done/is doing in your life.
2) Sense of Inward Call: Describe your sense of call to the ministry (if you have such). How has this been
confirmed by others (pastors, campus ministers, local church, family, etc.)? What process of self-
examination have you followed? Why are you pursuing seminary studies? Where/How do you feel
drawn to serve in the future?
3) Describe Reformed Theology: Briefly and clearly articulate what it means to be “Reformed.” Express
the essence of Reformed Theology as concisely and comprehensively as possible in this short scope.
4) Commend Reformed Theology: Write so as to convince an intelligent lay-person as to the truth of and
importance of Reformed Theology.
5) Personal Theology of Ministry: Relate your personal theology to your goals, aims, and methods of how
you will minister.
Format: Please follow this format. All papers will be two pages or less, single spaced, Times New Roman, 12-
point Font, one-inch margins. Each paper should have a clear, logical order and structure. Please
remember to proofread your work, as points will be deducted for careless misspellings and
grammatical errors. In the header of each paper, please put your name as well as the paper number and
title:

Joseph Porter
#2 Sense of Inward Call

I was born in a Christian home and attended an evangelical church growing up, but I don’t
think I became a Christian until I was studying at the University of Florida. I went to a new

Reading (25% of Final Grade)
Students will turn in typed or neatly scripted handwritten answers to the study guide questions corresponding to
the assigned reading materials (Calvin, Cunningham, Packer, Warfield and Witsius, as well as the Westminster
Standards). See the Course Outline and Assignment Schedule to see when the reading and study guide questions
are due.

Oral Exam on Total Content (45% of Final Grade)
Similar in nature to a presbytery exam, students will meet with the professor, either in person or via Skype,
before and during Finals Week (as we are able to schedule it) and spend 30 minutes answering questions
dealing with the fundamental issues of theology and ministry covered throughout this course. This exam will
focus on your understanding of the lecture material and reading, and your ability to articulate it. I will tell the
students exactly what to prepare for. Further details as to time and location will be announced as the end of the
semester approaches.

Collection of Assignments
All assignments are due to be submitted electronically by Saturday evenings at 6 o’clock (Eastern Time).
Assignments received after this time will be considered late and penalized accordingly. Assignments are not to
be emailed to the TA, but rather physical copies should be submitted.

Late Work
Students should make every effort to turn in work on time or early. In the rare case of medical or other
providential emergency, extensions and/or alternative arrangements may be granted. In most cases, late
assignments will be accepted but penalized one letter grade per day. Please make these arrangements with the
TA as soon as possible.
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Attendance and Tardiness
Given the huge amount of material we have to cover and the relative scarcity of classroom hours, attendance
will be at a premium and, of course, to the benefit of the student. My TA will take roll at every class. If you
need to miss a class or to leave early or to arrive late, you should seek permission (via my TA, my EA, or
myself). Failure to attend class, or to engage while in the class, will be noted. No unexplained absences.

Course Outline and Assignment Schedule
Listed below are the dates and topics and weekly assignment timetable/due dates for our course. Please factor
these into to your term calendar now!

Due Dates Summary
All assignments are due to be submitted electronically by Saturday evenings at 6 o’clock (Eastern Time).
Assignments received after this time will be considered late and penalized accordingly. Assignments are not to
be emailed to the TA, but rather physical copies should be submitted.

9/6 Essay 1 Christian Experience
9/13 Essay 2 Sense of Inward Call
9/20 Cunningham
9/27 Witsius
10/4 Essay 3
10/11 Warfield
10/25 Essay 4
11/1 Essay 5
11/15 Packer
11/29 Westminster Standards

Sept. 5-6 Class 1
Reading completed before class: WCF 1-3; WLC 1-13; WSC 1-7
Essay 1 Due: Christian Experience

Sept. 12-13 Class 2
Reading completed before class: WCF 4-5; WLC 14-19; WSC 8-11
Essay 2 Due: Sense of Inward Call

Sept. 19-20 Class 3
Reading completed before class: Cunningham, Introduction to Theological Studies
Cunningham study guide questions due

Sept. 27 Reading completed by this date: Witsius, On the Character of a True Theologian
WCF 6-8; WLC 21-57; WSC 21-28
Witsius study guide questions due

Oct. 4 Read assigned portion of Calvin
Reading completed by this date: WCF 9-15; WLC 57-77, 149-153; WSC 29-32, 82-84
Essay 3 Due: Describe Reformed Theology

Oct. 11 Class 4
Reading completed before class: B. B. Warfield, Plan of Salvation
WCF 16-18; WLC 78-81
Warfield study guide questions due

Oct. 25 Read assigned portion of Calvin
Reading completed by this date: WCF 19-20; WLC 91-152, 149-153; WSC 39-84
Essay 4 Due: Commend Reformed Theology
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Nov. 1 Read assigned portion of Calvin
Reading completed by this date: WCF 21-22; WLC 116-117, 178-196; WSC 98-107
Essay 5 Due: Personal Theology of Ministry

Nov. 15 Read assigned portion of Calvin
Reading: J. I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness
WCF 23-26; WLC 61-66, 69, 82-83, 86, 90; WSC 36-38
Packer study guide questions due

Nov. 22 Read assigned portion of Calvin
Reading: WCF 27; WLC 153-164; WSC 85, 88-93

Nov. 29 Westminster Standards study guide questions due
Reading: WCF 28-33; WLC 88-90,165-167; WSC 94-95

Dec. 1-? Take Oral Examination
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Study Guide Questions

William Cunningham, An Introduction to Theological Studies
1. What are Cunningham’s views on the use of original languages?
2. How does Cunningham define theology?
3. What is the “principal exercise” by which Christian theology is acquired?
4. According to Cunningham, how is the agency of the Holy Spirit drawn down upon us?
5. What are the three things that Cunningham argues (citing Luther) combine to “make”
theologian?
6. What are Cunningham’s thoughts on temptation?
7. Of what use to ministers is the English (vernacular) Bible?
8. How is the theological student to use the Lord’s Day?

Herman Witsius, On the Character of a True Theologian

1. What was Witsius’ favorite maxim (a paraphrase is fine)?
2. What does Herman Witsius mean by “theologian”?
3. What are the three headings by which Witsius considers the theologian?
4. What does Witsius believe should be the relationship between the “natural school” to
the “fields of scriptural study”?
5. What is Witsius’ opinion regarding the “commentaries of erudite men”?
6. To what does Witsius compare the “soul of a holy man”?
7. When is the theologian, according to Witsius, able to open the word of truth to the
church?
8. What is the benefit of “unfeigned love” to teaching?
9. What type of man is the theologian, according to Witsius?
10. Does Witsius consider himself to be a “true theologian?”

B. B. Warfield, The Plan of Salvation

1. What is the technical designation of the “plan of salvation,” and what are some
advantages to that term over the more popular designation “plan of salvation”?
2. How does Warfield articulate the way in which the Deist conceptualizes a “plan of
God”?
3. What is Warfield’s purpose in his lecture (i.e. the book that you read for this class!)?
4. What is the distinction between the “Naturalistic” and the “Supernaturalistic”
conception of the plan of salvation?
5. What are the two groups of “Supernaturalists”? Define them.
6. What is Warfield’s objection to evangelical Lutheranism and evangelical Arminianism
that he considers in this work?
7. What are the two fundamental (and contradictory) doctrines of salvation?
8. What is the “essence of the sacerdotal scheme” regarding salvation, according to
Warfield?
9. What are two of the three “aspects” of the sacerdotal system that Warfield lists that
help us to understand the damage of sacerdotalism to “religious interests”?
10. What does Warfield mean by the term “Universalism”?
11. What are the four forms of Calvinism that Warfield articulates?
12. How is Calvinism related to assurance?
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J. I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life

1. How can the maturity of the Puritans help us toward the maturity that we need today?
Give three reasons according to J. I. Packer.
2. On what “front” do modern evangelical Christians need the most help from the
Puritans?
3. How did John Owen define inspiration, according to Packer?
4. What are three of the six principles that Packer lists regarding the Puritan approach to
interpreting scripture?
5. To what was Richard Sibbes referring when he said that it was “either the greatest
friend or the greatest enemy in the world”?
6. What is the purpose, according to Packer, of Owen’s work The Death of Death in the
Death of Christ?
7. How did the Puritans understand assurance?
8. What did the Puritans believe about “Gifts of the Spirit”?
9. What are three of the four “practical principles for keeping the Lord’s Day holy”?
10. Which American does Packer address as a “Puritan born out of due time”?

The Westminster Standards
n.b. In responding to these questions, be sure to answer from the American version of the Standards, as
adopted by the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church in America (the assigned
version for this course).

1. Describe the Westminster doctrine of Scripture. Especially discuss the concept of
infallibility in relation to inerrancy
2. How does Westminster view the relationship between the Eternal Decree/God’s
Sovereignty and so-called “second causes”?
3. Summarize the Confession’s teaching on the Fall and Original Sin.
4. Explain Westminster’s teaching on justification.
5. Explain Westminster’s teaching on sanctification.
6. According to Westminster what is the role of “good works”?
7. Articulate Westminster’s teaching on the Law of God.
8. Explain Westminster’s view of religious worship and the Christian Sabbath.
9. What is a sacrament, according to Westminster?
10. Summarize the Confession’s teaching on marriage, divorce and remarriage.
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Course Objectives Related to MDiv Student Learning Outcomes
With Mini-Justification
Course: Introduction to Pastoral and Theological Studies
Professor: The Rev. Dr. J. Ligon Duncan III
Campus: Orlando
Date: Fall 2014
MDiv Student Learning Outcomes Rubric Mini-Justification
 Strong
 Moderate
 Minimal
 None
Articulation Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both Strong Students will respond to the
(oral & oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, material both in written papers and
historical, and cultural/global information, including
written) exams as well as in an oral exam
details, concepts, and frameworks.
Scripture Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Strong This course stresses the
Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research organization and teaching of the
further into the original meaning of Scripture and to
whole Scripture and the Scripture’s
apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances.
implication for ministry
(Includes appropriate use of original languages and
hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical,
and cultural/global perspectives.)
Reformed Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and Strong Introduction to the contours of
Theology practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Reformed Theology
Standards.

Sanctification Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the Strong Study of a Reformed Worldview
student’s sanctification. and the godliness required of God’s
ministers
Desire for Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of Strong Stresses the content of the
Worldview God. worldview founded on the Scripture

Winsomely Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an Strong Focuses on the beauty of the
Reformed/ appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, Scripture’s teaching and the desire
especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the
Evangelistic to bring people to a saving
Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-Christians;
knowledge of God
and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.)
Preach Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture Minimal Gives a foundation for
to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. interpretation, exegesis, and
application in preaching
Worship Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christian- Moderate Stresses God as the author and
worship forms; and ability to construct and skill to object of worship
lead a worship service.

Shepherd Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in Strong The forming of “servant-leaders”
spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and “pastor-shepherds” is the goal
and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both in

America and worldwide.
Church/ Ability to interact within a denominational context, Moderate Comparison of the Biblical,
World within the broader worldwide church, and with Reformed Theology with other
significant public issues.
systems
WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH
for ST502 Introduction to Pastoral & Theological Studies

Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture August 27
(1.1 The Bible is Necessary)
1.1 Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to
leave men unexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore
it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterwards, for
the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the
flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing: which maketh the holy Scripture to be most
necessary; those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.

Modern Translation
1.1 Although the light of nature and the works of creation and providence manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, to such an
extent that men are without excuse, yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of his will which is necessary for salvation.
Therefore it pleased the Lord, at various times and in diverse ways, to reveal himself and to declare his will to his church; and afterward—for
the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the
flesh and the malice of Satan and of the world—to commit this revelation wholly to writing. Therefore the Holy Scripture is most necessary,
God's former ways of revealing his will to his people having ceased. (OPC, Modern English Study Version [MESV]).

WCF 1.1’s Doctrinal Assertions Stated in Sentence Form – The Necessity of the Bible
1. God has revealed himself universally in and through nature.
2. He does this especially in his works of creation and providence.
3. Nature, creation and providence clearly reveal the goodness, wisdom and power of God.
4. This knowledge of God is so clear and so universal as to leave all mankind inexcusable.
5. This knowledge of God is, however, insufficient for the salvation of sinners.
6. It is insufficient not because of its defect but because of ours. Explanation: this knowledge of God, since the Fall of man, does not and
cannot lead to a saving knowledge of God, not because of its lack of clarity, comprehensiveness, or persuasiveness, but rather because of our
sinfulness and blindness.
7. Therefore, God chose, in various times and various ways, to reveal himself specially to his people.
8. God declared his will to his church through his Word, through theophanies, prophets and apostles.
9. God committed his special revelation into writing, in order to better preserve and propagate the truth, and to better establish and strengthen
the church against the corrupting influence of the world, flesh and Devil.
10. This is why the Bible is absolutely necessary: because God no longer reveals his will to his people the way he did prior to the completion of
the canon of Scripture.
11. Bottom line: The Bible is necessary for a saving knowledge of God and for sound discipleship.

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Romans 1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their
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unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his
invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things
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that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but
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they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the
glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

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WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH
for ST502 Introduction to Pastoral & Theological Studies

Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture August 28
(1.2 There is a fixed biblical Canon of sixty-six books)
1.2 Under the name of holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are
these:
Of the Old Testament:
Genesis 2 Chronicles Daniel
Exodus Ezra Hosea
Leviticus Nehemiah Joel
Numbers Esther Amos
Deuteronomy Job Obadiah
Joshua Psalms Jonah
Judges Proverbs Micah
Ruth Ecclesiastes Nahum
1 Samuel Song of Songs Habakkuk
2 Samuel Isaiah Zephaniah
1 Kings Jeremiah Haggai
2 Kings Lamentations Zechariah
1 Chronicles Ezekiel Malachi

Of the New Testament:
Matthew Ephesians Hebrews
Mark Philippians James
Luke Colossians 1 Peter
John 1 Thessalonians 2 Peter
Acts 2 Thessalonians 1 John
Romans 1 Timothy 2 John
1 Corinthians 2 Timothy 3 John
2 Corinthians Titus Jude
Galatians Philemon Revelation

All which are given by inspiration of God to be the rule of faith and life.

Commentary:
This section, in addition to listing the acknowledged books of the Bible, the Canon of Scripture, explains that the Bible is: (1) the written Word
of God, (2) divinely inspired and (3) the rule of faith and life. The word canon means rule or standard. So, when we refer to the “canon of
Scripture” we are talking about the list of books that are the rule of Christian teaching (Ward).

It will be helpful to be familiar with the terms “revelation,” “inspiration” and “canon” as you study this section. Revelation refers to God’s self-
disclosure, that is, God’s making Himself known to us. He reveals Himself to us, and the content of that self-disclosure we call “revelation.”
Inspiration refers to a specific mode of God’s self-revelation in writing. All of Scripture is “God-breathed” (which is the precise meaning of
“inspired.” Thus, the words of Scripture are God’s own words. Canon means the collection of books and documents exclusively containing the
permanent authoritative written record of divine revelation.

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WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH
for ST502 Introduction to Pastoral & Theological Studies

Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture August 29
(1.3 The Apocrypha is not part of the Bible)
1.3 The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture, and therefore are of no
authority in the church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings.

Modern Translation
1.3 The books commonly called the Apocrypha, because they are not divinely inspired, are not part of the canon of Scripture, and therefore are
of no authority in the church of God and are not to be approved, or made use of, in any manner different from other human writings. (OPC,
MESV).

Rowland Ward’s Translation
1.3 The books commonly called ‘Apocrypha’ are not divinely inspired and so are not part of the canon of the Scripture. Therefore they do not
have authority in the church of God, and are only to be regarded and used in the same way as other merely human writings.

Commentary:
“The apocryphal (= hidden) books were written in Greek and composed during the period between Malachi (c.400 BC) and the New
Testament, and mainly in the 200 years before Jesus’ birth. The Apocrypha bears plain marks that it cannot have God as its author, since
nothing can be a rule for faith which contradicts existing revelation, or in other ways lacks the marks of inspiration such as truthfulness.
Indeed, one of the best of the apocryphal books (1 Maccabees c.110 BC) admits that there was no true prophet in Israel at the time
(9:27;14:41), while 2 Maccabees 15:38 reads in a way no prophet wrote: ‘If it [my book] is found well written and aptly composed, that is what
I myself hoped for; if cheap and mediocre, I could only do my best’ (cf. 2:23-27). The preface to Ecclesiasticus (Ben Sirach) shows the author
was simply trying to help people understand the Old Testament. Other aspects of the content are inconsistent with Divine authorship.

“The Jews did not accept the Apocrypha as canon for faith, but the Christian church used the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the
Septuagint, dating from c.200 BC). Some copies of this translation included the Apocrypha. Hence there grew up in the Christian Church a
canon of faith (our Bible) and a canon of books read for edification, but not used to establish any doctrine (the Apocrypha).

“The influence of Augustine in the 4th century in approving the apocryphal books ultimately overcame the influence of those who rejected
them, such as his contemporary Jerome. In 1546 the Roman Catholic Council of Trent included most (not all) the apocryphal books as part of
the canon of faith. Early Protestants maintained the earlier position, distinguishing a canon of faith and a canon of edifying books not to be
used to establish doctrine, hence even the first edition of the King James Bible (1611) included the apocryphal books. The Westminster
Confession’s statement reflects the clarity and consistency attained through the debate with Rome.” “Anyone who compares the apocryphal
writings with the New Testament writings will be convinced that the latter are superior in every way. (Rowland Ward, The Westminster
Confession of Faith: A Study Guide, New Melbourne Press).

What are the books of the Apocrypha? Depends on who you ask!R oman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox: Baruch & Letter of Jeremiah 
Additions to Daniel (Susanna, Song of the Three Children, Bel & the Dragon)  Additions to Esther  Judith  1 Maccabees  2
Maccabees  Sirach  Tobit  Wisdom  Eastern Orthodox only: Prayer of Manasseh  1 Esdras  2 Esdras  3 Maccabees 
4 Maccabees  Odes  Psalm 151.

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