Patristic Theology
Syllabus
ST602
Spring 2014
Dr. Douglas F. Kelly
Reformed Theological Seminary
1
ST 602: Course Overview
CONTENT OF THE COURSE
We study important themes in Christology, Trinitarian thought, and epistemology by reading
various selections from the church fathers as well as by hearing lectures. We shall seek to
understand the significance of their work both from an exegetical viewpoint and also from the
viewpoint of the historical development of doctrine. We seek to relate the main thrust of the
work of the fathers to the problems and opportunities of our own generation.
STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE
This course is based on both lectures and seminars. After every two class hours of lecture, there
will be an hour of seminar which will take the form of class discussion based on the required
reading for that part of the course. Participation in the discussion is encouraged. You will be
given some questions to help you in the various readings.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Do the required readings (including chapters 6 & 8 from T.F. Torrance, The Trinitarian
Faith (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1988)) on time in preparation for class seminars.
2. Be prepared to participate in class discussions on the basis of knowledge. Your
discussion grade constitutes 10% of your final grade.
3. 8-10 page essay (see “Paper Topics” below) due on Wednesday, March 12, 2014.
Constitutes 45% of the course grade.
4. Final exam (essay questions) to be taken during exam week. Constitutes 45% of the
course grade.
READINGS
Here follows a list of the readings and a set of questions to guide you in reading and note taking
in preparation for each of the nine seminars. All reading selections, with the exception of the 2
chapters from The Trinitarian Faith by Torrance, are in the syllabus (which will be available on
Self-Service). The Torrance reading will be on reserve in the RTS library.
2
PAPER TOPICS
Term Paper for Patristic Theology
This paper should be 8-10 pages in length (typed and double-spaced) with appropriate footnoting and
bibliography. Do not include a string of long quotations. Make sure you (1) deal with the relevant
information competently and fairly to all sides, and (2) interact with the material yourself so that you
demonstrate that you have "thought about it theologically." (3) Have a proper introduction and
conclusion and a clear structure for your essay. (4) Use good grammar and write clearly. (5) Use 8
sources, and footnote, where appropriate. Due Wednesday, March 12, 2014.
1. Discuss the Christology of Justin Martyr
2. Discuss the soteriology of Irenaeus.
3. Compare and contrast the apologetic approach of Justin Martyr and Tertullian.
4. Compare and contrast the Alexandrian and Antiochian Schools.
5. Discuss the Athanasius exegesis of passages that bear on the deity and/or humanity of Christ in
Contra Arianos/
6. Discuss the theology of Athanasius’ De Incarnatione.
7. Discuss the Christian epistemology of Hilary’s De Trinitate with special reference to the
ability and limits of the human mind to know God.
8. Discuss Tertullian’s Trinitarian theology in Adversus Praxean.
9. Discuss Novation of Rome’s explanation of inner-Trinitarian relations in his De Trinitate.
10. Discuss Augustine’s analogy between the persons of the Trinity and the three-fold nature of
humans in De Trinitate.
11. Compare Gregory Nazianzen (‘The Fifth Theological Oration”) and Basil (De Spiritu Sancto)
on the Holy Spirit.
12. Discuss Augustine’s “Literal” hermeneutical procedure (as opposed to allegory) in his
Literal Interpretation of Genesis.
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Course Objectives Related to MDiv Student Learning Outcomes
With Mini-Justification
Course:
Professor:
Campus:
Date:
ST602/Patristic Theology
Douglas Kelly
Charlotte
Spring 2014
MDiv Student Learning Outcomes
Rubric




Mini-Justification
Strong
Moderate
Minimal
None
Articulation
(oral &
written)
Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both
oral and written, of essential biblical, theological,
historical, and cultural/global information, including
details, concepts, and frameworks.
Strong
Scripture
Significant knowledge of the original meaning of
Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research
further into the original meaning of Scripture and to
apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances.
(Includes appropriate use of original languages and
hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical,
and cultural/global perspectives.)
Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and
practice, with emphasis on the Westminster
Standards.
Moderate
Minimal
The course focuses on Patristic
theology.
Sanctification
Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the
student’s sanctification.
Strong
Desire for
Worldview
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of
God.
Moderate
Winsomely
Reformed/
Evangelistic
Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an
appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians,
especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the
Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-Christians;
and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.)
Strong
Students will not only learn
theological truths about the Trinity
and Christology, but also how each
enriches our relationship with the
Lord.
In a day when the church often
conforms to the culture,
understanding the Church’s historic
teachings is critical.
Learning about Patristic theology
brings students in contact with a
heritage common to all orthodox
Christians.
Reformed
Theology
4
Students are required to
understand & articulate Patristic
Christology, Trinitarian theology,
and epistemology.
Patristic interpretations of Scripture
will be engaged.
Preach
Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture
to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.
Moderate
Worship
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to
lead a worship service.
Minimal
Shepherd
Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in
spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings;
and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both in
America and worldwide.
Moderate
Church/World
Ability to interact within a denominational context,
within the broader worldwide church, and with
significant public issues.
Moderate
5
The content of this class will help
students to better understand
controversial theological issues,
enriching their preaching.
The content of this class is
significant in aiding students into
deeper theological understanding
that will enrich their shepherding.
This class utilizes the teachings of
the Church Fathers and other
theologians from throughout
history, and thereby offers a richer
perspective to draw on for
contemporary theological issues.
SEMINAR #1: ___________________________________________
READ: Irenaeus, Against Heresies (in The Ante Nicene Fathers, Vol. I. Read the sections that are
referred to in the questions below).
QUESTIONS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
What does Irenaeus mean by “rule of truth” (cf. I.9.4; I.10.1-2)?
Why are heretics ready to give up their “faith” when persecuted, whereas Christians are
not (cf. I.24.6)?
In what ways is God indescribable (II.13.4)?
Why is it dangerous to read back human analogies onto God (II.13.8)?
What major heresies is Irenaeus fighting?
What does Irenaeus say about the consubstantiality of the Father and the Word (II.17.7)?
What does he teach about “recapitulation” of our Adamic nature in Christ (e.g. II.22.4;
III.16.6; III.18.7; V.1.3.; V.21.2)?
What is his doctrine of the authority of Scripture (as in II.28.2; III.11.1-2)?
What are the limitations of theological understanding of God (II.28.5-7)?
How does he explain OT theophanies?
What is his teaching on God’s preparation of the human race for full redemption
(IV.12.4; IV.13.1-2, 4; IV.14.2; IV.20.4; IV.38.2)?
How well does Calvin seem to know Irenaeus and what is his opinion of him (Calvin,
Institutes, I.13.27; II.14.7)?
In the context of what question or controversy does Calvin refer to Irenaeus?
SEMINAR #2: ___________________________________________
READ: Tertullian, Against Praxeas (in The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. III, pp. 597-627).
QUESTIONS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
What does Tertullian understand to be the “rule of faith”?
What did Monarchianism do with the Trinity?
What does Tertullian mean by “the economy” (I.2)?
What does he argue that two distinct persons do not “overthrow” the divine monarchy
(chaps. 3-4)?
What is the relationship of the Spirit to the Father and Son (as in Chaps. 4, 25)?
How many different meanings (or aspects) does he give to logos in chaps. 5-6?
How does he outline the “history” of the Word in Chaps. 5-6?
What is the relationship between Word and Person (in chap. 7)?
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9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
What natural illustrations does Tertullian use in chap. 8 to point to the Trinity?
Why does Tertullian think the Patriarchs saw Christ rather than the Father (as in Chaps.
14-15)?
What elements of subordinationism (i.e. of the Son to the Father) do you find in chap. 5?
What Scriptures does he use to show distinctions between the Persons of the Trinity (as in
chaps. 10-12)?
How does he defend distinctions within the Godhead against the charge of polytheism (as
in chap. 13)?
What do you make of his idea of Christ’s appearances in the OT?
What is his understanding of the relationship of the two natures of Christ (chap. 27)?
What would Tertullian say to the (now defunct) God-is-dead theology (as in chap. 29)?
What does he teach about the substance of the three Persons (chap. 26)?
What is Tertullian’s doctrine of salvation?
What is his doctrine of Scripture?
How does Calvin use Tertullian’s Praxeas (in Institutes, I.13-28)?
SEMINAR #3: ___________________________________________
READ: Origen, De Principiis (in The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. IV, pp. 239-267) and De
Principiis, Book IV, in Origen An Exhortation etc., (in Classics of Western Spirituality,
Greer and Von Balthasar, pp. 171-216).
QUESTIONS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
What is the relationship of Christ to the Old Testament (in the Preface)?
What is the basis of authority (Preface 2-3)?
What are the basic points of apostolic teaching (Preface)?
What is Origen’s understanding of various ways of interpreting Scripture (as in Preface 8
and Book IV.1)?
Where are his hermeneutics right? Where are they wrong?
How does he describe the reality of God (I.1.6)?
What does he imply is the place of speculation in theology (as in Preface. 10 and I.7.3-5)?
What is Calvin’s opinion of speculations such as these of Origen (cf. Institutes I.14.8)?
How does Origen formulate what later became know as “extra-Calvinisticum” (see
Origen IV.4.3-4 and Calvin, Institutes II.13.4)?
How far does he push human analogies onto God (I.2.9)?
What connection does he draw between the three Persons of the Trinity and the Christian
life (I.3.8)?
How does he relate Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14 to the fall of Satan (I.5.4-5)?
What seems to be his doctrine of the end of time (I.6.1-4)?
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SEMINAR #4: ___________________________________________
READ: Novatian, On the Trinity (in The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. V, pp. 611-644).
QUESTIONS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
What is the purpose of this treatise (chap. 30)?
What is the relationship between God’s Being and human thought (chap. 2)?
What does he say about the greatness of God and human language? How does this
compare to Calvin (Institutes I.13.21)?
According to Novatian, does God’s infinite greatness mean He is unknowable? Why or
why not?
Does Novatian seem to appreciate the material creation? Why or why not?
What does he mean by the “rule of faith”?
Why does Scripture use anthropomorphisms (as in chaps. 5-6)?
How do Calvin’s ideas on accommodation compare to Novatian (cf. Institutes
I.13.1; IV.17.23)?
What does Novatian say about the comprehensibility of Christ?
What is Novatian’s doctrine of Scripture?
What do heretics do with Scripture?
What heresies does Novatian name?
How does he interpret Phil. 2:6-11 (chap. 22)?
How does he interpret OT theophanies?
What is Novatian’s doctrine of salvation?
Does Novatian give more attention to Father, Son, or Holy Spirit?
Does Novatian see Christ’s Sonship as eternal or not?
What does he say about the “hypostatic union” or “communication of idioms” (as in chap.
11.60 and 13.70)?
How do Novatian and Calvin compare on the idea of man’s mind as an idol factor
(Novatian 3.18; Calvin, Institutes I.5.12)?
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SEMINAR #5: ___________________________________________
READ: Athanasius, Discourse I Against the Arians [Contra Arianos] (in Nicene and PostNicene Fathers, 2nd Series, Vol. IV, pp. 306-337a; 393-397a).
QUESTIONS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
What does Athanasius accuse the Arians of doing with Scriptural language? (chap. 1,
sec. 1; chap. 3, sec. 8)
What did Arius teach about the relationship of the Son to the Father’s nature and essence?
(chap. 2, sec. 5-6)
What arguments does Athanasius use (chap. 2, sec. 9) to show that the Son is God rather
than a creature?
List some of his Biblical arguments for the Son’s eternity in chap. 4.
How does he deal with the epistemological problem of “material thoughts about what is
immaterial” on chap. 5, sec. 14-15?
Is God an eternal Creator? (chap. 8, sec. 29)
Is God an eternal Father? (chap. 8, sec. 29)
What is the difference between Christ’s eternal essence and His historical mediatorial
position? (see chap. 11, sec. 40-43). How does Athanasius use the awareness of this
difference to interpret Phil. 2 [in these sections]?
How does Athanasius interpret the Spirit’s descent in chap. 12, sec. 47?
What does he mean by saying that “... the whole Being of the Son is proper to the Father’s
essence...” (chap. 23, sec. 3)?
In what way are the Father and Son one “without being divided into two parts” and yet
different? (chap. 23, sec. 4).
How does Athanasius interpret “Form of God”? (Chap. 23, sec. 6)
SEMINAR #6: ___________________________________________
READ: Hilary, De Trinitate (in The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, 2nd Series, Vol. IX, pp.
40-62).
QUESTIONS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What does infinity do to Graeco-Roman deities (I.4)?
How does Hilary deal with sexuality and God (I.4)?
What does Exodus 3:14 tell us about infinite personality (I.5-6)?
How do we know the beauty of God (I.7)?
What is the relationship of reason and faith (I.8-9)?
Is salvation hereditary (I.11)?
What is the relationship of belief and understanding (I.12)?
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8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
How would Hilary answer the humanist argument that man’s mind is the measure of what
is real (I.13, 15 and II.9)?
What does it take for man to become a believer (I.18)?
How far can human analogies of God legitimately go (I.19)?
What is man’s chief duty (I.37)?
What sentence of the prayer in chapter 38 is appropriate to use before we exegete
Scripture?
How does Calvin use the main point of Hilary’s thought in De Trin. I.18 (in Institutes
I.11.1)?
What is the relationship of God to human words (II.2, 6-7)?
What is the basic problem of the methodology of the heretics (II.3-5)?
What use does Calvin make of Hilary II.5 in Institutes I.13.5?
Does the inadequacy of human language leave us in agnosticism (II.7,11)?
What do you make of his exegesis of John 1:1-14 (II.13-21)? Where does he have good
insights? Where does he make effective application? Where is he weak?
What does II.21 tell us about a personal relationship to Christ?
How does he use the rhetorical device of contrast (in explaining the birth of Christ in
II.25, 27)?
SEMINAR #7: ___________________________________________
READ: Gregory Nazianzus, “The Fifth Oration” [On the Holy Spirit] (in The Nicene and PostNicene Fathers, 2nd Series, Vol. VII, pp. 318-328).
QUESTIONS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Is the Holy Spirit as eternal as the Father (chap. 4)? Does this differ from earlier Logos
Theology?
What does Gregory say about the Language of sex, gender, and God (chap. 7)?
In what sense is God three and one (chaps. 14, 16)?
Does “one” have to be understood in a strictly numerical sense (chaps. 19-20)?
Why was the Trinity not revealed in the OT (chap. 26)?
What does the Holy Spirit do (as related in chap. 29)?
What natural analogies does he use to point to the Trinity in chaps. 31-32?
What is the problem with such analogies (chap. 33)?
READ: Gregory, “The Panegyric on St. Basil” (in op.cit, beginning on p. 395, read only the
following sections of “The Panegyric”: 1-2, 13, 15-16, 23, 30-31, 61-63, 67).
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SEMINAR #8: ___________________________________________
READ: T. F. Torrance, The Trinitarian Faith, chaps. 6, 8.
QUESTIONS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
If the Holy Spirit is not “the emission of some divine force detachable from God,” then
who is He? (pp. 192, 216).
Discuss the concept of the Spirit as “the image of His Son” (p. 194).
Discuss the homoousion and the Spirit (pp. 195, 214, 218).
What are the 3 major “triadic formulae” with the NT (p. 197).
What is the conceptual connections between consubstantiality and coinherence (p. 199)?
Discuss Athanasius on the Spirit as the self-giving of God (pp. 201-203, 209).
What two things does the inclusion in the Nicene Creed of the clauses on the Holy Spirit
teach us (pp. 205ff.)?
With what epistemological principle did the Arians operate concerning God’s nature (p.
207)?
Discuss the veiling of the Spirit in His rendition of Father and Son (pp. 211-212).
Discuss the ineffability of God as a positive reality (p. 214).
How did Epiphanius go beyond Basil in understanding God (pp. 220-222)?
What did Gregory Nazianzus mean by the Spirit as “a relation of Himself to Himself”?
(p. 229)
How did Epiphanius and Cyril of Alexandria avoid subordinationism? (pp. 221-224)
Discuss Epiphanius and Augustine on “the communion of love” (p. 234).
How did the Cappadocians change (and weaken) Athanasius’ view of the Being of God
(pp. 236ff.)?
Discuss Gregory Nazianzus’ and Cyril’s understanding of the personal relations of the
Trinity as “beyond time, origin, and cause” (pp. 239-244). How does this differ from
Basil and Gregory of Nyssa?
What is the theological difference of saying that the Spirit proceeds from “the Being of
the Father” rather than “the Person of the Father”? (pp. 242-244)
Discuss the problem which led western churchmen to the Filioque clause (pp. 246, 322).
Why was Athanasius’ approach to the knowledge of God “strictly through the Son”? (pp.
303-305)
Discuss coinherence (pp. 305-307).
Why does the truth of the Gospel depend on the integrity of the consubstantial relation
between Christ and God? (p. 308)
Discuss the revision in meaning of ousia and hupostasis by Christian theology (p. 310).
What is the importance of anchoring the oneness (or monarchy) of God in the whole
Trinity rather than in the Person of the Father? (pp. 312-313, 319, 336)
What was Basil’s weakness of view on the Spirit? (pp. 313-319)
How was the homousion the key to the Trinity for Gregory Nazianzus? (p. 320)
What is the theological significance of Gregory’s avoiding Basil’s notion of tropos
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27.
28.
29.
huparxeos? (pp. 320-322)
Discuss the difference between Didymus and The Cappadocians on the three Persons of
the Trinity (pp. 323-324).
What was Epiphanius’ major contribution to the church’s understanding of the Trinity?
(pp. 326-333, 336)
What did Cyril of Alexandria avoid the generic concept of the divine ousia? (p. 338)
12