Medieval Theology
Syllabus
ST604
Fall 2014
Dr. Douglas F. Kelly
Reformed Theological Seminary
ST 604: Course Overview
COURSE AIM
We will survey some of the major themes and events of the more than thousand year period of
Medieval Theology. Of necessity we will have to be very selective. In the lectures an attempt
will be made to give a general survey of the theological development of this period, with special
reference to various questions that are still of great importance to the life and thought of both the
church and the culture. The required readings focus detailed attention on themes or theologians
of major importance to the understanding of the development of Christian doctrine.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Attend all class lectures and participate in class discussion.
2. Complete the assigned readings.
3. 10-12 page term paper (see “Paper Topics” below) due Wednesday, October 1, 2014.
Constitutes 33.3% of the course grade.
a. This paper should be 10-12 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.
4. A take-home exam on assigned readings to be given out Wednesday, September 24,
2014 and due in class Wednesday, October 29, 2014. Constitutes 33.3% of the course
grade.
5. Final exam (essay questions) covering the entire course to be taken during the week of
final exams. Constitutes 33.3% of the course grade.
REQUIRED READINGS
Aquinas, Thomas. Salvation: Book Four (Summa Contra Gentiles #4).
Lombard, Peter. The Sentences (Book 1: The Mystery of the Trinity).
Read either: Anselm, Cur Deus Homo or Anselm, Proslogion.
ST604 MEDIEVAL THEOLOGY
POSSIBLE TOPICS FOR YOUR TERM PAPER
The debate on universals from the time of Boethius to the Nominalists.
Modern Protestant interpretations of Thomas Aquinas: negative and positive
(e.g. Francis Schaeffer vs. Arvin Vos, E. L. Mascall, N. Geisler).
T. F. Torrance’s interpretation of Saint Anselm on truth:
For example, cf. Anselm De Veritate, Opera Omnia, Vol I, pp. 173-199; and TF Torrance, “The Ethical
Implications of Anselm’s De Veritate” (Theologische Zeitschrift, Vol 24, 1968, pp. 309-319) and TF
Torrance, “The Place of Word and Truth in Theological Inquiry According to St. Anselm” (in Studia
Mediaevalia et Mariologicaa, rome, 1971, pp. 134-160).
The Catholic Thomist interpretation of Anselm’s Ontological Proof as compared to Karl Barth’s interpretation
(e.g. see Karl Barth, Anselm: Fides Quaerens Intellectum, etc.).
(For those who can read French): The Epistemology of John Major (see instructor for bibliography).
The relationship of Trinity and Personality in Richard of St. Victor (a knowledge of Latin or French would be
helpful -- see instructor for further information).
The views of Scotus Eriugena on the relationship between God and nature.
Thomas Aquinas on Justification.
William of Ockham on the relationship between faith and reason.
The doctrine of God in the theology of Peter Lombard.
Bishop Bradwardine (of Canterbury) or Predestination.
The hermeneutical principles of speculative mysticism in Hugh and Richard of St. Victor.
Robert Grosseteste on Light.
John Philoponos and the physics of light (e.g. TF Torrance, Christian Theology and Scientific Culture, pp. 88, 89,
etc.).
The Terminist Logic of William Ockham.
Soteriology of the Brethren of the Common Life.
Alexander of Hales on the Treasury of Merits and Impersonal Grace.
Duns Scotus on the Existence of God.
Nominalism (see e.g. Heiko Obermann, Harvest of Late Medieval Theology).
Thomas Aquinas on the Trinity.
RTS Charlotte Classroom Internet Usage
RTS Charlotte recognizes how essential it is for students to have reliable, campus-wide access to
the internet. For that reason, we have made wi-fi available for our student body, not only in the
library and student lounges, but also in the classrooms. We know that students need to use the
internet to download class materials, access files on the Cloud, and to access other important
information.
However, we also recognize that internet access in the classroom provides opportunity for abuse
and misuse. Some students have unfortunately used their internet access to engage in many
activities that distract them from the classroom lectures (e.g., surfing the web, checking sports
scores, playing games). Not only does such activity hamper a student’s own seminary education,
but it distracts other students who can see their computer screens. In addition, donors and
classroom guests (who often sit in the back) can see this inappropriate internet usage, which
reflects poorly on RTS.
So, how can these challenges be addressed? One option is to turn off the internet entirely. But,
we recognize that this creates problems for students who use it for legitimate reasons. Thus, we
prefer to address this problem by appealing to the integrity of the students as ones who are
preparing for a lifetime of ministry to Christ and his church. We are asking each student to take
personal responsibility for their behavior in this area and to encourage others around them to do
the same.
In order to encourage this accountability, and to change the culture of the campus as it pertains
to the internet, we are asking each student to sign the pledge below at the beginning of each
term. As a pledge, we ask you to sign with integrity and with an honest desire to keep it.
“On my honor as a student at Reformed Theological Seminary, and as a one preparing for the
gospel ministry, I pledge that I will use the internet in the classroom only for appropriate
class-related activities.”
Signed:___________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________________