1
An Introduction to Christian Faith
Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Pagano, Ph.D.
Telephone: (office) 410-267-9333 x. 205
Email: jpagano@stannes-annapolis.org
Course Description:
An introduction to the basic themes, problems, and personalities of Christian theology.
Required Texts:
Alister E. McGrath, Theology: The Basics (3rd Edition)
Keith Ward, Christianity: A Short Introduction or Christianity: A Beginner’s Guide
Rowan Williams, Tokens of Trust: An Introduction to Christian Belief
N. T. Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense
Course Objectives:
 to introduce the major ideas of Christian theology
 to understand how those ideas were developed
 to understand the basic vocabulary, especially the technical terms, used in discussion of
theological ideas
 to understand the key debates that have influenced Christian theology
 to introduce some of the major thinkers who have shaped Christian theology
Format:
Weekly classes will feature presentations by the instructor and class discussions.
Meeting Times:
Wednesdays 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Course Outline and Reading Assignments
Sept 23
Introduction to Theology
Read: McGrath, xi-xxxii
Sept 30
Faith
Read: McGrath, 1-12; Williams, 3-29
Oct 7
Echoes of a Voice: Justice, Spirituality, Relationships, Beauty
Read: Wright, 3-51
Oct 14
NO CLASS
Oct 21
God
Read: Wright, 55-69; McGrath, 19-35
2
Oct 28
Creation
Read: Ward, 7-17; McGrath, 36-57; Williams, 31-55
Nov 4
NO CLASS
Nov 11
Problem of Evil
Read: Ward, 18-25; McGrath, 13-18
Nov 18
Human Nature
Read: Ward, 26-43
Nov 25
NO CLASS
Dec 2
Israel
Read: Wright, 71-89
Dec 9
Jesus
Read: Wright 91-119; Williams, 57-79
Dec 16
Jesus
Read: Ward, 44-55; McGrath, 58-76
Dec 23
NO CLASS
Dec 30
NO CLASS
Jan 6
NO CLASS
Jan 13
Salvation
Read: Ward, 56-62; McGrath 77-96; Williams, 81-103
Jan 20
Holy Spirit
Read: Wright, 121-140, McGrath, 97-115
Jan 27
Trinity
Read: Ward 77-91; McGrath, 116-136
Feb 3
Church
Read: Ward 92-104; McGrath 137-156
Feb 10
NO CLASS
Feb 17
Church
Read: Wright 199-215, Williams, 105-133
Feb 24
Bible
3
Read: Ward 105-111; Wright 173-197
March 2
Ethics
Read: Ward 112-140
March 9
Revelation and World Religions
Read: Ward, 63-76
March 16
Prayer
Read: Ward, 157-166; Wright 142-72
March 23
NO CLASS
March 30
NO CLASS
April 6
Sacraments
Read: McGrath 156-77
April 13
Eternal Life
Read: Ward 167-179; McGrath 178-96
April 20
Eternal Life
Read: Wright 216-37, Williams, 135-159