27 Mar Write two essays, each of which elaborates a key doctrine of the faith concerning which there has been significant ongoing controversy.

This assignment is to write two research essays. It was introduced in Week 1. In Week 6, a one-page outline for each essay was due at that time. The final essays are due at the end of Week 10.

The second of the two major assignments in this class, comprising two research essays, is due in Week 10. These essays should be scholarly and supported through the readings from the class, as well as academic articles, theological texts, histories of theology, etc. The final product for this assignment will be a Microsoft Word document with a minimum word count of 2,500 words (8–10 pages).

Tasks:

Write two essays, each of which elaborates a key doctrine of the faith concerning which there has been significant ongoing controversy. In each essay, your discussion will identify the doctrine under debate, clearly articulate the nature of the controversy describing each party’s position in a way that partisans on each side of the debate would recognize your description of their position as accurate, dispassionate, and balanced. You will identify both the points under debate, as well the underlying theological issues and Scriptures used. You will critique the strengths and weaknesses of each position. You will finally state your own conviction on the issue and show how the conclusion is significant to your personal ministry. (Note: You may not write on the same doctrine you explored in the first major assignment in Week 5 Project.)

Suggested Topics:

The Canon and Authority of Scripture

The Nature of the Triune God

The Nature of Biblical Inspiration

The Nature of the Image of God

The Nature of Humanity (How depraved are humans?)

Theories of the Atonement (substitution, Christus Victor, Theosis, etc)

The Nature and Attainment of Salvation

The Nature of Sanctification

Nature of the Church

Views of the Kingdom of God (or the Millennium

(This list is suggestive not exhaustive. If there is another topic you would like to explore check with your instructor for guidance.)

Your final product will be in a Microsoft Word document. Utilize at least six sources from professional and academic literature in your research for each essay. Professional and academic literature may include peer-reviewed journals from the South University Online Library, relevant textbooks, and professional and academic books or monographs published by established academic and professional publishers. Interaction with relevant biblical texts is expected.

Your paper should be written in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and formatted in Turabian style.

Submission Details:

In a minimum of 8–10 pages, write your response in a Microsoft Word document.