This course is a deep investigation of advanced topics that pertain to paleo-anthropology, the age of the earth, missing links in the evolutionary record, and the relationship between homo-sapien sapiens, homo-sapiens, and other higher level hominids. The present course analyzes the implications of the data on a theology of humanity. The exploratory component of the course imagines how the data informs an overarching theology of redeemed creatures, and, specifically human creatures.
Students theologically appropriate the data from creationism, evolution and intelligent design. Students also develop advanced knowledge in scientific information as theological knowledge of creatures.
The present course advances meticulous knowledge of humans and gives tools to theologians in their science-engaged theological anthropology.
Critical examination of science in relation to theology must be guided by Scripture, cohere with it, and be based on it as the final interpreter in making sense of cosmological and biological development. All three paradigms require different readings of the Bible and impact how the theologian puts together the pieces of the Bible.
The present course analyzes and advances the knowledge of the mission of God through three paradigms for understanding creatures.
As with all academic disciplines, science and theology is contextual and follows certain conventions in the wider academic guild. Students gain competence sufficient in outlining the intellectual trends and the ability to offer substantive critique of those trends when necessary.
Students interact with and gain the tools to assess issues that are informed by an international set of scholars.
The course concludes with two substantial projects. The first project is a large written defense of creationism, evolutionary creationism, or intelligent design by engaging Scripture, dogmatics, apologetics, and science-engaged theology. The second project is a research article that advances the discussion.
Students dialectically work through advanced works in the attempt to develop, interrogate, and construct their own theologies of creation and its relationship to the mission of God in redemption.
