Theological Foundations—Fall 2019

Saint Louis University

THEO 1000-63: MWF 1:10–2:00pm
Tegeler Hall 104
THEO 1000-64: MWF 11:00–11:50am
Tegeler Hall 103
Instructor: Dr. Benjamin Winter
Email: ben.winter@slu.edu
Office Hours:
T/R 10:00am-11:30am, and by appointment
Adorjan Hall, First Floor Lobby
Always email me in advance! Rose Window, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres

Course Description:
Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls...
–Psalm 42:7
To begin, let us acknowledge what we do not know. An individual human brain, such as the one
allowing you to read these words, can only comprehend so much. Can you provide an exhaustive
survey of our ever-expanding universe? Can you give a reason why there is something, rather than
nothing? Is there a guiding force behind the events that brought us together at this moment in time?1
Or is the search for meaning—the pursuit of truth that transcends predetermined biological and
material processes—merely a primitive “wish-fulfillment” fantasy?
Christians claim that God allows these questions to be asked fruitfully. But describing “God” is no
simple task. The existence of a higher power that is personally concerned about you or me is,
ultimately, a matter of faith. But there is a difference between blind faith and “faith that seeks
understanding.” In this course, we will explore that distinction by focusing on the story of God’s
interaction with the world revealed in Sacred Scripture. Following introductory notes on the
discipline of theology and its relationship to philosophy, we will proceed to a broad overview of
biblical themes and figures—centering on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After the
mid-term examination, we will explore what it means to be a Christian—both historically and in
light of contemporary beliefs and practices. And in our final unit, we will look at how the story of
Christianity has been articulated and expanded through literature (including through science fiction).
As we read and discuss texts this semester, we will be confronted by questions such as: Is the
universe eternal or created? How did a collection of ancient texts (the Christian Scriptures) come to
exert such profound influence on global history and culture? How does religion shape communities?
And finally: Is there life after death? If these questions spark your curiosity, this course is for you!

Note: THEO 1000 is not intended to assess student beliefs. While students are responsible for
knowing course content (predominantly Christian in nature), they are in no way expected to assent
to or believe the content. Any and every question is allowed in this course. Our classroom is a safe
place to engage with and challenge theological ideas. Consult the syllabus appendix (below) for
more detail on the variety of ways one can approach learning in this class.

1
If we can definitively say that there is no guiding force behind events, why is it that human beings are so insistent
upon ascribing meaning to the chain of causes and effects that led us to this moment?
 2

Learning Outcomes:

This course serves as an overview of central Christian teachings: The Triune God, the Incarnation,
creation from nothing, redemption from sin, and universal justice / judgment. Yet perhaps more
importantly, I aim to help each student develop the skills to engage with these teachings. To that
end, THEO 1000 students will develop proficiencies in public discourse, critical thinking, reading
and analyzing texts, and placing theology into dialogue with other disciplines. At the conclusion of
this course, students will possess the skills to:
Think theologically (demonstrate an active grasp of basic theological concepts)
Read theologically (interpret texts through critical reading practices)
Write theologically (summarize theological concepts, explain relationships between them, and
identify their historical and contemporary relevance)
Speak theologically (ask questions relevant to course content and contribute meaningfully to class
discussion)
My purpose as an instructor is to facilitate an informed and civil meeting of minds. To that end,
mutual respect, patience, and kindness are required. 

Required Electronic Resources: (Must be printed and brought to class!)

• PDF readings on Blackboard
• New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible. Available online at http://bible.oremus.org/
• Being Christian by Rowan Williams. Available as an ebook through SLU’s library catalog

Required Books:
• The Great Divorce (C.S. Lewis)
• The Divine Invasion (Philip K. Dick)
-These two books will not be used until after the mid-term examination
-They will available for purchase at SLU’s bookstore

Grading Overview:

Exit Tickets 100 points

Dialectical Journals 150 points
Discussion Questions 150 points 400 points

Papers 200 Points

Mid-Term Exam 200 points
Non-Cumulative Final Exam 200 points 600 points
Total = 1000 points
Grading Detail:

Exit Tickets (100 points)

Exit Tickets are slips of paper that you hand to me at the end of class on either Monday or
Wednesday (see the “Schedule” document). To satisfactorily complete an exit ticket, describe two
of the most important or interesting points from that day’s lecture. I will provide five minutes at the
end of class for students to complete this assignment; I highly recommend taking notes during class.
 3

Dialectical Journals (150 points)

Approximately once-per-week (see the “Schedule” document), you will be required to turn in a
dialectical journal document at the beginning of class. The template for this journal is available on
Blackboard. In your journal, identify at least 4 important passages from that day’s reading(s). Then,
describe why you found these passages interesting, confusing, etc. Your journal can be handwritten
or printed—but printing allows students to modify the rubric to fit longer quotations and reflections.

Discussion Questions (150 points)

Two discussion questions are due on most Fridays (see the “Schedule” document). At the beginning
of class on discussion days, you will meet in groups to go over your questions together. To
satisfactorily complete the discussion questions assignment, write at least two questions based on
the readings for that day. A good strategy is to ask one general question and one specific question.
Be sure to use page number citations, and to include the beginnings of an answer to each
question (in sentences or using bullet points). I am looking not only for questions, but reflections.

Papers (200 points)

Students will submit two papers during this course. Prompts and point values for these papers can
be found below. A detailed breakdown for each paper is also available on Blackboard.

Mid-Term Exam (200 points)

This test is administered in class on Oct 09. It consists of multiple choice, true-or-false, fill-in-the-
blank, and short answer questions. It covers material from Aug 26 to Oct 07.

Non-Cumulative Final Exam (200 points)

Administered Dec 13 at 12:00pm for THEO 1000-63 and Dec 13 at 8:00am for THEO 1000-64.
Test format is identical to that of the Mid-Term exam, but covering material from Oct 14 to Dec 09.

Point Assessment of Exit Tickets, Dialectical Journals, and Discussion Questions:

All students begin the semester with 400 points. Students lose points by either not completing one
of these assignments (-15 points), or by turning in incomplete or unsatisfactory assignments (-5
through -10 points). If you miss an assignment due to an “excused absence” (see below), you can
make up the points by submitting a 2-paragraph response to that day’s reading(s), via email, within
one week.

Grading Scale:

A= 100-94 / A- = 93-90
B+ = 89-87 / B = 86-84 / B- = 83-80
C+ = 79-77 / C = 76-74 / C- = 73-70
D = 69-60 / F = 59 and below

Attendance and Participation Policy:

What is expected?
Attendance is critical to your success in this course. As such, students are expected to (1) attend
each class session; (2) arrive punctually; (3) bring assigned reading materials.
 4

What happens if I miss class without an excuse?

If you are not in class, your absence will be considered “unexcused” unless you have provided
evidence that it should be excused. Unexcused absences #1–2 carry no penalty. Unexcused absences
#3–5 each cause a 25 point deduction from your grade for the entire course. More than 5 unexcused
absences will merit a failing grade.

Are there exceptions?

There is no penalty for an “excused” absence. In accord with university policy, participation in
varsity sports events, bereavement (formally instigated through student request to the Dean of
Students), and military service automatically provide for excused absences. In the case of an
excused absence, you must: (1) inform me in advance that you will not be in class, and (2) submit
two-paragraph response to that day’s readings via email within one week. Note: I regularly excuse
absences for such things as serious illness and sudden transportation trouble, but the student must
communicate with me about these things before class.

What about tardiness?

Students who arrive late to class will be penalized 5 points per instance. This adds up—so please be
punctual! In all issues of attendance, communication is key. If you rely on someone else for a ride,
have a long walk from a previous class, or some other circumstance that may cause you to be late,
inform me and I will not count you as tardy. Punctuality is an essential expression of courtesy to our
learning community, and we cover important announcements/review at the start of each class.

What about chronic illness?

Chronic illness, whether physical or mental, besets some students. This section of THEO 1000
relies on attendance and cannot profitably be taken with frequent absences. If you know beforehand
that your chronic illness could cause you to miss more than six classes in the semester, please speak
with me about finding another section of this course to take (possibly online). While I do not require
doctor’s notes for individual sicknesses, if a student repeatedly misses class due to sickness I will
contact their academic advisor to inquire into the legitimacy of repeated absences.

Papers (Detailed):

As mentioned above, students will turn in two papers during this course. These papers are:

1. Worldview / Religious Background. 100 points (10% of your total grade).

Due by the beginning of class on Sept 20.

2. Religious Tradition. 100 points (10% of your total grade).

Due by the beginning of class on Nov 08.

• Detailed breakdowns and prompts for these papers are available on Blackboard.
• Papers must be printed.
• Papers may be submitted before their due dates—feel free to work at your own pace.
• Late papers may be submitted up to one week after the due date for a one letter-grade penalty.
After this one-week period, late papers will be penalized -5% for each additional day late.
• I strongly encourage students to make use of the English Language Center in Beracha Hall. They
can assist you in your writing tremendously (particularly with grammar and flow / structure).
 5

Extra Credit Opportunities:

• Extra credit opportunities will be sent via email (2–3 per month, varying point values).
• On the mid-term and the final exam, 2–4 extra credit questions will appear.

Note on Electronics in the Classroom:

Phones must not be used in class. I allow laptops, but strongly encourage note-taking on paper—this
method has been shown to help students retain more information. If students begin to use laptops
for purposes other than coursework and note-taking, I reserve the right to reverse this policy.

Disability Accommodations:
Many of us have disabilities, both visible and invisible. If you have a documented disability and
need additional accommodations, please meet with me and we will work together. In addition,
please contact SLU’s Disability Services Office.

Academic Integrity:
Please familiarize yourself with the university’s academic integrity policy. Plagiarized work will not
be accepted. If you are uncertain, always err on the side of caution and cite your sources.

Student Success Center:

In recognition that people learn in a variety of ways and that learning is influenced by multiple
factors (e.g., prior experience, study skills, learning disability), resources to support student success
are available on campus. The Student Success Center, a one-stop shop, which assists students with
academic and career related services, is located in the Busch Student Center (Suite, 331) and the
School of Nursing (Suite, 114).
Harassment, Bias, and Equality:

Saint Louis University and its faculty are committed to supporting our students and seeking an
environment that is free of bias, discrimination, and harassment. If you speak with a faculty member
about an incident of misconduct, that faculty member must notify SLU’s Title IX coordinator, Anna
R. Kratky (DuBourg Hall, Room 36; akratky@slu.edu; 314-977-3886). The Title IX coordinator
will then be available to assist you in understanding all of your options and in connecting you with
all possible resources on and off campus. If you wish to speak with a confidential source, you may
contact the counselors at the University Counseling Center at 314-977-TALK.

SLU Mission Statement:

The Mission of Saint Louis University is the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the
service of humanity. The University seeks excellence in the fulfillment of its corporate purposes of
teaching, research, health care and service to the community. It is dedicated to leadership in the
continuing quest for understanding of God’s creation and for the discovery, dissemination and
integration of the values, knowledge and skills required to transform society in the spirit of the
Gospels. As a Catholic, Jesuit university, this pursuit is motivated by the inspiration and values of
the Judeo-Christian tradition and is guided by the spiritual and intellectual ideals of the Society of
Jesus.
 6

Appendix:

For atheists/agnostics … This course is not an attempt to proselytize belief. You will never be
penalized for disagreement. Our time studying Christianity should facilitate an examined life; it will
assist you in thinking critically and articulating the reasons behind your beliefs. You are welcome
here.

For those with religious background other than Christianity … I want to learn from you. Please do
not hesitate to share your own tradition’s beliefs with the class—we would all do well to listen to
those who bring the richness of a cultural heritage other than Christianity to the table. You are
welcome here.

For those with Christian (but not Catholic) background … I will be teaching this class from a
Catholic perspective, but not as an “emissary” of the Catholic Church. It would benefit us all if you
challenge or question Catholic teachings—in order to add nuance and charitable critique to the
dialog. You are welcome here.

For those with Catholic background … I will do my best to deepen and enrich your faith. But I will
also challenge you and will not show you any deference. Particularly if you were raised Catholic,
you may find that this course will unsettle some of your closest-held convictions. Let us proceed
with the saints, in faith seeking understanding (fides quarens intellectum). You are welcome here.

For those who identify as spiritual, but not religious … I am grateful for your presence. This class
will ask you to take faith traditions seriously, and I hope that you will open yourself to the
experience. You are welcome here.

For those who are still deciding … The world is complex, and it is wise to withhold judgment. We
are all sojourners—but we do not travel alone. You are welcome here.

Discussion Tips:
Participating in discussion does not necessarily mean talking a lot or showing everyone that you
know a great deal of information! Good discussion, rather, involves people trying to build on and
synthesize comments from others. It also involves inviting others to say more about what they are
thinking. Here some specific examples of good participation in discussion:
• Ask a question or make a comment that shows you are interested in what another person
says, or encourage that person to elaborate on what they have already said
• Bring in a resource (a reading, web link, video) not covered in the syllabus but adding new
information/perspectives to our learning
• Make a comment that underscores the link between two people's contributions
• Make a comment indicating that you found another person's ideas interesting or useful. Be
specific as to why this was the case
• Contribute something that builds on, or springs from, what someone else has said. Be
explicit about the way you are building on the other person's thoughts
 7

Reading Biblical References:

A colon ( : ) always separates a chapter number from a verse number. The chapter number is always
to the left of the colon; the verse number is always to the right of the colon.
“Genesis 3:1-15” means you should read the Book of Genesis, Chapter 3, verses 1 through 15

Anything on this syllabus can change at the professor’s discretion in order to accommodate
professor and/or student needs. Any changes will be communicated via a revised syllabus posted to
Blackboard and will be announced immediately to the class.