Christian Doctrine I

Christian Doctrine I is the first half of an in-depth, two-semester course in Dogmatics. What is Dogmatics? Dogmatics may be explained in two ways: condensed and expansive. In the most condensed sense, Dogmatics is the sum total of Christian doctrines (2Ti 1.13; Titus 1.9). More expansively, Dogmatics is an ability and readiness to teach, give proof of the doctrines of Scripture, defend them against error, suffer for them, and confine oneself to and be content with Scripture alone as the divine authority. The only source of Dogmatics is Scripture because Scripture is the only Word of God the Church has.

Students will study Scripture, the Book of Concord, and some Church history. The manifold purpose for this is as follows: 

1. To learn the Biblical doctrines which (having been handed down from Christ through His apostles) the whole Christian Church on earth believes, teaches, and confesses; 

2. To preserve and disseminate the pure teaching of the faith for which many have been persecuted and have died confessing;  

3. To edify and strengthen the Church so that she knows Whose she is and what Christ has done for her; and,  

4. To implant in believers the simplicity and purity of doctrines as found in Scripture. 

Since Baptism was and remains the powerful reason that the Church—from the beginning—put Christian doctrine into writing and individuals confessed it, the course will view all the through the lens of Baptism and its impact on the Christian life.