Reformed Doctrine

Mr. Schmidtberger
Fall 2010

Objective
• To articulate the Christian faith
• To know what you believe and why you believe it
• To understand the basics of the Reformed Faith

Teaching Method
1. Traditional Lecture
2. Discussion - see explanation below
3. Readings following our textbooks:
- Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know by Wayne and
Elliot Grudem (Zondervan, 2005)
- Godology: Because Knowing God Changes Everything by Christian George
(Moody, 2009)
- the Westminster Confession and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms
4. Practicum - field trips and critical thinking

Assessment
• Quizzes - You will have 15 quizzes throughout the semester. Each is 10 points, for a
semester total of 150. These will be at the end of every week.
• Tests - 4 total spread throughout the semester. Each test will be 100 points. See the
outline for tentative dates
• Participation - This is a subjective grade determined by your teacher. Each week is
worth 25 points for a semester total of 500 points. This is the majority of your grade.
Participation is determined by:
➡ Discussion - I understand as a whole this class is weak at discussing concepts. If
you do not contribute daily to discussion, you will not get full credit. Your
comments in class can be original, or personal insights from your engaged, careful
reading assignments.
➡ Preparedness and Punctuality - You must come to class on time and prepared, with
your textbook and other homework assignments, notebook and writing utensil.
Unless given specific permission from myself, students are not allowed to bring
their laptop to class.
➡ Attentiveness - Clearly demonstrated by note-taking. Frequently I will give
handouts, outlines, and teach using the blackboard and powerpoint. These are
teaching aids; students must focus on what I am saying, not necessarily what I am
writing. Look for the point of emphasis.
➡ Demeanor - Do not distract your classmates, instead encourage them to pay
attention and contribute to class discussion. Eating is not allowed in class, nor is
chewing gum or using cell phones without permission. If used, they will be
confiscated and turned into the office where your parents/guardians must come
pick them up.
 ➡ Absent - If a student is excused from school or class, he/she has the opportunity
gain participation points by scripture and catechism memorization. If a student is
unexcused, they will receive 0 points for the day.
• Homework - Quizzes will include questions from your homework assignments. This
includes all of the Christian Beliefs, Godology, and other assigned readings. Again note
the outline for specifics. Major concepts from the readings reinforce lecture material,
thus they are recommended for studying purposes. Take notes on your homework to
aid your studying.

Contact Information:
Email: rschmidtberger@trinitychristian.net
Work: 412-242-8886
Outline:
1. Doctrine and the different Styles of Theology
2. Revelation and the Bible
a. Emlet’s Crosstalk
b. George ch. 1
c. Grudem ch. 1
d. WCF 1
3. What is God Like: the Attributes of God
a. Grudem ch. 2
b. George ch. 2
c. WCF 2
4. What is the Trinity: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit
a. Special focus on the Holy Spirit (lecture notes)
b. Grudem ch. 3
c. George ch. 3
d. WCF 3
5. What is Creation
a. Grudem ch. 4
b. George ch. 4
c. WCF 4
6. What is Prayer
a. Grudem ch. 5
b. George ch. 5
7. The Spiritual Realm: What are Angels, Demons, and Satan (Demonlogy and
Angelography)
a. Grudem ch. 6
b. George ch. 6
8. The Physical Realm: What is Man (Anthropology)
a. Grudem ch. 7
b. George ch. 7
c. WCF 6
9. What is Sin: Hamartology
a. Grudem ch. 8
b. George ch. 8
10.Christology 101: Incarnation
a. Grudem ch. 9
b. George ch. 9
c. WCF 8
11.Christology 201A: Atonement
a. Grudem ch. 10
b. George ch. 10
c. WCF 9
12.Christology 201B: Exaltation
a. Grudem ch. 11
b. George ch. 11
13.Introduction to Soteriology: What is Election
 a. Grudem ch. 12
b. George, Epilogue
c. WCF 5, 9-10
14.Belief: What does it mean to become a Christian?
a. Grudem ch. 13
b. Book Review of Godology due
15.Soteriology Continued: Justification and Adoption
a. Grudem ch. 14
b. WCF 11-12
16.Christian Growth: Sanctification and Perseverance
a. Grudem ch. 15
b. WCF 13-18
17.What is Death?
a. Grudem ch. 16
18.Ecclesiology: Worship, Mission, Nurture
a. Grudem ch. 17
b. WCF 21, 25-29
19.The Kingdom Realized: Christ’s return
a. Grudem ch. 18
20.What is the Final Judgment
a. Grudem ch. 19
b. WCF 33
21.What is Heaven
a. Grudem ch. 20
b. WCF 32