Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/inform/revival2/synopsis.txt

Text File | 1993-09-30 | 21KB | 547 lines

                     FELLOWSHIP FOR REVIVAL ACADEMY.




                     Guided Private Study Programmes.

                         Correspondence Courses.




                           SYNOPSIS OF COURSES.




                              Old Testament.

                              New Testament.

                   Theology (Biblical and Systematic).

                         The History of Theology.

                        The Mature Christian Life.

                                Revivals.

                     Christian World-View Philosophy.

                          Christian Literature.




Copyright (c) 1991,93 by the Fellowship For Revival.  All Rights Reserved.



OLD TESTAMENT.


The Old Testament course is conducted in English, and does not require the
learning or study of Hebrew, or of other ancient languages.


First Level.

This course begins with a basic study of all the Old Testament books,
called the first level of the course.  This first part can be done by
someone who has little knowledge of the Old Testament.

This part of the course can provide a broad introduction to the Old
Testament.

The Old Testament is studied in a normal academic manner, but
the degree of difficulty is not great.  Some work is also included which
has a more devotional emphasis, and there is work on Old Testament themes
related to preaching.

Apart from the Bible itself, a single-volume commentary, and a substantial
Bible dictionary are needed, as well as several other smaller books.


Second Level.

The second level of the Old Testament course is in two parts.

The first part in the second level requires a more advanced study of the
content of the books of the Old Testament, as well as much more extensive
biographical and theological studies.  Extensive studies are also made of
sermons on Old Testament texts and themes by various preachers.

The second part in the second level requires an extensive study of many
different commentaries on the major books of the Old Testament, including
a good knowledge of critical questions.  The purpose is to see WHY the
various commentators have taken different stances toward their subject
material.  It asks what world-views and assumptions underlie these various
stances; what evidence there may be to support these views, and in what
ways they might be verified;  and it seeks to judge the value and validity
of these various stances.  In other words, it seeks to establish an
understanding of the Old Testament as the Word of God, with authority in
relation to our lives, and to the world.

The whole course represents a substantial educational experience in Old
Testament studies.



NEW TESTAMENT.


The New Testament course is modeled on the Old Testament course, described
above.

Each of the parts of the New Testament course can be described in the same
way as the parts of the Old Testament course have been described.


First Level.

The first level begins in a way that requires very little previous
knowledge of the New Testament, and makes a survey of all the New
Testament books.


Second Level.

The second level is divided into two parts.  The first of these makes a
deeper study of the books of the New Testament, along with its theological
themes, some character studies and devotional writings, and some sermons
based on texts from the New Testament.

The final part seeks to study critical, literary and philosophical issues
relating to how we are to understand the New Testament.  It involves the
study of many commentaries which have varying viewpoints, world-views and
assumptions underlying them.
The student is expected, not only to discover what has been said, taught
and written on these various issues,  and why the differences exist, but
also to consider what evidence there might be to support any of these
viewpoints,  and what value and justification they might have.

This course, also, provides not only a simple introduction to the subject,
but also develops into a widespread educational experience in New
Testament studies generally.



THEOLOGY.  (Biblical and Systematic.)


The main purpose of this course is to enable the student to develop his or
her own theological thinking, building upon the shoulders of those who
have gone before, and covering the whole range of subjects which are
matters of theological concern.


First Level.

The first level of this course is in two parts.

The first of these parts begins with a survey of the Bible, and this is
followed by the study of a basic theological text.

Neither of these sections require much previous experience in this subject
matter.  Those who have already done some formal studies in theology, or
in the Bible, may be able to gain an exemption from doing this part of the
course.

The second part of the first level embodies a deeper look at several
important historical figures, and studies their thought in terms of a
system of theology, and in terms of their attempt to be biblical.  No
exemptions will be allowed in this part, but the course will be made to
fit anyone who has done previous studies in theology.


Second Level.

The second level of the theology course also contains two parts.

The first of these looks at fundamental philosophical questions which
underlie all theological thinking.  It raises such matters as the world-
view of the theologian; human finiteness and its repercussions; the
question of what evidence might be given in support of theological
opinions; faith and reason; principles of biblical interpretation, etc.

The second part of the second level of this theology course embarks upon a
wide reading of the whole range of thought of a number of major
theologians, and of several periods in the history of theology, in order
to discover what was thought and why.

This is, in turn, used as a quarry, or as a tool, to help the student
develop his or her own thoughts upon the whole area of theology, and to
test the student's reasons for holding these views.



THE HISTORY OF THEOLOGY.


As with the other courses, this history of theology course begins at a
very basic standard, which can be done by someone who has little or no
previous experience at formal theological studies.


First Level.

Therefore, the first level has two parts to it.  The first part is very
elementary and simple.  It requires both (a.) an introduction to theology,
and (b.)  an introduction to the history of christian thought, and the
life of the church.

Also included is a brief study of the systematic nature of theological
thinking.  Theologians do not always write their work in the form of a
system of thought, or in any systematic form.  But it is often a good idea
to try to understand what any theologian has written as a system of
thought, with the logical development of its ideas.

The second part of the first level involves the more intensive study of
certain set theological texts by great theologians of the past.

If students are doing this course as a formal correspondence course, and
they have a reasonable previous experience in the study of theology, they
may be granted an exemption from doing the first part of the first level.

However, nobody will be exempted from part two.  If the student has
already studied some of the books which are normally set for this part of
the course,  then the tutor will set other books which the student has not
yet studied.


Second Level.

The second level in the History of Theology course is also divided into
two parts.

1.  In the first part, the works of a number of great theologians down
    through the ages will be studied in some detail.  The context of their
    work will be studied, as well as the development of their thought
    throughout their lives.  This section involves solid study of a
    considerable range of theological subjects in their proper historical
    character.


2.  The second part involves the study of various trends and changes in
    the history of theological thought.  Special attention will therefore
    be given to the various factors which caused or helped to promote
    these changes.  Similarly, special attention will be given to
    significant results which flowed from these changes.  As a result,
    these theological trends and changes will need to be studied in the
    full context of their historical situation in all its complexity.


Note

This course seeks to pay unbiased attention to any and all theologians,
according to their contribution to the church through the ages.

An extra dimension is added, however, because special attention is given
to theological figures within the history of revivals.  This arises from
the special interest that the Fellowship For Revival has in this area of
research.  It is not intended to imply that revival history is any more
important than an unbiased research would reveal.  And, it is a good
service to the church to make a special study of this area, in order to
establish the proper worth of thinkers in the field of revival history,
because it is an area that has often been neglected in theological
studies, as well as in secular studies.



THE MATURE CHRISTIAN LIFE.


This course covers THREE substantial and important areas:

1.  The theology and practice of the christian life.
2.  The christian spiritual classics.
3.  Christian biographies.


First Level.

The first level of the course is divided into two parts.  The first of
these parts is simple and basic, and introduces the three areas lists
above.

The second part of first level goes into these three areas somewhat more
deeply.


Second Level.

The second level of this course is divided into three major sections,
corresponding to the three areas.  Each section involves very extensive
reading, study, considerations of the practice of christian living, and
related matters, which arise in each of those three areas of study.

1.  The theology and practice of the christian life covers a number of
    topics.  These include such doctrines as preparation for conversion,
    conversion and regeneration, the work of the Spirit, assurance of
    salvation, fellowship with God, conflict with sin, Bible study and
    prayer, church, ministry and sacraments, and other matters related to
    christian maturity.

    However, we are not only concerned with the theory of these things,
    but their practice, also.  This will be considered at length, and be
    an important factor.

2.  A study of the christian spiritual classics involves digging deeply
    into the great spiritual writings of the church down through the ages.
    Generally, the writings used in the earlier parts of the course are
    the better known protestant writings in this field, such as Bunyan,
    Baxter and Andrew Murray.  But, later in the course, writings are
    studied from many of the different christian traditions, ranging from
    Pentecostal and charismatic writers to Roman Catholic, Orthodox and
    early church writers.

    Again, we are concerned not only to study the experiences of others,
    but the practice, as well.  We are concerned to allow God to do His
    own work in our lives in His own way.  The experiences of others can
    help us in this regard.

3.  Biographical studies of christians can also be a great mine from which
    we can quarry great wealth in our desire to grow in God.

    Again, the earlier works studied here are generally the lives of
    better known christians in the protestant churches.  But later in the
    course, biographies are studied from many other christian traditions.



REVIVALS.


First Level.

The first level of this course seeks to introduce the student to the
nature of revival movements, their history in the Bible, and in more
modern times.

There is also a study of the nature of prayer, which is then applied to
praying for revival.


Second Level.

The second level of the course on revivals is divided into SIX parts,
which seek to develop a much more substantial grasp of the whole subject,
and of its many parts, in the mind of the student.

The studies seek to develop the student's own abilities to study further,
for himself, on any aspect of the subject.

These six parts are:

 o  Prayer for Revival.

 o  The History of Revivals.

 o  Revivals and the Transformation of Society.

 o  Literature and Historiography of Revivals.

 o  Revivals and Theology.

 o  Revivals and Psychology.


As with all of the other courses, each of these parts may be studied
separately, but the entire course represents a substantial educational
experience in studying this subject.

However, it is essential that such a subject should also have a practical
intention.  One of the aims of the course is to encourage everybody to
prepare for, to pray for, and to experience heaven-sent revival where they
are.  Other long-range goals of revivals are also studied, and should be
aimed at, in obedience to God, in our christian experience.



CHRISTIAN WORLD-VIEW PHILOSOPHY.


First Level.

The first level of this course seeks to make a brief and simple
introduction to several basic areas of philosophy which relate directly to
the task of developing a coherent world-view.

The study of the theory of knowledge (epistemology.) is developed further.
And this is followed by a simple introduction to the philosophy of
science, of history, and of religion.

The philosophy of religion covered in this section is a particular
approach to the subject, based in evangelical experience.  This approach
is a key part of the christian world-view philosophy developed throughout
the course.  This approach to the philosophy of religion is not generally
the same as the academic approach taught in most seminaries, although all
of the approaches are available to be studied at some point during the
course.

The last part of the first level deals in an introductory way with the
philosophy of civilization.


Second Level.

The second level of this philosophy course represents a major undertaking
for any student.  But, again, parts may be done without doing the whole -
although this will make it more difficult to obtain a balanced perspective
on the whole subject.

There are FIVE areas of study in the second level.

The first area is primarily about the philosophies of the branches of
knowledge, although it is prefaced with a study of human nature which
relies largely upon studying the work of Reinhold Niebuhr.

The study of the philosophies of the branches of knowledge is intended to
show that similar patterns of thinking exist in the ways we acquire
knowledge in various disciplines.

Questions like the following are addressed:  What standards are used in
each discipline?  What is considered to be sufficient to verify a theory,
model or claim to know something in each of the disciplines?  What degrees
of certainty are possible?  How much speculation takes place which is
commonly thought to be proper knowledge?  This study is intended to set a
frame of reference for the study of faith and reason which follows in the
next part of the course.

The second area, on "Faith and Reason", seeks to show that an evangelical
christian can know that the christian God exists, and that the New
Testament is a reliable guide to God's will and Word.  This can be known
to be true as soundly as any normal human knowledge is possible.

This section concludes with an outline of the topics which develop
logically as a person builds a world-view.

The third area, on "Christian Ethics", assumes that the arguments
presented in the earlier sections have been successful in their general
purposes.

As a result, the understanding of ethics which is possible builds upon an
authoritative understanding of the New Testament as God's word to man.

In the fourth area, this view of ethics is then applied to certain areas
of life, as examples which show how it will apply to every area of life.

In the final section, the gospel preached and lived in the power of the
Spirit of God is seen as God's basic way of transforming society into one
showing greater likeness to God's will, and a greater degree of godliness.

This is linked to the study of revival movements as a transformer of
society which has been presented in the Academy's course on revivals.


So, the five areas dealt with in the second level are:-

1.  Philosophies of the Branches of Knowledge.

2.  Faith and Reason.

3.  Christian Ethics.

4.  The Application of this Ethics to Every Area of Life.

5.  The Transformation of Society.


In its entirety,  this philosophy course is a major undertaking.  To
complete the course represents an education in a most valuable and
important area of thinking, and of life.

The course sets out a subject which is of great importance.  The
development of thought with respect to christian world-views has a
fundamental importance to our understanding of life, and of the world,
which is a key factor in the growth of civilization in general, and of our
society in particular.

The value of these concerns is often not realized, understood or
appreciated by many christians.

Indeed, the whole subject of the philosophy of life, and the impact that
these philosophies have upon the world, whether they are christian or not,
is a subject of enormous importance for us all.



CHRISTIAN LITERATURE.


The general purpose of this course is to help a student realize the
limitations of his or her present knowledge and reading, and to set before
the student new areas of reading and knowledge to expand his or her mind.
It has a particular application to christian literature, but has also a
more general application.


First Level.

The first level in this subject contains FIVE units.

The first three units introduce the student to the history of books, the
history of libraries and of basic library science, and the nature and
place of special libraries.

In the fourth unit, an analysis is made of the full range of subject
material covered by christian literature.  This is followed by the student
making an analysis of his or her past reading experience, and especially
of the books which are personally owned at present.

The final unit is a reading programme which is then prescribed by the
tutor.  This is aimed at introducing the student to a number of other
areas of christian literature which have not been experienced before.


Second Level.

The second level contains FIVE more units, plus an optional extra unit.

The first of these units makes another analysis of the student's previous
reading experience, but, this time relating to the entire range of
literature in English.

The second unit is optional, and contains a brief introduction to
christian theology, for those who have no previous experience of formal
studies in theology.

This leads, in the third unit, to another reading programme being
prescribed by the tutor which is aimed at introducing the student to
valuable areas of reading and knowledge which have not been experienced
before.  This may involve any subject.

The fourth unit of the course deals with the business of library surveys,
as an exercise using the student's newly acquired breadth of reading.  The
student is required to make evaluations of the book collections in several
libraries of different types, including a theological library.  This is
meant simply as an exercise for the student, and is not intended as a
judgment on any library or librarian.

In the fifth unit, bibliographies, relating to christian literature
especially (but not restricted to this), are studied in some detail, and
the student is required to build a small bibliography on an agreed
subject.

The final unit involves a study of books currently in print.



POST-GRADUATE OPTIONS.

In all of the above subjects, the Fellowship For Revival Academy will help
to promote opportunities for studies at a higher level than is required by
any of the courses described in this synopsis.

Enquiries about these possibilities, from any suitably qualified person,
are welcome.