Know What You Believe

KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE:

UNDERSTANDING THE ESSENTIALS OF CHRISTIANITY
AND HOW THEY SHAPE OUR WORLDVIEW (EC 106)

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

During this six-week online course you will learn the essentials of Christianity and the practical
implications theology has on decisions you make every day.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES

As a result of this class, you should:

1. Learn the fundamental doctrines of Christianity.
2. Grow in your understanding of Jesus as the centerpiece of all theology.
3. Integrate your knowledge of biblical doctrines with the practice of your life.
4. Deepen your love for God as you grow in the knowledge of him.

III. TEXTBOOK

(Suggested, but not required)

Little, Paul, E. Know What You Believe. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003.

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

It is fair to expect 2–3 hours of work for each week of the class. This time will vary if you choose to read the
suggested book Know What You Believe and complete other optional resources in addition to the required
coursework. This time will include the following activities:

A. Reading Assignments
Each week you should read the required reading. You are NOT required to read the optional
reading, but it is highly encouraged and will maximize your learning during each class session.
If you choose to read Know What You Believe, it is suggested that you read the selected chapters
prior to listening to the audio for each week. An additional recommended reading list is found
at the end of this syllabus.

B. Audio and PowerPoints

Each week you should listen to two parts of the audio recorded from the previous live Know
What You Believe classes. It is suggested that you print out the PowerPoint slides in order to
take notes as you listen along.

C. Discussion Questions
You should answer each discussion question and respond to at least one other student’s
answer by the following week of class.

D. Quizzes and Final Exam

The quizzes are for your benefit only, and the questions are taken from the PowerPoint slides
in addition to the required class readings. The final exam is comprehensive and is an
opportunity to see how much you learned during this class.
V. COURSE POLICIES

You are expected to complete the work for each week by the beginning of the next week’s class. For example,
a class can open at 12:00 am on Thursday, and run until 11:59 pm the following Wednesday. And the next
week’s content will open that next Thursday at 12:00 am, etc.

VI. COURSE SCHEDULE

DATE TOPIC ASSIGNMENTS

1. Introduction Read: Syllabus

Week 1: Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Ch. 1

Week 1 Introduction to Listen: Introduction to Theology, Where Do I Begin?
Theology Read: “What Do Christians Believe?”
Optional Podcast: “The Essential and Non-Essential Doctrines
of Christianity” with Dr. Justin Bass
Due: Quiz #1

2. Week 2: Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Chs. 2, 3, 6

Trinitarianism Listen: Definition of the Trinity, Distortions of and Delight in
Week 2 the Trinity
Optional Podcast: “The Trinity” with Dr. Scott Horrell
Due: Discussion Question #1

3. Week 3: Man and Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Ch. 5
Sin Listen: Man – Parts 1 and 2, Doctrine of Sin
Week 3 Watch: “Image of God”
Due: Quiz #2

4. Week 4: Salvation Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Chs. 4, 7

Listen: Parts 1 and 2
Week 4 Due: Discussion Question #2

5. Week 5: The Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Ch. 8, 9

Church Listen: The Church and Family History, Family Traits and
Family Fakes
Week 5 Optional Podcast: “What Is the Church and Why Church
Membership?” with Rob Barry
Due: Quiz #3

6. Week 6: The End Optional Reading: Know What You Believe, Ch. 10
Listen: Parts 1 and 2
Week 6 Due: Discussion Question #3

Conclusion Due: Final Exam; Final Discussion Question

Week 7&8
ALL WORK
DUE
 RECOMMENDED READING

BEGINNER

Stanley J. Grenz and Roger E. Olson, Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God

Stanley J. Grenz, David Gurentzki, and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of
Theological Terms

Wayne and Elliot Grudem, Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know

Paul Little, Know What You Believe

N. T. Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense

INTERMEDIATE

Wayne Grudem, Bible Doctrine: Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith

Alister McGrath, Theology: The Basics

Charles Ryrie, A Survey of Bible Doctrine

ADVANCED

Stanley J. Grenz, Theology for the Community of God

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

Alister E. McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction

Roger Olson, The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity & Diversity