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Small group
discussion guide
Discussion groups
might wish to prepare their own topics, request topics from the group, use the
following suggested topics, or mix and match all three.
Suggested topics:
1. Please share your thoughts on the “hermeneutical circle” or the
relationship between theology and Scripture.
2. The historical/critical approach to Scripture was described as useful but
inadequate. Why?
3. In what ways do you think the Enlightenment has influenced Christianity?
4. What is your personal view of the ecumenical movement?
5. It was asserted that in every field everyone
brings their presuppositions. Your thoughts?
6. A community with ultimate beliefs was emphasized. Why do you think this
is important?
7. Dr. Colyer said we need a perspective to be able to rightly see reality.
Please comment on this.
8. How did the Magic Eye analogy of the Bible (integration of form and
knowing) impact you?
A few simple
guidelines for leading a discussion: 1) Encourage open discussion. 2) Ask
questions relevant to the topic. 3) Listen attentively. 4) Encourage divergent
views. 5) Encourage everyone to participate. 6) Summarize and paraphrase. 7)
Minimize teaching and preaching.
Program Transcript (click to view):
Introduction: Grace Communion International presents You’re Included, the good news of Jesus
Christ. Our host is Dr. Michael Morrison. You’re
Included is a unique interview series devoted to practical implications of
a Christ-centered Trinitarian Theology. Today’s guest is Reverend Dr. Elmer
Colyer. Dr. Colyer is Professor of
Historical Theology at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and an ordained
United Methodist pastor and elder. Dr.
Five years ago Jesus called me, and the two churches I
serve, to a profound awakening in our understanding of the gospel. This article
is a brief description of what we have learned so far in that journey.
The triune God created humanity to participate through the Holy Spirit in the incarnate Son’s communion with the Father.
Ted
Johnston examines how a Trinitarian perspective to theology impacts the way we
carry out ministry. Ted is Ministry Developer for Grace Communion
International.
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Click here for more imformation about GCI Ministry Development.
Program Transcript (click to view):
J. Michael Feazell: How has Trinitarian theology made
a difference in how we do ministry?
Let’s address several common questions and objections to
Trinitarian theology.
Q Are you saying there is no difference between a Christian and a
non-Christian?
A No. We are saying that because of who Jesus is and what he has
done, all humans—believers and non-believers—are united to God in and
through Jesus. As a result, all people are reconciled to God; all have
been adopted as his dearly loved children. All, in and through Jesus,
are included in the Triune love and life of God: Father, Son and Spirit.
Lectures given by Thomas F. Torrance in 1981 at Fuller Theological Seminary; posted here with permission from Fuller Theological Seminary and the Torrance estate. All of the files below are for downloading - we hope to add a "play online" function later. Some browswers work differently than others - you may need to right-click, and choose "save file as..." Save it on your computer and remember which folder it is in. We have indicated the length of each audio file.
Foundations of Theology for Grace Communion International
Theology is what all Christian believers do — we involve ourselves in “God knowledge” or “God study,” seeking to know God as fully as we can. Theology is the study of God.
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.
Program Transcript (click to view):
By Joseph Tkach, Mike Feazell, Dan Rogers, and Michael Morrison
Transcript of the video presentation
Joseph Tkach: Acts 17:11 tells us that the Bereans “…examined the Scriptures every day” to see if what Paul said about Jesus was true. The Bereans were engaged in theology — studying to know God.
"Don’t talk to me about theology. Just teach me the
Bible."
To the average Christian, theology might sound like
something
hopelessly complicated, frustratingly confusing and thoroughly
irrelevant.
Anybody can read the Bible. So why do we need head-in-the-clouds
theologians
with their long sentences and fancy terms?
Theology, simply stated, is "God
knowledge." Our personal understanding of theology consists of whatever we
believe to be true about God.
In one way or another, we all have
a theology. And certainly every church and denomination has a theology. It’s the
framework that undergirds and informs their doctrines and practices.
Perhaps you
know of someone who might like to watch this program. If so, go to the bottom of
the page and click on "Email this page." Fill out the short form, and share the
good news! There's also a way to share the page on Facebook, Twitter,
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If you'd like to support this ministry, click here.
In his second interview, Dr.
Colyer talks about the theology of Thomas Torrance, the vicarious
humanity
of Christ, and "the logic of grace."
In his third interview, Dr. Colyer discusses
predestination and Trinitarian theology.
Some people assume that God is the best of our own ideals; others
accept him
the way he has revealed himself in Christ.
In his fourth interview, Dr. Colyer
talks with Mike Feazell about the practical theology of Thomas F.
Torrance.
Program Transcript (click to view):
JMF: Thanks
for joining us on another edition of
You’re Included – the unique interview series devoted to practical
implications of a Christ-centered Trinitarian theology in today’s
complex world.
Our guest today is Elmer Colyer, Professor of Historical Theology and
Stanley
Professor of Wesley Studies at the University of Dubuque Theological
Seminary
and an ordained United Methodist Pastor and elder. Dr.
"Don’t talk to me about theology. Just teach me the
Bible."
