OHIO VALLEY UNIVERSITY
BIB 346.01 Doctrinal Issues (3 credit hours)

At Ohio Valley University, we seek to transform lives in a Christ-centered academic community
that integrates higher learning, biblical faith, and service to God and humanity.

Class days/times:  MWF 10:00-10:50 a.m.
Location: East Bible Annex, Room #07
Instructor: Bruce Terry
Office: East Bible Annex, Room #201
Phone: (304) 865-6120 (office); (304) 295-6486 (home)
E-mail: bruce.terry@ovu.edu; Web site: http://bterry.com
Office hours:
M  2:15-3:15pm; 4:15-5:15pm
T  9:30-11:00am; 2:40-4:10pm
W 2:15-3:15pm; 4:15-5:15pm
Th 9:30-11:00am; 2:40-4:10pm
F  by appointment

I. Textbooks:

Required:

Recommended:

II. Course Description:

BIB 346  Doctrinal Issues (3 credits) An examination of the theology and systems of doctrine found in modern denominations in comparison to Biblical teaching. A doctrinal and historical studies course. Offered fall, even-numbered years.

This course will focus on biblical teaching and departures from those teachings throughout the course of history in the Christian Age. A minor theme will be the association of specific doctrines with specific denominations. An emphasis will be placed on persuading those who hold non-biblical doctrines of the truth of the biblical teaching.

III. Rationale:

This course addresses the following objectives of the School of Biblical Studies:

Faith and Learning Objectives

Course Objectives For Every Student

Course Objectives For Majors

Career Objectives

IV. Integrating Faith and Learning:

Romans 10:17 says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (ESV).  Consequently, this class will use biblical texts and references to texts to help the student grow in faith.  But simply hearing is not enough.  Jesus told those who believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32 ESV).  So it is necessary to keep doing what we learn.  In light of this, this course will also contain references to application of principles learned.  One of the objectives is a faith objective.  It will not be assessed for a grade, but life is such that it will be assessed, one way or another.  My prayer is that you will pass that test of life.

V. Course Objectives and National Standards:

  1. To acquaint the student with the biblical teachings of the early church as found primarily in the New Testament.
  2. To develop an understanding of how and why departures from these teachings occurred in the course of history.
  3. To encourage the development of persuasive skills that will enable the student to teach and write about these doctrines in a positive manner.
  4. To help the student realize the importance of following Jesus, thus providing a faith building experience for the student. 

There are no national standards for undergraduate study of the Bible.  At OVU, we emphasize the biblical text and its application in our lives.

VI. School of Biblical Studies Mission Statement:

At the School of Biblical Studies, we seek to transform lives in a Christ-centered academic community by encouraging biblical faith to produce life-long truth-seekers who serve God in His kingdom throughout the world.

VII. Course Requirements and Evaluation:

Assessment of whether the objectives have been met will be based on the student's performance on homework and tests assigned by the teacher and on the student's ability to do relevant research on his or her own in papers described below. Academic abilities assessed include reading with understanding skills as evidenced by a book introduction, homework, and classroom discussion; writing skills as evidenced by five typed papers; literary research and persuasion skills as evidence by a persuasive paper; and memory organization and retention as evidenced by major exams. Class participation will be measured by such activities as active listening, taking notes, asking questions, engaging in class discussion, and participating in group projects in class. Non-participation will be indicated by failure to attend class, significant tardies to class, sleeping in class, doing homework for another class, using electronic devices for non-class purposes, and excessive and extensive trips to the restroom, among other things that take attention away from the class.

Your grade for the class will be based on four major exams (including a comprehensive final exam), a four-page persuasive paper on a non-biblical teaching held by some in Christendom, four three-page book reports on the four textbooks, and participation in class. Exam questions can come from the lectures or assigned readings from either the textbooks or the New Testament. The final exam will cover material from the whole course.

The papers should be typed. The number of pages listed for the typed papers refer to full pages, not counting the cover sheet (required) and bibliography (also required for the persuasive paper with at least four entries, most of which are from books [other than the Bible] or print journals; internet sources are acceptable only if they are from scholarly or reprint sites). One page is defined as 27 double-spaced typewritten lines (counting the title, but not your name or page numbers) with 1" margins. The typed papers should be written using the Turabian style guide.

Ten points will be given for class participation. Beginning with the second class period, one-third point will be deducted for each non-test class period in which the student fails to bring his or her Bible to class. Beginning with week one, one point will be deducted for each class hour missed (counting each class as 1 hour), including those missed for illness. The only exception to this will be those who miss on official school business and have an official notice to this effect; up to five such absences will not count against the student's grade if the student has no unexcused absences. Two grace hours will be given to all students to allow for absences due to illness and excused absences for official school business. Note well: Grace hours will be applied first to excused absences.

Class handouts and homework can be found on the Internet at: "http://bible.ovu.edu/terry/doctrine/". Homework may be printed out, done early, and turned in up to a week before the due date if the student knows of an absence that is coming up. Late homework is accepted for only half credit.

Additional readings/quizzes/essays/maps may be assigned.

All work is expected to be turned in on time. If for some reason you cannot make the due date, please ask my permission to turn the work in late. The typed papers turned in late will dock the paper grade by one-third letter (3-1/3%) per class period late.

No graded paper will be accepted that is more than two weeks late. A graded paper that is more than one week late may not be rewritten, except in unusual circumstances. The paper must be at least 75% of assigned length in order to be rewritten. The grade on a paper which is rewritten may be increased on content, length, and mechanical errors. Any rewrite should be turned in within two or three weeks of receiving the original graded paper back. All rewrites should be turned in with the original graded paper. No grade will be given to a paper which contains enough mechanical errors to dock the score by a letter grade (i.e., 40 mechanical errors). It will be turned back without a score and the rewrite counted as late. Be sure to proofread and spell check!

Students who are absent on exam days with good reason may schedule a make-up exam within the next week. You must ask to take a make-up exam. If a student misses an exam without good reason and is allowed to take the make-up exam, the grade on that exam will be docked by one letter grade (10 points). There is no guarantee that such a student will be allowed to make up any exam.

Students who score less than a 70 on a major exam may petition to retake the exam within a week after grades are returned on it. The highest grade on any retake exam will be 70. Once again, you must ask to retake an exam. There will be no retakes on the final exam. Study hard for it.

Definition of a Credit Hour

The US Department of Education and OVU's accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission, have established requirements regarding how much time is required to be spent on a course for each credit hour earned. As a result, all colleges and universities have been required to establish policies that adhere to this definition. In keeping with this requirement, OVU expects you to spend a minimum of two hours outside of class doing course work (reading, doing homework, writing papers, reviewing for tests, etc.) for each hour you spend in the classroom. Because this is a 3-credit hour course, you should expect to spend a minimum of 6 hours each week outside the classroom doing work for it.

VIII. Grading System:

The final grade will be based on your work in the following way:

          Class Participation                               10%
          Book Reports                                      16% 
          Major Paper                                        9%
          Major Tests                                       45%
          Final Exam                                        20%

Extra credit in these areas will not be allowed to exceed these percentages. Up to three points extra credit in the course will be given for up to six one-half page summaries of the beliefs and practices of six denominations of your choosing (one-half point per summary). Your final grade will be A, B, C, D, or F. An A will be given for an average of 100-90, a B for 89-80, a C for 79-70, a D for 69-60, and an F for any average below 60.

IX. Academic Integrity Policy:

Because Ohio Valley University expects students to follow the highest standards of honorable conduct in all areas of life, it is essential that students maintain high standards of academic integrity. Cheating, plagiarizing (whether intentionally misrepresenting another's work as one's own or failing to follow appropriate requirements of documentation), and helping others cheat or plagiarize are all violations of these standards, as is falsifying records such as those kept for field experiences, practica, internships, etc. Students who engage in these behaviors in a course in which they are enrolled will face appropriate consequences, which could include failing the assignment in question, failing the course, being placed on restricted status (i.e., the student will not be allowed to participate in on-campus activities, including intramurals, and may not represent Ohio Valley University in public events, including athletic competitions, performances, and presentations), or being suspended or dismissed from Ohio Valley University.

Students who engage in these behaviors when they are unrelated to a course in which they are enrolled will also face appropriate consequences, which could include being placed on restricted status or being suspended or dismissed from Ohio Valley University. If a student believes he or she has been falsely accused of academic dishonesty, or if the student believes the consequences of an incident of academic dishonesty are unjust, the student may ask that the situation be reviewed. To ask for a review, the student should give to the provost written notice of the appeal and the reasons for it within three business days of being informed of the consequences of the alleged incident; detailed instructions about the appeal procedure are available in the catalog or from the provost.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the presentation of another person's work as your own, whether you mean to or not. Copying or paraphrasing passages from another writer's work without acknowledging that you've done so is plagiarism. Translating passages from another writer's work in another language without acknowledging that you've done so is plagiarism. Copying another writer's work without putting the material in quotation marks is plagiarism, even if credit is given. Allowing another writer to write any part of your essay is plagiarism.

Plagiarism is a serious crime. The maximum penalty at OVU is expulsion from the University.

Plagiarism is easy to avoid. Simply acknowledge the source of any words, phrases, or ideas that you use. If you're not sure how to quote or paraphrase a source or if you need help with the format of endnotes or bibliographies, check with me. While you can (and in fact should) seek the help and advice of friends, classmates, and tutors, be sure that your written work is completely your own.

Professional Dress

Students should dress modestly regardless of the type of clothes that they choose, and be aware that first impressions count and are often dictated by clothing choices. Specifically, members of the University community should avoid clothing that is revealing and/or features offensive slogans, language, or advertisements. Examples of revealing clothing include but are not limited to: midriffs or halters, mesh or netted shirts, tube tops, low cut blouses, and short skirts and shorts exposing the upper thigh. Very tight clothing should be avoided. Examples of offensive slogans, language or advertisements include but are not limited to: curse words, sexually suggestive language or gestures, and references to alcohol or drugs.

Electronic Devices

Please turn cell phones OFF or ON SILENT or ON AIRPLANE MODE before entering class. You may place your cell phone on your desk as a clock; otherwise, keep it put away. The use of cell phones, smartwatches, computers, and tablets for texting, calling, emailing, googling, checking the internet, tweeting, using facebook and snapchat, and/or playing games is not permitted; such is distracting both to the students doing such and the students around them. Please put these electronic devices away. Do not use your device out of sight under the desk. If you should use your device in class without the teacher's permission, you will be asked to put it in the teacher's basket for the duration of the class period. I reserve the right to count you absent should you disregard this. Cell phone, smartwatch, or tablet use for voice, text, or data during a test will result in failure of that test!

X. Policy for Attendance and Tardies:

OVU Catalog:

Regular class attendance is most important. There is the potential for learning during each class session, and these opportunities are irreplaceable. By attending class, students have a deeper and richer learning experience, and they are often exposed to others' viewpoints. Instructors are responsible for recording attendance in each of their classes.

Students are responsible for knowing the attendance policy for each course and clearing excused absences with the instructor. Although students involved in Ohio Valley University activities may need to be excused from a class session, it is the student's responsibility to request the absence from the instructor and to discuss with the instructor how the absence may affect the student's ability to meet course requirements. While instructors should make reasonable accommodations for students who miss class because of Ohio Valley University-sponsored activities (e.g., academic competitions, performances, and athletic competitions) or other sound reasons (e.g., illness or family emergencies), students should recognize that not every course can accommodate absences and that neither the absence nor the notification of the absence will relieve the student from meeting course requirements.

A student who stops attending class sessions (or participating in an online course) for three consecutive weeks without a justifiable reason will be dropped from the course and given a grade of W (Withdrawal) if dropped before the 12th week of the semester; if the student is dropped after the 12th week of the semester, the grade will be F-IW (Failure-Improper Withdrawal). If the course in question is a course from which a student may not withdraw, the grade will be F-IW regardless of when in the semester the student is dropped.

Bible Class attendance policy

A student who is dropped from a required Bible course for violating the university's Class Attendance Policy will receive a grade of F-IW. If this is the first time a student has received a final grade of F-IW in a required Bible course, the student will be placed on Bible Course Probation for the next full semester. While on Bible Course Probation, a student will not be allowed to participate in university-sponsored activities, including student organizations and intramurals, and may not hold an elective campus office. In addition, a student on Bible Course Probation will not be allowed to represent Ohio Valley University at various events, including performances (except those required as part of a course), intercollegiate athletics, and other competitions. If this is the second time a student has received a grade of F-IW in a required Bible course, the student will be suspended from the university for one semester. See the catalog section "Bible Class Attendance Policy" for additional details.

Course Policy:

Attendance in class is mandatory; since class participation is part of the basis for the grade given, failure to attend means that you cannot participate in class and earn these points. If you cannot attend for good reason, either notify me beforehand or as soon as possible afterward. This applies even if you have an excused absence. You will be expected to do all work of any classes missed, except for pop quizzes. If you do not intend to attend regularly, kindly withdraw from the class now.

Do NOT miss class simply because you do not have an assignment finished. Do NOT miss class if you can possibly come; save any absences for sickness or death in the family. If you have an extended illness, please contact me to let me know.

Kindly try to be a class on time. If you are consistently tardy for no good reason, I reserve the right to count three tardies as an absence. I do count half and other fractional absences.

If you have to leave early, please inform me before class. Do not schedule extra work, doctor's appointments, etc. during class time if at all possible. If you are too frequent in leaving early, I reserve the right to count early departures as a partial absence, adversely affecting your grade.

Absences may be excused if you bring me documentation that you were hospitalized, ill with a contagious disease, involved in an accident, on school business (up to five hours), or there was a death in the immediate family. More than five hours of absences which include three hours of unexcused absence will result in your being dropped from the course with either a W or an F at my discretion. You may pay a fine and petition to be reinstated. Additional unexcused absences will result in your being dropped without future reinstatement. No credit will be given for a course in which absences, both excused and unexcused, total more than 30% of the hours of the course (i.e., as many as 14 class hours, counting each class as 1 hour). Should you approach this limit, you will be asked to withdraw from the course (if possible). I reserve the right to drop you from the course as a warning once you have at least 5 total absences or 3 unexcused absences. If you are dropped for any reason, reinstatement is not guaranteed and will be granted only if a plan for success is presented. Note well: Absences may adversely affect your grade, as outlined above under the topic Course Requirements. A drop from your only Bible course may affect your ability to enroll in the next semester.

Incompletes

If (and only if) you are unable to complete assigned work for the class because of an extraordinary life-event, you may request a grade of Incomplete. The request must be made through the registrar's office seven calendar days prior to the last day of class, and the provost reviews these requests. The procedure is defined in the OVU catalog.

XI. Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

If you have a diagnosed disability and need special accommodations, please notify the office of the provost as soon as possible. After your disability has been verified, I will work with you and the provost to insure that you have a fair opportunity to perform in the course.

XII. Bibliography:

Kildahl, John P. 1972. The psychology of speaking in tongues. New York: Harper & Row.

Price, John. 2007. Old light on new worship. Avinger, TX: Simpson Publishing Company.

XIII. Course Calendar:

MAJOR EXAM DATES:   Exam 1 -- Monday, September 10, 2018
                    Exam 2 -- Friday, October 5, 2018
                    Exam 3 -- Monday, November 5, 2018
                    Final Exam -- Wedmesday, December 10, 2018
                                   10:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Final exams may not be taken early.

Course Plan

WEEK ONE: 
 8/22/18 -- Introduction to the Course; Use of the Old Testament Laws
                  homework: read Harvey's Writing with Sources
                            write a one-page introduction of yourself and 
                                 your interest in doctrine (extra credit)
                            read Hawley, chaps. 1-2
 8/24/18 -- The Nature of God

WEEK TWO: 
                  homework: read Hawley, chaps. 3-4
 8/27/18 -- Denominationalism
                  homework: read Hawley, chaps. 5-6
 8/29/18 -- Denominationalism
                  homework: read Hawley, chaps. 7-8
 8/31/18 -- Denominationalism

WEEK THREE: 
                  homework: read Hawley, chaps. 9-10
 9/ 3/18 -- Denominationalism
                  homework: read Hawley, chaps. 11-12
 9/ 5/18 -- Church Government
                  homework: write 3-page book report on Hawley
 9/ 7/18 -- Church Government

WEEK FOUR: 
                  homework: study for exam
 9/10/18 -- Major Exam
                  homework: as assigned in class
 9/12/18 -- Saints, Images, Mother of God
                  homework: as assigned in class
 9/14/18 -- Sacraments, Lord's Supper

WEEK FIVE: 
                  homework: as assigned in class
 9/17/18 -- Lord's Supper
                  homework: read Shank, chaps. 1-2
 9/19/18 -- Baptism, Confirmation
                  homework: read Shank, chaps. 3-4
 9/21/18 -- Baptism

WEEK SIX: 
                  homework: read Shank, chaps. 5-7
 9/24/18 -- Grace & Works
                  homework: read Shank, chaps. 8-10
                            read Wikipedia article on Free Grace Theology
 9/26/18 -- Grace & Works/ God's will and Man's will
                  homework: read Shank, chaps. 11-13
 9/28/18 -- God's will and Man's will

WEEK SEVEN: 
                  homework: read Shank, chaps. 14-16
10/ 1/18 -- TULIP/Perseverance of the Saints
                  homework: read Shank, chaps. 17-19
10/ 3/18 -- TULIP/Perseverance of the Saints
                  homework: study for test
10/ 5/18 -- Major Exam

WEEK EIGHT: 
                  homework: as assigned in class
10/08/18 -- Pre-millenialism/Dispensationalism
                  homework: as assigned in class
10/10/18 -- Pre-millenialism/Dispensationalism
                  homework: as assigned in class
10/12/18 -- Pre-millenialism/Dispensationalism

WEEK NINE: 
                  homework: read Terry's article on Synoptic Apocalypse
                            write 3-page book report on Shank
10/15/18 -- Synoptic Apocalypse
                  homework: read Terry's article on Luke 17 & A.D. 70
10/17/18 -- Synoptic Apocalypse
                  homework: as assigned in class
10/19/18 -- Synoptic Apocalypse

WEEK TEN: 
                  homework: as assigned in class
10/22/18 -- The Holy Spirit
                  homework: read Warfield, chap. 1
10/24/18 -- The Holy Spirit
                  homework: read Warfield, chap. 2
10/26/18 -- The Holy Spirit

WEEK ELEVEN: 
                  homework: read Warfield, chap. 3
10/29/18 -- Miracles
                  homework: read Warfield, chap. 4
10/31/18 -- Tongue-Speaking/Pentecostalism
                  homework: read Warfield, chap. 5
                            write up to 6 one-half-page summaries of various
                            denominations (extra credit)
11/ 2/18 -- Tongue-Speaking/Pentecostalism

WEEK TWELVE: 
                  homework: study for test
11/ 5/18 -- Major Exam
                  homework: read Warfield, chap. 6
11/ 7/18 -- Mormonism
                  homework: write 3-page book report on Warfield
11/ 9/18 -- Mormonism
11/ 9/18 -- Last Day to Drop a Class with a "W"--Stick with it to the end!

WEEK THIRTEEN: 
                  homework: read first half of Ferguson
11/12/18 -- Instrumental Music
                  homework: read last half of Ferguson
11/14/18 -- Instrumental Music
                  homework: write 3-page book report on Ferguson 
11/16/18 -- Instrumental Music

THANKSGIVING BREAK

WEEK FOURTEEN: 
                  homework: as assigned in class
11/26/18 -- Role of Women
                  homework: as assigned in class
11/28/18 -- Role of Women
                  homework: write 4-page persuasive paper
11/30/18 -- Role of Women

WEEK FIFTEEN:
                  homework: as assigned in class
12/ 3/18 -- Unity/Tolerance
                  homework: as assigned in class
12/ 5/18 -- Unity/Tolerance
                  homework: as assigned in class
12/ 7/18 -- Catch Up and Evaluation

WEEK SIXTEEN: Final Exam Week
                  homework: study for final exam
12/10/18 -- Final Exam (10:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.)

N. B.: Homework is listed before the class for which it is due!

THIS SYLLABUS MAY BE MODIFIED AS THE TEACHER FEELS NECESSARY!


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