Professor: Dr. Cornelis P. Venema (USA)
Time: 
September 10, Saturday     (9:00 – 12:00) Riga time
September 12, Monday       (18:00 – 21:00)
September 13, Tuesday      (18:00 – 21:00)
September 14, Wednesday (18:00 – 21:00)
September 15, Thursday     (18:00 – 21:00)

Place: Akas street 13, Riga.
Registration necessary for participation.
Language: English, with simultaneous translation channel in Russian

ABOUT PROFESSOR

Cornelis P. Venema is the President and Professor of Doctrinal Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, Dyer, Indiana.
He also serves as an Associate Pastor at Redeemer United Reformed Church in Dyer, and is co-editor of the Mid-America Journal of Theology and contributing editor of a column on doctrine for the monthly periodical The Outlook.
Venema, Ph.D, Princeton Theological Seminary, is the author of several books including The Promise of the Future and The Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ: An Assessment of the Reformation and New Perspectives on Paul.
Cornelis Venema is married to Nancy, and they have four children. He has regularly taught at Baltic Reformed Theological Seminary since 1999.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A study of the basic principles of Christian theology as a science, of the nature and methods of Systematic Theology, especially the subjects of revelation and inspiration. The course will include a comparison of a Reformed approach with alternative approaches in the Roman Catholic and liberal Protestant traditions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To acquaint students with the theological curriculum, its nature, methods and divisions.
2. To define such key theological concepts as: revelation, general and special revelation, inscripturation, canonicity, inspiration, infallibility/inerrancy, perfections of Scripture.
3. To equip students with the ability to assess critically different approaches to the science of theology and the doctrine of revelation.
4. To identify the distinct nature and approach of “doctrinal studies” within the broader field of the science of theology.
5. To identify and memorize the principal Scriptural texts and confessional articles that express a Reformed view of inscripturated special revelation.

ABOUT THE CLASSES:

In English/Latvian: janis@brts.edu.lv, +37126356030
In Russian: reformatspb@gmail.com (Saint Petersburg)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS:

1. Participation in lectures (discussion groups, response to discussion questions)
2. Required reading:

2.1. Ecumenical Creeds and Reformed Confessions. Classroom edition. Mid-America Reformed Seminary, 1991. Sections on Scripture.
2.2. Louis Berkhof, Introduction to Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House reprint, 1979 (1932). 1 -179 pages.
2.3. John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1960. Book I, Chapters 1-7.
2.4. Carl F. H. Henry, ed. Revelation and the Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1959. Pp. 87-104, 219-34.
2.5. J. I. Packer, God Has Spoken. Revelation and the Bible. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1993. 125 pages.

3. Book review on the J.I. Packer’s “God Has Spoken” ; 3-5 pages. Deadline – September 5, 2022. 
4. Final examination – deadline – September 22, 2022.