GCU MIN822 Discussions

 

GCU MIN822 Week 1 Discussion

DQ 1

Did Descartes or Kant have a greater influence on modern theology and philosophy? Was this influence generally positive or generally negative? Support your position.

DQ 2

Friedrich Schleiermacher, the founder of modern theology, wrote on several important topics related to the Christian faith such as God, Jesus, the Bible, and the Last Judgement. Which of those beliefs has had the greatest positive or negative influence on orthodoxy?

 

GCU MIN822 Week 2 Discussion

DQ 1

Some take the position that contemporary theologies are diametrically opposed to orthodox theology. On the other end of the spectrum are those who assert that contemporary theologies are actually corrective additions to orthodox theology. Others classify contemporary theologies as some combination of these two positions. Which view, of these three groups, do you believe is most accurate for social gospel theology and liberation theology? Why?

DQ 2

Has postmodern theology had a positive or negative influence on the church? Explain.

 

GCU MIN822 Week 3 Discussion

DQ 1

Select one of the lesser contemporary theologies: existentialism, revivalist theology, Christian realism, feminist theology, or postmodern theology. Do you believe the influence of this theology on the Church is more positive or more negative? Support your position.

DQ 2

To what extent, if at all, is it possible for churches and ministries to work together when they hold different theological beliefs? What are the greatest obstacles to collaboration in these situations? Is there ever a time when collaboration is not appropriate? How do you know? Support your view.

 

GCU MIN822 Week 4 Discussion

DQ 1

How have contemporary theologies influenced ethical variations among Christian institutions? Support your reasoning with specific examples from current or seminal scholarly sources.

DQ 2

If individuals are truly unique creations, is moral relativism (there are no absolutes in morality and ethics) reasonable, or should individuals still hold to biblical standards of absolute morality? Why? How does the Christian leader’s position on this issue affect the witness for Christ, the shared life of people in the church, and the church leaders themselves? Explain.

 

GCU MIN822 Week 5 Discussion

DQ 1

Identify a controversy in Christian ministry and briefly state the supporting arguments for both sides of the issue. Is it possible for the two sides to reconcile the differences? Why or why not?

DQ 2

How can organizational leadership strategies promote unity in the local church? Explain. What specific organizational leadership strategies are best suited to this task? Why do you believe these strategies are optimal?

 

GCU MIN822 Week 6 Discussion 

DQ 1

Should church leaders utilize the homogeneous unit principle? Why or why not?

DQ 2

Why is empathy critical for Christians in regards to reconciliation? What are some specific empathy-based recommendations for Christians who are involved in ministries of reconciliation? Explain.

 

GCU MIN822 Week 7 Discussion

DQ 1

Recent examples of church/state conflict relate to matters of health care, immigration, and politics. How can Christian leaders best mitigate these potential conflicts? What is the best response from church leaders, should conflict be unavoidable? Support your position logically with relevant scholarly sources and remain respectful of those whose views and positions may differ sharply from your own.

DQ 2

The concept of the church as a sanctuary can conflict with modern American immigration policy. Is it possible for the church to sustain its role as a sanctuary while preserving a positive relationship with the state? If so, how? If not, why not? What are the implications of each position for the church and those served by the church? Explain.

 

GCU MIN822 Week 8 Discussion

DQ 1

Which of the contemporary theologies or current trends in ministry is most significantly affecting you or people you know in ministry? Explain. Is the dominant effect of this trend helpful or harmful to the universal mission of the church? Why?

DQ 2

How has the information that you have learned in regards to Contemporary Theologies and current issues in the church influenced  your ministry methodology and the way in which you are moving forward with your dissertation plans?