RLGN 335 Theological Research Paper 1
Based on the topics provided below, you will be required to submit 2 Theological Research Papers for this course. Each paper should be 2100–2700 words. You must include sources that support and contradict a specific position. At least 10 sources are required. Each paper must also include a title page and bibliography, each formatted in accordance with Turabian standards.
The goal of these papers is to not only conclude with a position (even if tentative) regarding the theological issue investigated, but also to interact with the content and arguments for and against the positions that entail all sides of the issue. In other words, you must interact with and respond to opposing views, as well as seriously consider the strengths and weaknesses of your position. In writing this paper, you must work with the biblical text and interact with theological and exegetical arguments used to support all sides of the issue, but nevertheless come to conclusions based upon the strength of the arguments being studied. In doing research of this kind, you are encouraged to use primary sources written by proponents of the positions being espoused. Do not exclusively use secondary sources that summarize the content of a position. Instead, be sure to use sources that argue in support of a position.
Theological Research Paper 1 is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 5. Theological Research Paper 2 is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday of Module/Week 8.
Theological Research Paper 1
Choose one of the following topics:
- The Charismatic Gifts Debate: Are sign gifts for today or have they ceased? What is the purpose of the sign gifts, and if they are being practiced today, are they being practiced in a biblical manner?
- The Baptism Debate: What is the purpose and what are the merits of baptism? Should baptism be for believers only or for infants as well? What mode of baptism is biblical?
- The Christology Debate: What does it mean that Christ “emptied himself” in the incarnation? Did he lay aside certain attributes of deity in order to become human, or did he retain all attributes of deity while in human flesh?