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Dr. Stuart Pattico

This course is about the major doctrines of the Bible.  This area of learning is also known as "systematic theology", which is a discipline in which theological topics are addressed one by one.  This course explains what the Bible teaches about God (Theology), Jesus (Christology), the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology), Humanity (Anthropology), Salvation (Soteriology), Grace vs Law, the Church (Ecclesiology), Church Leadership, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Healing & Sickness, Angels (Angelology), the Enemy (Demonology), Christian Morals (Moral Theology), Prayer, Worship, Death (Thanatology), and the Second Coming (Eschatology)

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This course is about the major doctrines of the Bible.  This area of learning is also known as "systematic theology", which is a discipline in which theological topics are addressed one by one.  This course explains what the Bible teaches about God (Theology), Jesus (Christology), the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology), Humanity (Anthropology), Salvation (Soteriology), Grace vs Law, the Church (Ecclesiology), Church Leadership, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Healing & Sickness, Angels (Angelology), the Enemy (Demonology), Christian Morals (Moral Theology), Prayer, Worship, Death (Thanatology), and the Second Coming (Eschatology)

The instructor is the pastor of Joy Community Church and is also the author of several Christian books.  An electronic copy of his book "Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible" is included in this course.

This course is aimed at all Christians, including new believers, pastors, teachers, preachers, evangelists, small-group leaders, and youth workers etc.  In each video lecture, Dr. Pattico gives an overview of what the Bible states about each area of doctrine, referring to relevant biblical passages.

By taking this course, you will increase your understanding and knowledge of God's Word, and you will have a firm foundation upon which to build your life and ministry.  The understanding gained will also help you to be more confident in explaining your faith to others.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will grow in your relationship with god!
  • You will grow in your understanding of the bible!
  • You will be able to better explain your faith to others!
  • You will be able to better apply god's word to your everyday life!
  • You will be familiar with what the bible teaches about god, humanity, salvation, the church, angels, prayer, worship, death, and the second coming and more!

Syllabus

A brief introduction to the course

Introduction to this course.

You will have a biblical grasp of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit
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Theology is the study of God. In this session, we look at who God is and what He is like.

Christology is the study of Christ. In this session we explore who Christ is, what He does, and the sense in which He is "God".

Pneumatology is the study of the Holy Spirit.  In this session we explore who the Spirit is, the fact that He is a person, and the work He does.

Anthropology is the study of humanity. In this session we explore what the Bible says about human beings.

Soteriology is the study of salvation. In this session we explore what salvation is and how we can receive it.

Are Christians still under the law of Moses? What does it mean to be saved by grace? How is the Christian to live righteously? These questions are answered in this session.

A very brief, multiple-choice test about this section.

Ecclesiology is the study of the Church. In this session we explore what the Bible says about the Church and its mission.

How is the church to be led? Who are the "elders" of the church? How many elders did each church have? What other ministers are to play a leadership role in the church? Do men and women have equal roles in church leadership? These questions are answered in this session.

What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit? What is the purpose of this blessing? How can we receive it? These questions are answered in this session.

Moral theology is the study of Christian ethics. In this session we explore some of the moral values that Christians should live by.

Does God heal? Is it always God's will to heal our bodies?  These questions are answered in this session.

Angelology is the study of angels. In this session we explore what the Bible says about angels and other heavenly beings.

Demonology is the study of demons. In this session we explore what the Bible says about the devil and his cohorts.

In this session we explore what prayer is, the manner in which we should pray, and hindrances to effective prayer.

In this session we explore what worship is and the manner in which we should worship.

Thanatology is the study of death. in this session we explore what happened to the souls of people who died in the Old Testament, and what happens to the souls of people who die today.

Eschatology is the study of the last things. In this session, we explore what will happen when Jesus Christ comes again.

Here is an electronic copy of my book Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible.  Reading it is an important part of getting the most from this course as it will help reinforce what has been covered, and also includes additional information.

Paperback and Kindle editions are available from Amazon:

· Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/Knowing-Doctrines-Bible-Stuart-Pattico/dp/B0BW2R9SLN/

· Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knowing-Doctrines-Bible-Stuart-Pattico/dp/B0BW2R9SLN/

· Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Knowing-Doctrines-Bible-Stuart-Pattico/dp/B0BW2R9SLN/

A word of thanks from the instructor for taking this course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores systematic theology, which provides a structured approach to understanding biblical doctrines and their interconnections, aiding in comprehensive theological understanding
Covers a wide range of theological topics, including Theology, Christology, Pneumatology, Anthropology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, Angelology, Demonology, and Eschatology, offering a holistic view
Includes an electronic copy of the instructor's book, reinforcing the course content and providing additional information for deeper study and reflection on the topics
Aims to enhance learners' ability to articulate their faith, which is valuable for evangelism, teaching, and personal interactions within their communities and beyond
Examines topics such as demonology and eschatology, which may be interpreted differently across denominations and theological traditions, requiring discernment
Presents the instructor's perspective on various doctrines, which may not align with all viewpoints within Christianity, encouraging critical engagement with the material

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Reviews summary

Systematic theology: foundational biblical doctrines

According to students, this course provides a clear and systematic overview of major biblical doctrines. Learners frequently praise Dr. Pattico's ability to explain complex topics in an easy-to-understand manner, making it particularly well-suited for beginners and those seeking a solid foundation in Christian theology. The course is described as comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects from the nature of God to eschatology. Many reviewers highlight the value of the included instructor's book as a helpful companion. While widely seen as beneficial for increasing understanding and confidence in faith, a few reviewers note that the course offers a specific doctrinal perspective and may be less in-depth than desired by those with prior theological training.
Course reflects a particular theological perspective.
"The course presents a specific denominational viewpoint as definitive."
"Students should be aware that the doctrines are taught from one perspective."
"While biblical, some points might not align with all Christian traditions."
Instructor's book is a valuable supplementary resource.
"The included book is a great companion to the lectures and reinforces learning."
"Having the book available is very helpful for reviewing the material."
"The electronic copy of 'Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible' was a significant bonus."
Covers a wide range of essential theological topics.
"Covers all the major doctrines promised in the syllabus."
"A very comprehensive look at systematic theology."
"Appreciated the coverage of various topics from God to eschatology."
Highly recommended for those new to theology.
"Excellent course for anyone wanting to learn the basics of Christian doctrine."
"Perfect for new believers or those just starting to study theology."
"Highly recommended for beginners, easy to grasp the concepts."
Provides a strong foundation in biblical doctrines.
"This course is a solid foundation for understanding the major doctrines of the Bible."
"It gives a great overview and foundation for systematic theology."
"Helped build a firm foundation for my understanding of God's Word."
Complex doctrines are explained simply and clearly.
"Dr. Pattico explains the sometimes complex topics in a way that is understandable to me."
"The teaching is very clear and easy to understand, even for someone new to theology."
"Complex topics like the Trinity are explained simply and effectively."
"Everything was clearly explained... making it easy to follow along."
May be too basic for advanced learners.
"While clear, it's a very surface-level introduction. Not for advanced students."
"If you have studied theology before, this might be mostly review."
"Could benefit from more in-depth discussion on certain complex areas."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Systematic Theology: Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible with these activities:
Review Key Biblical Figures and Events
Strengthen your understanding of the historical and narrative context of the Bible. This will provide a solid foundation for grasping the theological concepts discussed in the course.
Show steps
  • Read summaries of major biblical events.
  • Create a timeline of key figures.
  • Identify the major covenants in the Bible.
Explore 'Mere Christianity' by C.S. Lewis
Gain a deeper appreciation for the foundations of Christian doctrine. This book offers a compelling defense of core Christian beliefs.
Show steps
  • Read sections related to course topics.
  • Reflect on Lewis's arguments and reasoning.
  • Consider how Lewis's insights relate to the course material.
Read 'Systematic Theology' by Wayne Grudem
Expand your understanding of systematic theology with a comprehensive resource. This book will provide additional depth and breadth to the topics covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read assigned chapters corresponding to course topics.
  • Take notes on key arguments and concepts.
  • Compare and contrast Grudem's views with the instructor's.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Discuss Doctrines with Peers
Reinforce your understanding of theological concepts through discussion and debate. Explaining concepts to others and hearing different perspectives can solidify your own understanding.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with other students.
  • Choose a doctrine to discuss each week.
  • Prepare discussion points and questions.
  • Share insights and challenge each other's understanding.
Write a Short Essay on a Doctrine
Deepen your understanding of a specific doctrine by articulating it in your own words. Writing forces you to organize your thoughts and identify any gaps in your knowledge.
Show steps
  • Choose a doctrine covered in the course.
  • Research the doctrine using the Bible and other resources.
  • Write a 500-word essay explaining the doctrine.
  • Cite relevant biblical passages.
Answer Questions in Online Forums
Solidify your understanding by helping others learn. Explaining concepts to others reinforces your own knowledge and helps you identify areas where you need further study.
Show steps
  • Find online forums related to theology or Christianity.
  • Search for questions related to course topics.
  • Provide thoughtful and accurate answers.
Create a Doctrinal Comparison Chart
Develop a deeper understanding of different theological perspectives. Comparing and contrasting different views on key doctrines will sharpen your critical thinking skills.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific doctrine (e.g., Soteriology).
  • Research different views on the doctrine.
  • Create a chart comparing and contrasting the views.
  • Include biblical support for each view.
  • Write a summary of your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Systematic Theology: Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pastor
The role of a pastor is to lead and shepherd a church congregation, providing spiritual guidance and teaching. This course, with its focus on systematic theology, helps a pastor build a solid foundation in biblical doctrines. The course covers topics like theology, Christology, and ecclesiology, which are central to understanding God, Jesus, and the Church. A pastor will find material helpful in crafting sermons and teaching materials. The course’s exploration of Christian morals and ethics proves useful in guiding congregants in their daily lives. It also provides a framework for answering questions about faith and doctrine, as well as equipping the pastor to address issues within the church. The instructor's book will help to reinforce understanding of the topics covered in this course.
Bible Teacher
A Bible teacher instructs students on the content, meaning, and application of biblical texts. This course on systematic theology can greatly assist the work of a Bible teacher. The course's comprehensive overview of major biblical doctrines such as anthropology, ecclesiology, and eschatology enables a Bible teacher to present these topics with accuracy and clarity. The teacher will gain a stronger grasp of the theological underpinnings of the Bible, and will be better equipped to help their students grasp these concepts. The instructor's book will also be a handy resource for teachers preparing lessons and reinforcing the material discussed in the course.
Theologian
A theologian engages in the systematic study of religious beliefs and doctrines, often within a specific faith tradition. This course directly aligns with the work of a theologian by providing a comprehensive exploration of systematic theology. The course covers key areas such as Christology, Pneumatology, and Soteriology, which are all central to theological studies. A theologian will benefit from the course's systematic approach to understanding biblical doctrines, allowing them to deepen their understanding of God's word. The course will also enhance their ability to engage in meaningful theological discussions. The instructor's book, included in the course, will be very valuable for further reference.
Evangelist
An evangelist is someone who proclaims the Christian gospel, seeking to convert people to Christianity. This course can aid an evangelist by providing a solid understanding of biblical doctrines, enabling them to explain their faith more confidently. The course covers key theological areas like Christology, Soteriology, and Pneumatology, which are crucial for an evangelist to understand when sharing the Gospel. The course’s learning objectives, such as growing in the understanding of the Bible and being able to explain faith, will allow evangelists to effectively communicate the central message of Christianity. The material covered will help them when addressing questions about faith and doctrine raised by others.
Missionary
A missionary travels to different regions or countries to spread their religious beliefs and provide aid to those in need. This course is useful for a missionary as it provides a foundational understanding of Christian theology, which is crucial for effective ministry. The course explores key doctrines such as anthropology, soteriology, and ecclesiology, allowing a missionary to confidently articulate the core tenets of their faith. The course also helps the missionary ground their beliefs in the Bible. With a strong grasp of theological principles, they will be better equipped to share their faith with diverse individuals and cultures. Additionally, the instructor's book will serve as a valuable reference tool for their work.
Youth Minister
A youth minister works with young people in a church or religious organization, providing guidance and teaching. This course on systematic theology helps a youth minister by giving a structured understanding of the core doctrines of Christianity. The course explores various topics such as Christology, Pneumatology, and moral theology. It helps the youth minister build a strong understanding of their faith, enabling them to teach young people more effectively and to help the young people understand the relevance of Christian doctrine to their daily lives. The instructor's book is a helpful resource.
Religious Educator
A religious educator instructs others on the beliefs, practices, and history of a particular religion. This course helps a religious educator by providing a structured curriculum of the major doctrines of the Bible. The course covers essential topics such as the study of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Also included are topics on humanity, salvation, the church, angels, prayer, worship, death, and the second coming. The course will allow an educator to teach about these doctrines. They will be equipped to answer questions about faith from their students and will have a solid foundation upon which to build their lessons. The instructor's book may be a useful reference.
Chaplain
A chaplain provides spiritual care and guidance in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, or the military. This course on systematic theology can enhance the preparation of a chaplain by providing a through examination of core Christian beliefs. The course covers subjects like Christology, soteriology, and eschatology. A chaplain will benefit from the course's exploration of these topics. This deepens their understanding of theological concepts and will be useful when offering counsel and support to individuals from various backgrounds. The instructor's book can also be a helpful resource for reinforcing the material discussed in the course.
Small Group Leader
A small group leader facilitates discussions and activities within a small group, often in a religious context. This course on systematic theology may be useful for a small group leader as it offers a strong foundation in biblical doctrines. The course explores various theological topics such as anthropology, ecclesiology, and moral theology. A small group leader will find the course helpful in guiding discussions and leading the group through complex theological issues. The instructor's book will also serve as a useful reference. The course will allow a leader to help grow faith within the group.
Religious Writer
A religious writer creates content centered around faith, spirituality, or specific religions. This course may aid a religious writer because it provides an in-depth exploration of biblical doctrines. The course covers various key areas such as theology, Christology, and soteriology. Deepening an understanding of these topics helps a writer produce more accurate and insightful content. The course's learning objectives, such as growing in the understanding of the Bible, will help religious writers communicate complex theological concepts. The instructor's book may serve as a model of writing of this nature.
Editor for Religious Publications
An editor for religious publications reviews and refines written material for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to religious doctrine. This course may be useful for an editor as it will help provide a thorough understanding of the major doctrines of the Bible. The course explores aspects of theology, Christology, and pneumatology, which are areas this editor would need to know. The course’s emphasis on biblical knowledge and systematic theology enhances the editor's ability to ensure content aligns with core religious beliefs. The instructor's book may also serve as a helpful resource.
Religious Blogger
A religious blogger creates and shares content about religious topics, often for a specific audience. This course can be useful for a religious blogger as it provides a structured overview of biblical doctrines. The course covers topics such as anthropology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. The blogger can leverage this to create posts that are both informative and insightful. The lessons on Christian morals and ethics may provide a platform for discussions on practical application of one's religious beliefs. The instructor's book can serve as an example of effective communication.
Religious Podcaster
A religious podcaster creates and shares audio content centered around religious topics. This course may help a podcaster as it provides a solid understanding of biblical doctrines such as theology, Christology, and soteriology. A podcaster can use the course’s structured approach to these complex topics to generate content that is informative and engaging. The course's learning objectives, such as being able to explain faith, may also help a podcaster in their delivery of content. The instructor's book may be a good reference point.
Nonprofit Program Coordinator
A nonprofit program coordinator manages and oversees programs, often within a faith-based organization. This course may help a coordinator gain a deeper understanding of the religious principles that may guide the organization's mission. This course provides a systematic study of biblical doctrines, which can enhance the effectiveness of such an organization. A coordinator will find the course helpful in understanding how to align program activities with the organization's theological foundation. The instructor's book can be a valuable resource on the topics covered in the course.
Parish Administrator
A parish administrator manages the daily operations of a church or religious organization. This course may be useful for a parish administrator as it provides a working knowledge of core Christian beliefs. The course covers topics like theology, ecclesiology and moral theology. This administrator will benefit from a better understanding of how their work supports the overall religious mission. The instructor's book will serve as a resource for understanding the topics covered in the course and can provide a point of reference for the theological principles that often underlie the decisions of a church.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Systematic Theology: Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible.
Widely used and respected resource for systematic theology. It provides a comprehensive overview of biblical doctrines, covering similar topics to the course. Reading this book alongside the course will provide a deeper understanding of the material and expose you to different perspectives. It is often used as a textbook in seminaries and Bible colleges.
Presents a clear and accessible explanation of core Christian beliefs. While not strictly a systematic theology, it provides valuable insights into the foundations of Christian doctrine. It is particularly helpful for understanding the rationale behind Christian beliefs and for explaining them to others. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

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